DOAKSVILLE — Before the American Civil War had ground to a close in 1865, Wallace Willis and his bride, Minerva, both slaves and survivors of the Choctaw Nation Trail of Tears to Indian Territory that followed the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek — had spent many hours working for their master Britt Willis in the cotton fields of Southeast Oklahoma.

Teachers Teachers Paint their minds and guide their thoughts Share their achievements and advise their faults Inspire a Love of knowledge and truth As you light the path Which leads our youth For our future brightens with each lesson you teach Each smile you lengthen Each goal you help reach For the dawn of each poet each philosopher and king Begins with a Teacher And the wisdom they bring Kevin William Huff.

• Since 2005 The Oklahoma Lottery Commission has bolstered funding for common, higher ed and career tech education OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Lottery Commission announced that it has contributed more than $1 billion to education in Oklahoma since its establishment in 2005. This funding has greatly benefited K-12 education, higher education and career tech over the last 15 years.

• Two national speakers scheduled ARDMORE –– The 2020 Profiles and Perspectives Community Enrichment Series will take attendees on a journey to explore Oklahoma and the world –– all from the comfort of their homes. This year’s speaker presentations will be live online seminars.

The first U.S. Poitou donkey census is currently underway at The Livestock Conservancy. More rare than Black Rhinos and Giant Pandas, it’s estimated only 70 purebred Poitou donkeys are left in America, and fewer than 500 remain throughout the world. Documenting the American population is the first step in developing a successful recovery plan for this critically endangered equine breed.

Comments to: andybowman839@ gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn.com We went for our daily walk together that evening, just like always. As we passed a neighbor’s home a few houses down from us, Renie remarked, “Hey, look, they are evidently redoing the flower bed there on the right side of the house.” To which Andy grunted a disinterested, “Why?… where?” Which prompted a rolling of the eyes from said wife, who then pointed and said, “Right THERE –– can’t you tell?” Husband’s response was to look in the general direction she pointed and shrug, “Huh, didn’t notice.” Now, this has been going on for many years.

Yard of the Month for Iris Garden Club for August belongs to Sherry Wolfe on N. Eighth St. Pictured are garden club members Sammye Thacker, Mary Cook, Harolynn Wofford, and Rick and Holley Lowrance. Pictured with Sherre are her grandchildren: Jackson, Halle, Connor and Carsyn. The yard features beautiful landscaping and fall mums and decorations.

BUFF PARKER FIELD — In their first District clash of the COVID-marked 2020 football season, the Hugo Buffaloes fell prey to four costly turnovers that the Atoka Wampus Cats were happy to capitalize on... enroute to a 28-12 victory.