The human gut is home to microorganisms that outnumber our cells by a factor of 10 to 1. Now, discoveries by scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have redefined how the so-called gut microbiome operates and how our bodies coexist with some of the 100 trillion bacteria that make it up.

BOSWELL VOLUNTEER Fire Department recently came to visit Boswell 2 Head Start students. They spoke to the children about Sparky the fire dog, 911, stop, drop and roll and kitchen safety and how to use a fire extinguisher.

NRCS staff wrapped up a very successful fiscal year 2020 on September 30. The agency was able to assist and work with Oklahoma farmers and ranchers to obligate more than $39 million of Farm Bill program funds through long-term contracts. These funds will assist farmers and ranchers to address natural resource concerns and apply conservation practices on their land, resulting in improved water quality, water quantity, reduced erosion, and improved wildlife habitat. This shows the importance of private lands conservation to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers and their commitment to address natural resource concerns and make long-lasting improvements on their land. Even with the challenges that they faced during 2020, investing in conservation remained a high priority.

Weeds compete with crop plants for water, light, space and plant nutrients. Land preparation, cover crops, mulches and other management practices can be used to control many of these weeds. Herbicides are available that can be used effectively in a weed control program; however, no single herbicide controls all weeds. Herbicides should not be depended upon as the only resource for weed control, but should be part of an integrated pest management program.

OKLAHOMA CITY — In partnership with National Farmers Union (NFU) and American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) Cooperative, the newly-formed Oklahoma Rural and SmallTown Table of Common Interests will host its first issues forum to discuss the consolidation of packing plants in the beef industry Nov. 10, 5-8 p.m., at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla.

CHOCTAW COUNTY COALITION Drug Free Communities Support Program, Youth Services of Choctaw, Pushmataha and McCurtain Counties and the City of Hugo joined communities across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, 2020. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. The 2020 Campaign theme was “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” Pictured left to right are Mehlenie Adamson, Councilman Gaylon Ridenour, Janitra Bostic, YouCo member Amya Savage, Kinsey Cox, Mayor Richard Higginbotham, Brandy Krohn, Councilman BJ Lemmons, and Councilman Bart Tedder as the mayor signs the Red Ribbon Week Proclamation.

It is a beautiful forecast that I bring you for Choctaw County and it goes all the way through Saturday, with mostly sunny days and mostly clear nights. Afternoon highs will be in the low- to mid-70s.

THE OKLAHOMA HOME and Community Educators held a Leaders Lesson meeting recently at the OSU Extension Office. HCE members from Atoka, Choctaw, Coal, Pushmataha and McCurtain counties came together to decide which lessons will be presented in 2021. Lunch was served by those who attended. For more information about Oklahoma Home and Community educators, call Kris Bailey at 580.326.3359 or see Kris at her office at 415 E. Rena here in Hugo.

JAKE BLANKENSHIP is a senior and a fourth-year band student. Jake joined band in sixth grade on alto saxophone. He is a featured soloist on alto in marching band this year and has been featured on baritone saxophone in jazz band in previous years. As band co-captain and section leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of all the band members. There isn’t a task or errand he would not do for the band and it would be a rare moment to find Jake without a smile on his face! Jake is currently in marching band, concert band, jazz band and baseball and is the co-valedictorian of his class. “Jake is a remarkable and driven young man and we are very fortunate to have him as part of the “Herd of Thunder” Band family,” said Band Director John Sinibaldi.

FORT TOWSON - On Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., Fort Towson Historic Site will host Chad Williams, the director of the Research Division for the Oklahoma Historical Society, who will present a program entitled “The Gateway to Oklahoma History” for the November installment of the Second Saturday Demo series.