The longest reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away last Thursday at Balmoral at the age of 96. She has been both the Queen and the head of state of the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and 11 other commonwealth nations.

A Long Walk in the Sun: Mexican-American War Days Fort Towson Historic Site will host “A Long Walk in the Sun: Mexican-American War Days” on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event will feature an encampment set in the 1846–1848 time period of the Mexican-American War. There will be educational presentations and opportunities to interact with experts in the fields of artillery, military life in the 1840s, early Oklahoma forts, and the Mexican-American War.

The transfer of ownership by Baptist Village Communities (BVC) of Baptist Village of Hugo to Elmbrook Management Inc (Elmbrook) is scheduled to be final on Aug. 31. Elmbrook will begin operations Sept. 1. The transfer of operations was first announced March 10.

A $40,000 arch, which includes a “Welcome to Downtown Hugo” sign in the middle, was installed courtesy of the City of Hugo. At a networking event earlier in the week, City Manager Leah Savage said it’s the first of what she hopes will be a few arches throughout Hugo.