Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn.com Several years ago, Andy contracted an illness that landed him in the isolation unit of our local hospital for two weeks. Visitors had to wear a mask, gown and gloves.

With the current pandemic, terms such as “herd immunity,” “infection rates” and “contact tracing” are now part of daily conversations. You’d hear the same if it were a foreign animal disease, such as foot and mouth disease, hitting the United States. In such situations, animal disease traceability is critical to emergency response efforts.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.

DURANT — The Eastern Oklahoma State College nursing program was recently recognized as one of the top associate nursing degree (ADN) programs in the region. Eastern Oklahoma State College has been a partner institution in McCurtain County since the campus was established as a higher education center in 1976.

• Chief, Assistant Chief lead effort to build convalescent plasma supply DURANT — The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) today hosted a convalescent plasma drive to aid Oklahomans diagnosed with COVID-19. The Choctaw Nation held the plasma drive in Durant, hosting Choctaw citizens and members of the community.

WAPANUCKA — Thanks to a buzzer-beating three pointer by Rebecca Napier, the Moyers Lady Tigers claimed the Championship trophy at the Wapanucka Invitational Basketball Tournament over the weekend and took the big iron home.

ATOKA — The No. 2 rated Hugo Buffaloes brought home the big Championship Trophy from the Atoka Invitational Tournament this past weekend after spanking Latta, 56-19 and host Atoka, 84-55 before closing with a 47-42 Championship game win over No. 6 rated Kingston.

Our varsity cheerleaders have advanced to state! We will be competing next Saturday, Jan. 30 at Union High School.

ATOKA — Hugo’s Lady Buffaloes got off to a strong start in the Atoka Wampus Cat Classic Tournament this past weekend, defeating host Atoka 65-40 in their opening contest. Hugo surged to a commanding lead in the first quarter, taking a 26-6 lead behind some great shooting by Don’Nai Akins, who dropped four long-range shots from downtown.

HUGO HIGH STATE-BOUND CHEER SQUAD MEMBERS INCLUDE: (front, l-r) Taleiah Biggers, Rakia Smith, Laney Cox, Ashia Jordan. (Middle,l-r) Kacyn Beard, E.J. Spillman, Tiffany Burris. (Standing, L-R) Kelicia Cook, Jaycee Taylor, Alexis McLemore, Jordan Holman, Chanda Barnett, Zoe Gilmore, Jenna Skelton and manager Alyssa Gallant. In addition to being the first HHS Cheer Squad to qualify for State, the team was also voted Southeast Oklahoma Area Best Squad earlier this year.