In the first decade of the last century a young German psychiatrist discovered a new disease. But it took the worldwide medical community some seven decades to fully acknowledge the devastating impact of Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s diagnosis. As a result the “A-word” now has a particularly scary connotation for senior citizens. Perhaps it is because it is normal to experience memory loss as we age.

Weight loss jokes such as the one that goes, “I’m on a seafood diet. When I see food I eat it,” might give you a laugh but they won’t help you lose weight. After all as we age our metabolism slows down and that’s what causes those extra pounds. Right? Wrong! Researchers now tell us that metabolism, your body’s process of turning food into energy, doesn’t weaken with age, at least not until after you turn 60.

• After first case of Avian Influenza was detected in a wild duck in Oklahoma Each year, as spring arrives, many people begin or continue raising backyard poultry flocks. These flocks have been gaining in popularity over the past several years and interest in them continues to grow.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Department is extending to May 11, 2022, the application deadline for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), which provides funding to expand meat and poultry processing capacity.

Fort Towson students competed in a curriculum contest on March 30 at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Fort Towson placed fifth overall in Division II.

North Richland Hills, TEXAS –– A suspect has been identified in the 19-year-old cold case involving the shooting of Officer Jeff Garner. The identification was made after a thorough and intricate investigation involving North Richland Hills Police, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas and Oklahoma City field offices.

Lawyers across Oklahoma will provide free legal advice on Thursday, April 28, during the annual statewide celebration of Law Day. Oklahoma residents may call 405.493.9131 or 918.551.6022 to speak to a licensed attorney at no charge. Those with legal questions also have the option to email AskALawyer@okbar.org to access the service.

The Hugo Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Chamber Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 at Stage 271 in Grant.

High temperatures will soar into the mid-80s from Wednesday through Friday along with a clearing trend. The weekend is looking like a 50% chance of showers Saturday night and Sunday with highs in the low 80s.

April is National Safe Digging Month. Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chairman Dana Murphy is reminding Oklahomans that any outdoor digging project this spring should start with a phone call.