We have entered a dance class. Dancers, some seated, some standing, try out newly-learned moves with their partners. Lively rhythmic music invites the class to experiment with the new movements –– and we had laughter –– this is serious fun.

DURANT –– Southeastern Oklahoma State University has announced the launch of six new degree programs, which will be available in the Fall II term. Of the six new degree programs, three are undergraduate degrees and three are graduate degrees.

Derek Porter has been named Band Director for the Hugo School District. Porter has a Bachelor’s of Music Ed from East Central University.

HUGO — An alert Hugo PD officer patrolling in the vacinity of 13th Place Apartments on Friday, July 28, observed a woman making contact with a car containing several subjects at 11:31 p.m. As officer Chuey Potter followed up and questioned the woman who identified herself as Andrea Michelle Minton, 35 of Hugo, he discovered that she was in possession of illegal methamphetamine. After she was taken into custody and transported to the Choctaw County Jail, law enforcement personnel there discovered that she was also in possession of multiple blue pills that were identified as the highly illegal and potentially deadly substance, fentanyl.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director, Kenneth Corn, announced grants totaling more than $4.6 million to assist 12 communities expand access to healthcare as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

MUSKOGEE –– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Chad Jon’Dale Voyles, age 21, and Ashlie Nicole Rose Martin, age 20, both of Fort Towson, Okla., entered guilty pleas relating to a Choctaw County double homicide which occurred on Dec. 22 and 23, 2020.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Applications are now available for the second annual Oklahoma Farm to School Garden of the Year Contest. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Team invite all public or private PK-12 schools, early childhood education facilities, and alternative learning environments to participate.

Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation, and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S.

Historic on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 1-3 p.m.

Yard of the Month goes to Rickey and Vanessa Harrison at 401 N. J St. in Hugo. The immaculate yard features many plants, flowers and trees and a beautiful vegetable garden. Pictured with the Harrisons are Harolynn Wofford, Sammye Thacker and Mary Cook with the garden club.