Attorney General Gentner Drummond has asked members of the state Pardon and Parole Board to reject clemency for Emmanuel Littlejohn, who was convicted of brutally murdering Kenny Meers during a convenience store robbery in June 1992.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced a series of public meetings concerning a proposed hydro-power plant project on the upper reaches of Kiamichi River in the general area of the common boundaries of Pushmataha, Latimer and LeFlore Counties. The project applicant is The Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC), which plans to construct a 1,200-megawatt pumped-storage hydroelectric facility and transfer the power 100 miles south into Northeast Texas.

Makalyn Mitchell, of Valliant, earned an Associate of Arts in General Studies from University of Maryland Global Campus in spring 2024. Mitchell was one of more than 14,000 students worldwide who earned degrees from UMGC in the 2023-24.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a national organization that was established Oct. 11, 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism for God, Home and Country. The NSDAR was incorporated in 1896 by an Act of Congress.

Leaders and innovators across Native American tribes were recognized at the Annual Oklahoma City Area Director’s Indian Health Services awards ceremony in Oklahoma City. Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) associates received several honors which were presented.

• LIFT Community Action Agency receives $263,497 from the Potts Family Foundation LIFT Community Action Agency has been awarded a contract from the Potts Family Foundation (PFF) to establish a Family Resource Center (FRC) through the Know and Grow Oklahoma: Building Resilient Children, Families & Communities initiative. This opportunity allows the agency to increase services to Choctaw, McCurtain and Pushmataha Counties.

ANTLERS –– In the early morning hours of Aug. 29, 2023, the Antlers Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to assist with a home invasion near E. Main St. and N.E. D St. in Antlers. When the Antlers Police Department arrived on scene, they discovered 95-yearold Gladys Land and another 73-year-old female victim, who had both suffered significant injuries. They were treated at the scene and rushed to a local hospital. It was determined there was forced entry through the back door of the home.

The Hugo board of education has named Brandy Blalock as the new interim Superintendent of Hugo Public Schools. Mrs. Blalock is beginning her 16th year in education. She has worked as a superintendent for the past five years, and has seven years of experience as a middle school and high school principal. She began her career as an elementary education teacher. Mrs. Blalock has coached basketball and cheer and has also served as a fine arts director for seven years, where she implemented several new programs in the curriculum, including dance and instrumental band. She has written grants for successful archery, technology and health programs. Mrs. Blalock has been a successful leader at improving test scores in core subjects and ACT scores by utilizing strategic methods for instruction. She was the recipient of the FFA Community Supporter of the Year award in 2017.

• Tribe looks forward to discussions with federal agency The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Tribal Council has approved a measure opposing a hydropower project proposed by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp. (SEOPC).

HUGO –– Lena Moore Bridge is now closed to traffic after an automobile accident that occurred on July 9, killing one person. According to reports from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Jason Snyder, 44 of Eufaula, Okla., was northbound on US-271 at approximately 10:30 p.m.