Hospital blood usage has surged nearly 10% over previous levels, as our community moved into COVID recovery mode. Blood donors are needed immediately to respond.

• USDA also informs dairy producers and processors about new dairy donation program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of more than $330 million to help agricultural producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

STILLWATER –– Whether it’s setting conservation and management goals or striving to meet those you already have for your Oklahoma operation, there’s a great chance that the staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help. One proven way to do so is through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Oklahoma Lions Mobile Health Screening, sponsored by Hugo Lions Club, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 3 at Kiamichi Technology Center parking lot. No appointments are needed. Screenings offered include: Glaucoma, visual acuity, cholesterol, blood pressure, index, blood sugar, bone density, lung function, body mass and diabetic retinopathy.

After starting out Wednesday morning in the mid-30s, a major warming trend will highlight our five-day forecast. As the warm air pushes the cold air out, showers and storms will be likely on Friday and a few could be severe with temperatures climbing to near 70 degrees. The warming trend really kicks in this weekend with highs in the mid-70s and low-80s are coming back by Monday.

Friday, April 23 Ribs Potato Salad Baked Beans Rolls Sugar Cookies Wednesday, April 28 Roast & Gravy Mashed Potatoes Purple-Hull Peas Corn Bread Jello with Fruit.

A two-week long Child Abuse Prevention series of events has been held throughout the Choctaw Nation. On April 16-17, packets were distributed at the Durant Community Center following daily activities beginning on April 12.

The Hugo Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly board meeting on Thursday, April 8 at the Chamber Office. The Board approved the March minutes and financials. The Annual Work Plan was discussed, amended and approved. Also approved was $200 for the purchase of foliage for the office flowerbeds. The Board approved $250 to sponsor a child to attend the Summer Camp at Awesome Adventures. The Chamber Shop Local events will be held Aug. 4-7 and Dec. 8-11. We will continue doing our shop local events as we did last year. Chamber member-owned businesses will be randomly selected for Chamber members to visit and enrich customers with $25 cash “thankyous” for shopping locally.

IRIS GARDEN CLUB Yard of the Month for March is Janet Sauer, at 302 E. Kiamichi. Pictured are: Harolynn Wofford, Sammye Thacker, Janet, Bobby Dawson, Holley Lowrance, Marcia Keele and Shondell Sholemire. The yard features beautiful beds, pots, and blooming iris. The backyard features an old time porch.

Misdemeanor 065 – Shermeece Elaine Shoals: Neglect or refusal to compel child to attend school. 066 – Rebekah Elaine Osterdock: Neglect or refusal to compel child to attend school.