STILLWATER –– The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents has selected Dr. Kayse Shrum as the 19th president of Oklahoma State University. The announcement follows an extensive national search involving an inclusive process composed of representatives from across the OSU system, including faculty, students, staff and alumni.

With the Easter holiday quickly approaching, individuals are likely looking forward to sweet treats, warmer weather and time spent with loved ones. As always, the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center reminds families to take a few precautions to help ensure food safety during festive gatherings.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD) recently issued a statement regarding collaborative efforts by OBNDD and the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) to investigate THC edibles that caused hospitalizations. OMMA would like to remind all patients about medication safety. “The safety of our patients and our community is always the top priority of this agency,” said Dr. Kelly Williams, Director of the OMMA. “My team is working exceptionally hard and partnering with OBNDD to address this issue and evaluate the products for sale at our licensed dispensaries. We also recognize that patient and public safety efforts must continue once patients bring their medication home.”

Cattle owners who are looking to expand their herd should consider a Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE), a quick and routine evaluation of a bull’s reproductive abilities done by a veterinarian prior to the breeding season.

Cases of Salmonella infection increase each year around Easter time when stores begin putting baby poultry (chicks and ducklings) on display, or when they’re given as gifts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year.

High pressure and sunshine make a return to southeastern Oklahoma on Thursday and last through Monday, so we are going to have a beautiful Easter weekend. High temperatures will climb from 67 on Thursday to 79 on Monday.

Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hugo’s city-wide spring cleanup will be held April 16-17. All items must be taken to the landfill on S. Eighth St., across the bypass. No hazardous waste allowed, such as paint, batteries, tires, etc. Must have copy of your current city of Hugo water bill.

As most of the county is aware, the historic Busy Bee returned to its roots and reopened its doors in Hugo on Jan. 22, 2021.

• The state’s allocation of doses became available to all adult Oklahomans who want to receive the vaccine on March 29 OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced last week that all adult Oklahomans are now eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Oklahoma has consistently ranked among the top states in vaccine distribution and is one of the first states to open vaccine appointments to the general public.