The Oklahoma Conservation Commission and the Cherokee County Conservation District are excited to announce a partnership with the Noble Research Institute to provide Oklahoma producers with the Noble Grazing Essentials Course.

Hunters and potential hunters have two upcoming options to learn the ins and outs of wild turkey hunting in Oklahoma. And both take place before the regular spring season opener April 16. Don’t wait to get registered, and learn how you can tag a gobbler this spring. More information about each opportunity is below.

GRANT — Denim and Pearls was the theme of the 99th Annual Hugo Area Chamber of Commerce banquet held at the Choctaw Nation Casino & Resort in Grant. The sellout event was a smashing success as approximately 400 attendees packed the Event Center for an opportunity to hear keynote speaker Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and to witness a number of area citizens who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their county, their community and to their schools.

Statewide election activity officially began Wednesday, April 1, when the candidate filing period opened. Candidates for state offices file with the Secretary of the State Election Board.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s legal opinion protecting tribal members’ right to hunt and fish on their reservations survived a challenge at the Oklahoma Supreme Court, after the justices unanimously rejected Gov. Kevin Stitt’s attempt to strike it down.

Hugo News / Stan Stamper.

A new emerging synthetic opioid known as cychlorphine is causing alarm among health and law enforcement officials across Oklahoma, with experts warning of its extreme potency and growing presence in the illicit drug supply.

• Nursing home residents need you The KEDDO Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program is looking for special people to visit and advocate for longterm care residents. Most residents just need a friendly face to listen and convey to them that someone cares.

HUGO — The Hugo Lady Buffaloes have continued to improve their game and their hit count from the plate confirms. In recent action against the Whitesboro Lady Bulldogs, Hugo blasted out 12 hits but came up a bit short on an 18-10 decision.

Contributing Writer The Soper Lady Red Bears won a rule game against Pittsburg by a score of 11-1 in the Paige Manion Tournament last week. Facing a fifth ranked Soper team with twoAll State players who went to the State Tournament in the fall, Pittsburg opened the game very strong.