The House on Monday passed legislation that would increase the amount of direct payments in the recently signed Coronavirus relief package from $600 to $2,000. The bill passed in a 275-134 vote, with support from 44 Republicans.

It has been quite a year for the Kiamichi River. The rainfall throughout the year allowed the river to flow freely, unstressed from drought or diversions. The US Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) released water from Sardis Lake to maintain a steady flow of water helping to keep downstream water users supplied with plenty of quality water. Without drought conditions in play and no diversions of water, the Kiamichi was able to provide a sustainable flow of water for the region.

The Raymond Gary Lake Association (RGLA) would like to express its appreciation to the many volunteers who pitched in to make this year’s Santa-in-the-Park event a great success. The program had a record number of children meeting with Santa and Mrs.

Grant Applications Open for Rural Communities in Choctaw County through Jan. 31 OKLAHOMA CITY —The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for projects in Choctaw County communities with a population less than 6,000.

OKLAHOMA CITY — State Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, released the following statement on behalf of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus in response to Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter’s attempt to influence and overturn the 2020 presidential election.