.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oklahoma is announcing the fiscal year 2023 signup period for Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC), a new option available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Oklahoma producers should apply by Feb. 24 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2023.

FORT TOWSON –– Staff at the Fort Towson Historic Site are busily preparing for the full slate of activities and events scheduled for 2023. Opportunities for learning will be plentiful, with weekend activities on the second, third and fourth Saturdays of each month beginning in February. Special events throughout the year will include an 1840s education day and encampment, a history day camp for kids, a cinnamon roll social, Doaksville candlelight tours and Christmas at the Fort.

The Southeast Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS) held a juried Graphic Novel writing contest in October for all ages. The contest was open to anyone interested in participating. Each of the winners will have their work cataloged and available in their home library shelves for patrons to enjoy!

Black History is a celebration for all Americans. Every nationality has made vital contributions to the nation we all love, the United States of America. Black Americans have provided a unique contribution to the economic, cultural, social and spiritual development of this nation. Black History Month is a time designated to celebrate the resilience, resourcefulness, sacrifice, and inspiration of black people. The labor of black people was vital in the early history of this country. Blacks have also contributed to the arts, specifically music, dance and other forms of entertainment. Blacks tend to be over-represented in professional sports, particularly football and basketball. Blacks have served as public servants from local governments, to the U.S. congress, and the Oval Office as president of the United States. Blacks have held patents for numerous inventions such as traffic lights, the golf tee, the first blood plasma device, the two-cycle gas engine, the pencil sharpener, the gas mask, the elevator, the fire extinguisher, paints and stains, and many other inventions. Blacks have contributed to Christian music known as “spirituals.” The spirituals were composed out of the hardships, struggle and pain black people experienced throughout their history. Blacks continue to compose great works, like blues, jazz, R&B, soul, rap, and hip hop, instrumental to our popular culture.

Sample ballots are now available for the Feb. 14 Soper School Board Primary Election. Voters may download a sample ballot using the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal at oklahoma. gov/elections/ovp or pick up a copy at the Choctaw County Election Board during normal business hours.