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 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 assure that the resident receives quality care.

The audiences who gather at the Civic Center this week for performances of “Oklahoma!” are likely there to enjoy the Lyric Theatre’s adaptation of the state’s namesake musical. When they do, they’ll also be supporting medical research.

Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com Shaun’s main goal in life is to never make a mistake. In fact, he will bend over backward in every area of his life to make certain that never happens. The FEAR OF PUNISHMENT from childhood is so ingrained into him that allowing even one mistake in his world cannot be tolerated. That fear has led him into an adult prison of rigid rules, absolute perfection and arrogance. All of his own making.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Election Board announced official results of the 2025 General and Special Election held Saturday, July 12. All election results have been duly certified by the Election Board and will be communicated to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Photo Courtesy / Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Choctaw Cultural Center to celebrate fourth anniversary on July 26 • Event features chocolate-making, art market DURANT –– The Choctaw Cultural Center will celebrate its 4th anniversary with a day of activities in history, art, and tradition, on Saturday, July 26. Events will run from 10:30 a.m.

DURANT –– The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) received a U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) grant totaling nearly $1 million to expand educational offerings to teach the Choctaw language.

Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com The very thing that you dread and fear can keep you thinking about it. A lot, in fact. And that constant thinking can give way to obsessive anxiety. And then the obsessive anxiety and fear begin to take control of your days… and causing sleepless nights. Gradually, the lack of sleep can spiral you into depression, which easily saps your energy. Next thing you know you have lost your zest for your job, your family life, your romantic life… everyday living will seem colorless.

WILBURTON –– Eastern Oklahoma State College has announced honor rolls for the spring 2025 semester. There were 132 students named to the President’s Honor Roll, which requires a 4.0 grade point average in 12 or more credit hours during the semester.

Focused on eliminating driving behaviors that contribute to traffic-related fatalities on our nation’s roads, AAA is joining with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to urge drivers to recognize speeding as an aggressive driving behavior that endangers all road users and to put an end to it because “Speeding Catches Up With You.”

A serious digestive disease appears to be connected to lymphatic function, scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have determined. If confirmed through further research, the discovery by Sathish Srinivasan, Ph.D., and Xin Geng, Ph.D., could eventually lead to a new drug to treat or perhaps even prevent Crohn’s disease.