Freedom to associate with others of one’s choosing is a basic human right. Nursing home residents retain this right when they reside in a long-term care facility. A resident’s illness or changing mental ability may make visits uncomfortable or emotionally difficult for family members and friends. However, regular visits from family and friends can be an important support for a resident’s emotional well-being and can help ensure that the resident receives quality care.

HUGO –– Cowboy Crossing Church will host its 2nd Annual 5C Women’s Event on Saturday, May 16, featuring 1980s country music group Girls Next Door, a trio known for both their chart-topping hits and their message of faith.

Former Hugo High School graduate Kacyn Beard has been recognized for her excellence in athletic training, earning two prestigious honors from Southern Nazarene University as she prepares to graduate. Beard received the Mark Cranston Award in Athletic Training from SNU’s School of Kinesiology, an award presented annually to a pre-athletic training student who demonstrates a strong commitment to applying clinical skills to help athletes return to sport and improve performance.

• Tribal members, friends of the Choctaw Nation are welcome to join TVSHKA HOMMA –– The Trail of Tears will be remembered by both members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and friends of the tribe as a portion of the Walk is reenacted. The 2026 Trail of Tears Memorial Walk will bring together Choctaw tribal members from across the region to honor the ancestors who were forced to leave their original homelands in Mississippi and Alabama to what was then Indian Territory.

McINTOSH County –– A competency hearing for Armando Mustafo Rojas-Caceras, who is accused of murdering Traci Byrd, was held last week in McIntosh County. According to reports from the hearing, the court heard arguments from the prosecutor and defense counsel and “found the defendant is not competent and can not rationally help assist in the case.” Official documents ordered the defense to prepare a formal order within 10 days, status is set for June 10.

The Choctaw County Land Judging was in March. The members judged the soil texture, depth of the soil, slope of the land, erosion by water and wind, permeability of the soil, surface runoff, major factors of the soil, land capability, vegetative, mechanical treatments, fertilizer and soil amendment. The 4-H members judged four fields of land.

The Fort Towson 4-H Club members competed in the county and district speech contest recently. At the contest, 4-H members had the opportunity to develop and polish their public speaking skills.

• Children’s activities, information on child safety open to the public DURANT –– The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Children and Family Services will hold a day of fun for children and information-gathering for adults. “This Kids Fair looks to be the biggest we’ve ever had,” said Foster Care Specialist Kathryn Voorhees.

12 “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them— and that you will save us from death.”

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” a 4 Fathers, b do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.