The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 scholarship application cycle for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program and the 1994 Tribal Scholars Program. These partnerships with the 19 1890 landgrant universities and 35 tribal colleges and universities are among USDA’s efforts to develop the next generation of food and agriculture leaders and build an agriculture workforce that is more representative of America. These scholarship programs are administered through USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).

DURANT –– For the second year in a row, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is inviting everyone to a “new’’ holiday tradition– the “Loop of Lights’’ drive-thru event. This new tradition was originated last year, with lights and decorations displayed around the campus loop.

Oklahoma Authors second annual Meet, Greet and Book Signing from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at Annie Lee’s Attic in Fort Towson. Participating authors will include Marion Moore Hill, Ron Wallace, Claude (C Ray) Collins, Sharla Frost, Vicki Bell, (James) J.M. Buchanan, and Monty Garner.

Yard of the Month for November is Stan and Laura Ketchum at 405 E. Bissell. The beautiful yard features lovely flowers, roses, shrubs and trees and is decked out for fall with a scarecrow and pumpkins. Pictured are Shondell Rothmire, Laura and her grandchildren Liv and Luke and Harolynn Wofford. Contributed Photo

ORWP hosted their annual meeting recently at the Durant Library and the turnout was impressive. Elected officials in attendance were Rep Eddy Dempsey (Garvin), Rep Jim Grego (Rep-17), Rep Justin Humphrey (Lane), Sen David Bullard (Durant), Sen George Burns (Pollard) and Commissioner Ron Boyer (Bryan County). Guest speakers and presentations were given by Chief Gary Batton and his science staff from the Water Resource Department of the Choctaw Nation. A warm welcome was extended to Secretary of Energy & Environment Ken Wagner who has fallen in love with southeastern Oklahoma.

The holiday season can be particularly difficult for those who have lost a loved one. For those facing the first Christmas, or the umpteenth Christmas spending the season without a loved one can be difficult.

Boswell students recently presented Choctaw County Youth Services a check for $1,929.93. Boswell Schools and Bennington Schools held a contest, “B-Towns Change For Charity Champion.” At each school students brought coins to fill up their jars in their classrooms. The Boswell Scorpions won, raising $1,929.93. The contest was hosted by Mrs. Green and Mrs. Manous, along with the Boswell FCCLA members. Pictured are Rikki Manous, FACS Teacher; Linda Kay Green, School Counselor; Brandy Krohn and Crystal Alexander from Choctaw County Youth Services.

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