The Livestock Conservancy is excited to launch the 2021 Poultry Census, sponsored by Murray McMurray Hatchery. This critically important project will focus on breeding populations of domestic poultry (purebred breeds or landraces), including chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. The census will enable The Livestock Conservancy to understand how poultry populations are faring in North America and guide future conservation efforts.

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is seeking nominations for the Cattleman of the Year award. Established in 1990, the Cattleman of the Year award is the highest honor that the OCA bestows upon a member and was designed to recognize OCA members who have made significant contributions to the OCA and to the Oklahoma beef industry.

Showers and thunderstorms will be on the increase from Wednesday into Thursday as a cold front moves across our area, but once this front is gone we are going to have some fantastic weather from Friday through the weekend. High temperatures will be in the 70s and we might even come close to 80 degrees on Saturday.

Friday, March 26 Pork Chops Mashed Potatoes Fried Okra Rolls Jello with Fruit Cocktail Wednesday, March 24 Roast Beef & Gravy Black-Eyed Peas Potato Wedges Corn Bread Peanut Butter Cookies.

• OSDH makes updates to online dashboard of COVID-19 data OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Department of Health issued the following statement regarding updates to the state’s COVID-19 data dashboard on the OSDH website: “A number of changes have been made, starting this week, to the state’s COVID-19 data dashboard. These changes are intended to better represent Oklahoma’s COVID-19 data to the public,” said Joli Stone, Deputy State Epidemiologist.

Oklahoma residents who may have questions about insurance coverage offered through the Marketplace are encouraged to pose their questions to certified navigators who are on board at regional Legal Aid Offices across the state, including Hugo.

• Early voting to be held Thursday, April 1 through Friday, April 2 at the County Election Office The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m.

Nan Isht Aiyukpa, which is “Blessings” in Choctaw, is the newest program offered by Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority’s Nutrition Department. To start, this program will be offered to all Choctaw children who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches in Atoka, Bryan, Choctaw, Coal, Hughes and McCurtain counties.

According to Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park, Brandon Peters (left) was last seen Sunday near Rattan Landing. He was seen carrying a raft and a tent. His bike was located at Salt Creek Boat Ramp. Sheriff Park said it is possible he needs medical attention.

DOLLAR GENERAL, located on Main St. in Hugo, opened its doors for business Tuesday afternoon..