TANEA JOHNSTON takes the ball to the goal on the fast break for the Hugo Middle School Lady Buffs, as they take a close game from the Lady Savages of Broken Bow. ABOVE RIGHT...

Hugo Varsity Buffaloes are on the road Jan. 25 to Durant and will be back on their home hardwood Feb.

OKLAHOMA CITY –– Last week, the Oklahoma Insurance Department issued a special notice regarding coverage of athome, over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests. Beginning Jan. 15, 2022, group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage must cover OTC COVID-19 tests. Under the new guidelines, the tests may either be free or reimbursed by the insurer. Health plans and insurance companies are incentivized to set up a network of pharmacies or retailers so their members can conveniently order or pick up COVID-19 tests that will be covered up-front. OID requested that all regulated insurance companies provide a description of how the administration of coverage for athome OTC COVID-19 tests will be handled and communicated to their insureds and members.

Haven’t settled on resolutions for 2022? Experts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have a few suggestions for healthy commitments you can still check off the list this year. 1.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing several new and expanded opportunities for climate smart agriculture in 2022. Updates include nationwide availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts option, a new and streamlined EQIP Cover Crop Initiative, and added flexibilities for producers to easily re-enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These improvements to NRCS’ working lands conservation programs, combined with continued program opportunities in all states, are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to support climate-smart agriculture.

The Kiamichi Conservation District has announced that funds are available for cost-share assistance on selected conservation practices benefiting conservation. The State of Oklahoma has provided limited funds to our conservation district to help landowners implement measures that will help conservation.

We have another strong cold front coming at midweek and the coldest day will be Thursday with a high around 36 and a low near 17 Thursday night. A warming trend will bring us back up to near 50 on Saturday and close to 60 degrees by Monday.

January is Board of Education Recognition Month and an opportunity for local schools and technology centers to honor Oklahoma’s more than 2,700 elected school board members for their dedication to students and communities.