Award-winning Choctaw author and storyteller, Tim Tingle will lead a writing class for youth at the Choctaw Cultural Center. The seasonal topic of “Writing Spooky Short Stories” will run Saturday, Oct. 29 from 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the center. The in-person workshop is free and open to all students, eighth through 12th grades.

Oklahoma Forestry Services Urban Forestry Coordinator Mark Bays is the 2022 recipient of the Larry Kotchman Lifetime Achievement Award as presented by the National Association of State Foresters. In addition to introducing thousands of Oklahomans to forestry principles and forest management tools, Bays has worked closely with the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum for decades to share the story of the Survivor Tree, the American elm that miraculously survived the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.

Last week, Governor Stitt signed HB 1006 which appropriates an additional $20 million to the Emergency Drought Commission for funding assistance to Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is extremely grateful to the Oklahoma Legislature and Governor Stitt for prioritizing this funding assistance on an emergency basis.

HUGO –– At an Oct. 5 special meeting, the Service Oklahoma Operator Board selected Corrina Heady to fulfill the vacant motor license agent position in Choctaw County.

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HUGO –– With two absent during last Tuesday’s Hugo city council meeting, Councilors Darren Frazier, Corby Johnson and Juanita Latimore took action on a few pressing issues. After months of negotiations, 2022-2023 fiscal year contracts with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) were approved as presented upon a motion by Latimore.

For any voter who has not yet registered, Friday, Oct. 14 is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Nov.

October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home or community. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports, and to support long-term care ombudsmen, citizen advocates, facility staff and family members who work to promote and support residents’ rights.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) expanded eligibility for the JYNNEOS vaccine starting Monday, Oct. 3.