Funeral services for Aurora Elaine Pitman, of Paris, Texas, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 at Miller & Miller Funeral Home in Valliant. Aurora passed away July 28, 2024, at the age of 11.

Billy Edward Vansickle, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024, at the age of 76. Born on Sept. 2, 1947 in Lake West, Okla., to Julius Rass and Eva Mae (Daniels) Vansickle, Billy’s journey through life was marked by his courage, thoughtfulness and passion for the people and interests he held dear.

• Resources for Teachers, Parents and Students As the new school year approaches, families are busy buying supplies and making last-minute summer memories. Healthy habits can sometimes get overlooked in the rush.

Leaders and innovators across Native American tribes were recognized at the Annual Oklahoma City Area Director’s Indian Health Services awards ceremony in Oklahoma City. Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) associates received several honors which were presented.

• LIFT Community Action Agency receives $263,497 from the Potts Family Foundation LIFT Community Action Agency has been awarded a contract from the Potts Family Foundation (PFF) to establish a Family Resource Center (FRC) through the Know and Grow Oklahoma: Building Resilient Children, Families & Communities initiative. This opportunity allows the agency to increase services to Choctaw, McCurtain and Pushmataha Counties.

ANTLERS –– In the early morning hours of Aug. 29, 2023, the Antlers Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to assist with a home invasion near E. Main St. and N.E. D St. in Antlers. When the Antlers Police Department arrived on scene, they discovered 95-yearold Gladys Land and another 73-year-old female victim, who had both suffered significant injuries. They were treated at the scene and rushed to a local hospital. It was determined there was forced entry through the back door of the home.

The Hugo board of education has named Brandy Blalock as the new interim Superintendent of Hugo Public Schools. Mrs. Blalock is beginning her 16th year in education. She has worked as a superintendent for the past five years, and has seven years of experience as a middle school and high school principal. She began her career as an elementary education teacher. Mrs. Blalock has coached basketball and cheer and has also served as a fine arts director for seven years, where she implemented several new programs in the curriculum, including dance and instrumental band. She has written grants for successful archery, technology and health programs. Mrs. Blalock has been a successful leader at improving test scores in core subjects and ACT scores by utilizing strategic methods for instruction. She was the recipient of the FFA Community Supporter of the Year award in 2017.

• Tribe looks forward to discussions with federal agency The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Tribal Council has approved a measure opposing a hydropower project proposed by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp. (SEOPC).

HUGO –– Lena Moore Bridge is now closed to traffic after an automobile accident that occurred on July 9, killing one person. According to reports from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Jason Snyder, 44 of Eufaula, Okla., was northbound on US-271 at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Phone: 580-919-1503 Out on the southern outskirts of Hugo nestled along the northern side of the Jake Pullen Bypass and Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Hugo RV Park is now open for business.