It’s never too early to prepare for the garden season ahead. Having the right tool for the job saves time, reduces the frustration of trying to make the wrong tool work, and allows you to garden longer with less muscle fatigue.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing Friday, March 1, 2024, as the second batching date for applications submitted for Fiscal Year 2024 funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is accepting applications through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. More than $542,000.00 is available in competitive grant funding to enhance the specialty crop industry.

I am Dama McLemore and I am a Hugo High School graduate, Class of 1984. I attended Hugo schools from second grade through high school. After graduating, I completed the Business & Office Education courses, I & II at Kiamichi Technology in Hugo (84-85) and attended SOSU (85-86) before joining the work force fulltime. I have been employed with Housing Authority of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for 11 years. During my years of employment, I have completed courses in Management Skills, Ethics & Communication and Human Resources.

On Jan. 25, the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office requested the OSBI to assist with a suspicious death.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board issued grants to 142 state projects last week, totaling $342 million that will service 55,000 hones in 57 state counties. Choctaw County was awarded two grant projects totaling $32.5 million.

I am Carzelle Smith. I have been a resident of this community all of my life –– was raised on the south side town.

My name is Michele Frazier. I am the fourth of my parents’ five children, and I grew up in the little country community of Union Grove right outside of Haworth. Growing up in Union Grove was where I learned firsthand the importance of being civic-minded and helping others. My parents and the other adults in this small, tight-knit community modeled what it meant to be neighbors helping neighbors.

Early voting is available Thursday, Feb. 8, and Friday, Feb. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the County Election Board, located at 300 E. Duke St., on the ground floor of the County Courthouse across from the Sheriff’s Office. Early voting is not available at polling locations.