OKLAHOMA CITY –– The Oklahoma State Department of Health today announced Oklahoma is one of nine states to receive a $144,000 grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) as part of its newly established State Partnerships Improving Nutrition Equity (SPINE) program.

OKLAHOMA CITY –– Attorney General John O’Connor responded to inquiries about whether an Oklahoma licensed physician is prohibited from prescribing a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the “off-label” purpose of treating or preventing COVID-19.

The couple sitting in the counselor’s office had been married more than 40 years. They had weathered financial setbacks, the rearing of two children, moving from city to city due to job changes, and countless marital disagreements. But they had finally hit their last wall and in desperation, they had come to the point of consulting a marriage counselor. Now they sat in cold silence, as they waited for the therapist to join them.

Organizations in 36 rural Oklahoma counties can apply to receive up to $5,000 in funding through a new Oklahoma Arts Council grant program. The state agency has announced the launch of Rural Arts Opportunity Grants to boost arts programming and cultural infrastructure in select areas of the state.

• Summer teacher professional development grants The Fund for Teachers is extending its deadline for teachers to apply for self-designed professional development grants until 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb.

The Iris Garden Club open meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at ACE Hardware in Hugo. A representative from the Scott’s Company will speak and offer great gardening tips and advice. There will be refreshments, door prizes and drawings. For more info, call 580.326.3768.

Severe thunderstorms are possible Wednesday across southeastern Oklahoma. Be sure and keep up with the latest information.

Friday, Feb. 18 Beef Stew Tossed Salad Corn Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Wednesday, Feb.