On Thursday afternoon, a group of local business owners and public figures attended a presentation put on by the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and hosted by Choctaw Electric in Hugo. The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center expressed its interest in assisting the tri-county area of Choctaw, McCurtain and Pushmataha counties with their small business needs and encouraging the counties to form a consortium that would fund a permanent position for an OKSBDC adviser in Idabel.

Sha’Tiya Akins was crowned Hugo’s 2022 Basketball Homecoming Queen last week. Also crowned was Homecoming King, G’Mariyon Wallace. Ring bearer and flower girl (also pictured) were Christian James and Kanzis Jhade Moore. More from the game and senior night can be found on today’s Sports, pages 1B-5B. Hugo News Photos / Bobby Hamill

HUGO –– A Choctaw County landowner was arrested last week after a Sheriff Department Deputy and fire officials allege he was interfering with their ability to extinguish a grass fire on his property.

First there was Bennifer. Then Brangelina.

OKLAHOMA CITY –– The Oklahoma State Department of Health today announced Oklahoma is one of nine states to receive a $144,000 grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) as part of its newly established State Partnerships Improving Nutrition Equity (SPINE) program.

OKLAHOMA CITY –– Attorney General John O’Connor responded to inquiries about whether an Oklahoma licensed physician is prohibited from prescribing a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the “off-label” purpose of treating or preventing COVID-19.

The Iris Garden Club open meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at ACE Hardware in Hugo. A representative from the Scott’s Company will speak and offer great gardening tips and advice. There will be refreshments, door prizes and drawings. For more info, call 580.326.3768.

Severe thunderstorms are possible Wednesday across southeastern Oklahoma. Be sure and keep up with the latest information.

Friday, Feb. 18 Beef Stew Tossed Salad Corn Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Wednesday, Feb.

Hugo High School will be holding an informational meeting for ninth and tenth grader students and family at 6 p.m. Feb.