Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of CO- VID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative –– USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers –– will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association will host ‘Beef Day’ at the State Capitol on Tuesday, May 4. The event will take place in the Capitol Rotunda from 9:30 a.m.

The Kiamichi Conservation District has announced that funds are available for cost-share assistance on selected conservation practices benefiting conservation. The state of Oklahoma has provided limited funds to our conservation district to help landowners implement measures that will help conservation.

Funeral services for Nita Faye Anderson, a lifelong resident of the Boehler community, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Crystal Baptist Church in Crystal, Okla. Nita passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 in the Boehler community two miles from where she was born, at the age of 90.

Oklahoma Lions Mobile Health Screening, sponsored by Hugo Lions Club, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 3 at Kiamichi Technology Center parking lot. No appointments are needed. Screenings offered include: Glaucoma, visual acuity, cholesterol, blood pressure, index, blood sugar, bone density, lung function, body mass and diabetic retinopathy.

It is going to be a cool week ahead with high temperatures mostly in the mid- to upper-60s and dropping into the upper-40s at night. Showers are going to be pesky.

Gingerbread preschool circus day! Gingerbread boys and girls enjoyed a week of circus learning and fun recently. They had a special visitor, “Rodeo the clown” Kevin Cory, circus dress up, a train ride, games and circus snacks. Pictured are (front row): Haley Allen, Cade Lemmons, Nolan Davis, Alaina Carlile, Keaton Davidson, Easton Pound, Allie Johnson, Addy Methvin, Spencer Debo, Kennedi Casella, Kaybreigh Billy, Claria Dyer, Lakyn Carter. Back row: Delaney Males, Grayson Harrison, Pryce Scott, Leedey Duncan, Hazen Parsons, Jace Hayes, Chappy Atteberry, Elina Dervishi, Jaxon Davis, Kendall Day, Kyston Cox, Melissa Tollett and Kevin Cory.

Felony 039 – Cornelius Wade Gill: Domesti assault and battery by strangulation. Misdemeanor 061 – Chelsey Nicole Cole: Possession of CDS.

The Iris Garden Club of Hugo met for their March 2021 meeting on March 22 at the Burnside community room. Holly Lowrance was hostess and Vickie Watson was cohostess.

• 2021 Hugo High School Valedictorian: Jake Blankenship is the 18-year-old son of Jaime and Jammie Blankenship. During his high school career, Jake played baseball for four years and football for one year. He also participated in both marching band and jazz band for four years, serving as a section leader and band captain. After graduation, Jake plans to attend the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology to become a high voltage electrical lineman.