Choctaw County Democrats will hold their March monthly meeting at the Washington Heights Hope Center (400 W. Bissell St., Hugo) on Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Paris Regional Health proudly recognized excellence in nursing care during a special ceremony held Feb. 12 at the hospital, where team members gathered to celebrate the 2025 Heart of Nursing Nurse of the Year.

A year ago, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists launched an ambitious, five-year study aimed at understanding what makes some people over age 60 respond differently to exercise than others.

To the Elders and the Flock 1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Last week, President Donald Trump appointed Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Choctaw County Economic Development As the new Choctaw County Economic Developer, I want to share an important message with our community. Let me start by saying that, with the new gasline, solar and other infrastructure already in the works, Southeast Oklahoma is being looked at very seriously by businesses and investors. They are studying communities like ours and deciding where the next wave of growth will land. We happen to sit in an area that is uniquely positioned near Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

On March 6, Addy Testerman was crowned the new Miss Boswell High. She was also awarded the Interview Award for the top interview score. Addy is the 16-year-old junior daughter of Ray and Jessica Testerman. She is active in FCCLA, HOSA, and Upward Bound.

Oklahoma Human Services will begin rolling out new chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards to residents in five counties –– Adair, Carter, Choctaw, Grady and Noble –– as part of a two-month pilot program on Monday, March 16. Chip-enabled EBT cards will be mailed to all remaining Oklahoma SNAP cardholders beginning this summer –– marking only the third state to implement these safety-enhanced cards to protect food benefits.

HUGO –– Hugo City Council members heard department reports and presentations on potential grant opportunities from KEDDO and the Choctaw Nation during last week’s meeting. John Redman and Hannah Shaffer presented several options for the city to pursue Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and community revitalization grants, which could be used for possible rehabilitation of the Chamber of Commerce building.