Variants of COVlD-19 from Brazil, South Africa and the United Kingdom are circulating in the U.S. With vaccinations up and case numbers down nationwide, will the mutations undo recent progress? Not if we stay vigilant, say experts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Through With Chew Week, Feb. 21-27, focuses on offering those Oklahomans who use smokeless tobacco the opportunity to quit, with free help from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of TSET.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the recent winter storms that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities.

We have been on a wild rollercoaster ride of temperatures during the past week in Choctaw County. After high temperatures staying in the teens only a week ago, we enjoy 75 degrees on Tuesday. This was really a oncein-a-lifetime type system as temperature records were broken in the state that had stood for more than 100 years.

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Ever think you’d miss 2020? The past year wrought the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, supply and coin shortages, mask mandates, lockdowns, business closures, job losses, extreme social unrest; and one of the most polarized and radical political climates in U.S. history.

OKLAHOMA CITY — State Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, is encouraging all Oklahomans to pause their automatic gas and electric payments for the next few months and instead pay their bills manually as customers brace for higher-thannormal utility bills due to last week’s brutal winter storm.

A mom and her child whose home had no heat. An older man who had suffered mild hypothermia and had no where to go.

Kiamichi Tech’s Practical Nursing program has been ranked as the sixth best LPN/ LUN program in the Southwest region of the United States for the year 2020. “As the only Oklahoma program to make the top 15 list, we are thrilled that the accomplishments of our instructors, staff and students are being recognized at this level,” said Shelly Hovis, Practical Nursing Director at Kiamichi Tech.

HUGO — Hugo’s Lady Buffaloes came out of the blocks against the Lady Savages of Broken Bow in strong fashion, battling their rivals to a 12-12 first quarter standoff. Broken Bow outscored Hugo by a bucket in the second, 10-8 to take a slim two-point lead with them into the first half locker room.