The National Institutes of Health has awarded an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist a $4.1 million grant to study how tiny genetic changes contribute to lupus. Swapan Nath, Ph.D., hopes to determine which genetic regions impact a type of immune cell called macrophages, which help protect us from infection.

The Southeast Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS) is thrilled to announce the launch of its new free magazine, Beyond Words, set to debut in January 2025. This fresh, new publication is packed with library news, programs, and events that matter to YOU. Get ready to stay in the know and dive into the heart of what’s happening at your local library!

Joyce Ann Butler, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2025 in Durant, Okla., at the age of 87. Born on March 31, 1937 in Antlers, Okla., Joyce lived a life characterized by her passion, love and kindness to all who knew her.

Bowman Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com Oh, shoot.

Graveside services for Francis JoAnne (English) Gibson, of Boswell, Okla., were held at 10 a.m. Jan.

The KEDDO Area Agency on Aging provides a variety of services for those 60 years of age and older and some services for 55 years of age and older. Do you need help with dental, vision, hearing, or minor home repair? Do you need assistive living devices? Do you need help with transportation to the doctor? What about nutrition services? Are you a caregiver for a loved one and need respite help, or a grandparent raising a grandchild? If you said yes to any of these questions, call the KEDDO Office at 918.465.2367 or 1.800.722.8180 for more information..

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking applicants for its 2025-26 Teen Leaders class. Applications are due March 1.

The State Election Board completed its routine, statutorily-mandated, biennial voter list maintenance on Friday, Jan. 17 and Tuesday, Jan. 21. The process removed 129,680 inactive voter registrations and 2,242 duplicate voter registrations from Oklahoma’s voter rolls.

Choctaw County is currently in the process of updating its FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan that allows for all participating jurisdictions and schools across Choctaw County to apply for federal grants for hazard mitigation projects, as well as potential infrastructure improvement projects. Below is a link for a public online survey and an opportunity to share opinions, concerns and thoughts about the natural hazards experienced as a resident of Choctaw County. www.surveylegend. com/s/5w0o or

Chahta Rewards members are earning up to 10 cents off every gallon of gas purchased at Choctaw Travel Plazas, Country Markets and The Mercantile at Choctaw Landing after a new update to the loyalty program kicked off in early January.