The holidays often feel like the busiest time of year, but they can also be the perfect time to take a moment to focus on the importance of gratitude and giving back. As business leaders, we have an incredible opportunity to give back to employees, customers, and the community, all while building a positive company culture, spreading joy, and making an impact.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded more than $22.8 million in grants to the tribe.

Hugo Band Student of the Week is Hayden Rhodes. He is a sophomore at Hugo High School. He has been a member of the Herd of Thunder for six years as part of percussion where he plays the quads and keyboard instruments. What he likes most about band is being able to show people how music can change your perspective of life. Some other activities he participates in are coding, curriculum contests and desktop publishing. His hobbies are hunting, fishing, playing video games, photography and playing piano.

Wages are not keeping up with the cost of living. The cost of groceries, fast food, building materials, and most anything you can name has increased dramatically.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn announced that the department is issuing grant assistance totaling more than $24.1 million to three Tribal Nations in Oklahoma to assist in high-speed internet, higher education, tribal language preservation, and STEM courses for high school students.

Oklahoma Human Services began accepting online applications Dec. 19, for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally-funded program helps income-eligible families with their winter heating utility bills. Applications are accepted online at OKDHSLive.org.

Felony 138 – Justin Od Bates: Attempted burglary, second degree. 139 – Douglas Howard Kuykendall: Possession of firearm after former felony conviction.

.

Any registered voter who wants absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2024 may request absentee ballots for a specific election or for a full calendar year. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot. There are many ways to apply. For many voters the easiest way to apply is online through the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal. Voters may also fill out an application at the County Election Board or simply write us a letter.

The National Institutes of Health has awarded an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist $2.9 million to better understand how genetic variants contribute to the autoimmune disease lupus. Scientists discovered the connection between genetic variations and lupus more than half a century ago.