The Pentagon is ramping up military support at the southern border with the deployment of as many as 3,000 active-duty troops. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the order Friday, continuing the Trump administration’s focus on border security.

to point Publisher It’s pretty hard to try and stand back... and take the 30,000 foot look of where our political machine is presently running.

• Legendary band to perform hits “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “Dream On” The Oak Ridge Boys are coming to Stage 271 inside Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grant on Saturday, April 26. The legendary band has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Gospel Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame, as well as being inducted into the Grand Old Opry.

Bowman Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com I realize that not everyone sees life as I do.

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Absentee voting is available to all voters who live within Choctaw County and applications may be submitted in several ways. In Oklahoma, no excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot, and it’s easy to apply! Voters may submit their application online, in-person, by fax, mail, or email.

Anita Gayle Lyles, of Paris, Texas, passed away Feb. 28, 2025, at the age of 65. Anita Gaye Lyles was born on Feb. 5, 1960 in Hugo, Okla., the daughter of William “Buddy” Leland Cox and Glenda Sue (Smith) Cox-Prater. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Leland Ray Cox. Anita was a resident of Paris, Texas, but grew up and lived in the Hugo and Soper areas until 1998. She graduated from Soper High School, Class of 1978, and went on to become a banker. Anita was a member of the Chisum Trails Cowboy Church and loved visiting with friends there. Anita enjoyed painting, crafts and dancing. She also loved to ride motorcycles, muscle cars and going fast. Most of all, Anita loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Anita will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services for Linda Clancy Jaffe will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Powderly Methodist Church.

Donald Ray “Duck” Motes, of Fort Towson, Okla., passed away Feb. 24, 2025, at the age of 53.

Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is offering free resources on nutrition and health to all Oklahomans for National Nutrition Month in March. From nutritious, delicious recipes and easy-to-follow workout guides to blogs covering a variety of health topics, Shape Your Future resources make the healthy choice the easy choice.