HUGO –– A former Hugo Public Schools special education teacher has pleaded not guilty to alleged child abuse charges. Yolanda Dunbar, who was arrested in connection with the case, entered a not guilty plea Tuesday to two felony counts of child abuse, according to court documents.

McINTOSH CO. –– A man accused of the murder of Hugo’s Traci Byrd appeared in court last Wednesday for a competency review. According to court records, the defendant, Armando Mustafo Rojas-Caceras appeared with his attorney. Records state the judge ordered a mental observation and evaluation to be held before the next court date set for Feb. 18. Rojas-Caceras initially admitted to cutting Byrd with a broken bottle on Oct. 28, 2025 in McIntosh County which resulted in her death, then entering a “Not Guilty” plea before the judge.

Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) announced the re-opening of its Horticulture Course Options for Spring 2026, welcoming students and community members back into the greenhouse, the garden, and the classroom beginning Jan. 12, 2026. Rooted in a long tradition of hands-on agricultural education, EOSC’s horticulture facilities –– located adjacent to the Goddard Livestock Center –– feature modern greenhouses, classroom space, and opportunities for experiential learning.

Oklahoma Forestry Services, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, has launched a new backpack program at 84 rural libraries across the state. The program, created and overseen by Oklahoma Forestry Services, is designed to encourage kids of all ages to get outside and learn about Oklahoma’s forests and the invasive species trying to move-in.

Misdemeanor 003 – Devon Lee Wallace: Domestic assault and battery in presence of a minor. 004 – Roberto David Robb: Possession of CDS marijuana.

The 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

An Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist has received a two-year National Institutes of Health grant to explore the root cause of debilitating infections that can follow joint replacement surgery.

• Spriha Pavuluri, MD, joins Paris Regional Health Paris Regional Health announced that Spriha Pavuluri, MD, has joined its medical staff and is now offering comprehensive adult neurological care at 2870 Lewis Lane, Suite 220. Dr.

The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization approved about $12 billion for lawmakers to appropriate to state agencies for Fiscal Year 2027. But while revenue outlooks appear stable, they aren’t yet high enough to slash income taxes.

The Oklahoma Bar Association Clients’ Security Fund will pay nearly $147,000 to 10 people who lost money or other property from the dishonest conduct of their attorney. The association is reimbursing money to the clients of seven deceased, suspended or former lawyers whose dishonest actions led to the losses.