As the year 2020 draws to a close Thursday, I suspect the best thing we might say about the year is that it’s almost over. Without question, it’s a year that goes into the history books with a big asterisk next to it in many descriptive ways.

The House on Monday passed legislation that would increase the amount of direct payments in the recently signed Coronavirus relief package from $600 to $2,000. The bill passed in a 275-134 vote, with support from 44 Republicans.

It has been quite a year for the Kiamichi River. The rainfall throughout the year allowed the river to flow freely, unstressed from drought or diversions. The US Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) released water from Sardis Lake to maintain a steady flow of water helping to keep downstream water users supplied with plenty of quality water. Without drought conditions in play and no diversions of water, the Kiamichi was able to provide a sustainable flow of water for the region.

The Raymond Gary Lake Association (RGLA) would like to express its appreciation to the many volunteers who pitched in to make this year’s Santa-in-the-Park event a great success. The program had a record number of children meeting with Santa and Mrs.

What a privilege it has been during the past 46-years to have had the opportunity to extend Seasons Greetings and wishes of Merry Christmas from the Stamper family and the staff here at Hugo News... to our subscribers and advertisers.

Grant Applications Open for Rural Communities in Choctaw County through Jan. 31 OKLAHOMA CITY —The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for projects in Choctaw County communities with a population less than 6,000.

Voters who didn’t like dead people voting in four northeastern states, or people voting two or more times might as well get a grip... it may well happen again in coming weeks, even though authorities have been able to identify thousands of individuals who committed felony voter crimes in their respective states.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, and a group of state lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Kevin Stitt expressing concern that should he try to attempt to use his position to try and implement a commercial managed health care plan for the state it would prove to be a disaster.

What an honor you’ve given me to be your voice at our state Capitol for the next four years. I’m very appreciative and humbled by the opportunity you’ve given me to serve our state, and I’m excited to jump in and get started.

OKLAHOMA CITY — State Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, released the following statement on behalf of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus in response to Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter’s attempt to influence and overturn the 2020 presidential election.