JESSE GARDNER hustles into the paint for a two-point shot for the Soper Red Bears in a recent battle with the Tigers of Fort Towson. Putting pressure on Gardner is Tiger deffender Timothy Hutchinson.

Former OU wrestler and National Wrestling Hall of Famer Danny Hodge died Dec. 24 at 88.

The smack talk had already started before Nik Bonitto took the podium for Cotton Bowl media day Dec. 22.

• Choctaw County Health Department delivers first vaccine to frontline health care workers at Choctaw Memorial Hospital HUGO — On Wednesday, Dec. 16 Choctaw Memorial frontline health care workers received the initial dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine administered by the Choctaw County Health ment.

Leadership Oklahoma, a statewide leadership program, is now accepting applications for its 2021 Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) class. Applications are accepted on line and can be accessed through the Leadership Oklahoma website or by using this link: https://smr.to/p68968. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Applications must be submitted online by that date. Applicants must be high school juniors or homeschooled equivalent with at least a 3.25 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

INTERNATIONAL PAPER’S Valliant Containerboard Mill has a long history of investing in the communities where their employees work and live. This holiday season, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a variety of hardships that have resulted in many families being without the resources they need to provide food to their families. In response, the Valliant Mill is teaming up with Little Dixie Community Action Agency, Inc. and Pruett’s Foods to Box up the Blessings. During the month of December, for every day the Valliant Mill achieves daily production targets, $1,000 will be donated to Little Dixie Community Action Agency for families in need. An additional $5,000 will be donated at the end of the month if the mill beats the monthly production target, according to Plant Manager Pete Thompson. Pictured are: Lindsey Hutchings, Valliant Mill Communications Manager and Becky Reynolds, Little Dixie Communication Action Agency, Executive Director.

• Hugo teacher request garnered the most votes by SONIC fans, resulting in funds for classroom supplies through SONIC’s Limeades for Learning Fall Voting Campaign For the 12thh year in a row and during an especially urgent time of need, SONIC@ Drive-In donated an all-time high of $1.3 million to fund public school teacher requests across the country as part of its annual Limeades for Learning Fall Voting Campaign. In partnership with nonprofit teacher crowdfunding platform, DonorsChoose and with the help of SONIC fans, a teacher from Hugo, Oklahoma was among the community heroes up-voted to receive $576 for essential materials to create an engaging learning environment.

The Iris Garden Club of Hugo met on Dec. 14 for their Christmas progressive dinner. Everyone met at Harolynn and Jerry Wofford’s Rose Cottage for appetizers. Christmas lights and decorations welcomed everyone on the front porch. Once inside, guests enjoyed Victorian decor, pink Christmas trees, angels and Santas.