Billie Alvin Harkins went to his heavenly home on Dec. 28, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on Sept. 21, 1939 in Swink, Okla., the son of Alvie Lee Harkins and Laura Jane (Miller) Harkins. Billie was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Barbara Ann “Skeeter” Fells; brothers: Harold “Chock” Harkins and Ronald Lee Harkins; sister, Dixie Diane Widing; his mother-in-law and his best friend, Bob Winters.

Dorothy Griffith, of Idabel, Okla., passed away Jan. 6, 2026, at the age of 66.

Graveside services for Glynnie Lee (Krebbs) Dill-Pebsworth, of Boswell, Okla., were held Jan. 9, 2026 at the Dill Family Cemetery in Boswell.

Dian Eileene Darity, lovingly known to many as “Nana,” passed away peacefully Jan. 6, 2026 at home in Sawyer, Okla., at the age of 82. A lifelong educator, devoted mother and cherished grandmother, Dian’s generosity of spirit left a mark on all who were privileged enough to cross paths with such an extraordinary soul.

Graveside services for LaQuela Joyce (Sturgeon) Goodwin, of Hugo, Okla., were held Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at Antlers City Cemetery in Antlers, Okla.

Deborah “Debi” Ann Brewer, of Boswell, Okla., passed away Jan. 6, 2026, at the age of 55.

HUGO — Even in his 38th year of coaching, Hugo Buffalo head coach Darnell Shanklin has made it clear that he thinks the road to the Oklahoma basketball playoffs includes early-season battles against the biggest and toughest competition.

An Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist has received $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate genetic changes believed to be catalysts for the autoimmune disease lupus.

• State initiatives and community partnerships credited for measurable improvement OKLAHOMA CITY –– Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights promising progress in Oklahoma’s obesity rates, representing a major step toward improving the health and well-being of communities across the state. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) credits this positive trend, in part, to the coordinated efforts outlined in the Oklahoma State Obesity Plan, along with strong local and statewide partnerships, workplace initiatives, and Oklahomans adjusting their health behavior to include moving more and making healthy choices.

• Service Oklahoma drives into a new year In just a few short years, Service Oklahoma has made significant progress toward the mission it was created to deliver. In 2025, that work translated into faster service, improved access, modernized systems and a stronger focus on the customer experience across driver license and motor vehicle services statewide.