As the number of COVID-19 cases spike in Choctaw County and surrounding areas, local hospital officials continue waiting for the federal government to solidify its guidelines for spending federal stimulus money.

Choctaw County Commissioners Roger Vandever and Ronnie Thompson have appointed a 1st Deputy for their districts. The appointments were made during the regular county commission meeting Nov.

ERNEST MCCARTY, of Hugo, was this week’s winner of the Hugo News Football Contest after choosing 16 out of 17 games correctly. Pictured: Ernest (right) collects the $50 weekly prize from Dusty Hicks of Security First National Bank, where he obtained his winning entry blank. Sponsoring this year’s Hugo News Football Contest are: Dr. Wade Rowland DDS; First United Bank; Dyer Quick Lube; Red Barn Propane; Shelter Insurance Colby Bryant; Sonic; Hugo Lake State Park/Little Dixie; Wildflower Bud Co.; Security First National Bank; First Bank; Tadpole Marine; Superior Wheel & Tire; Shelter Insurance/Julia King; Ed Wallace Ford; Outreach Health Services; R.E. McGuire Insurance/Ernie Taylor; Jay Hodge Dodge.