Choctaw Nation’s drone program celebrates proposed FAA rule The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule Tuesday that addresses and enables Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for drones, also called unmanned aircraft systems or UAS. This is part of larger efforts to safely integrate new emerging aviation technologies into the national airspace system.

• Deadline Aug. 29 to have artwork submitted All artists are invited to enter their artwork in the 44th annual Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest, but the clock is ticking.

• Sculptures of three historic Choctaw figures to be unveiled The 2025 Choctaw Labor Day Festival will mark a milestone for one structure on the festival site. Also, new art will be shown to the public for the first time.

Bobby Long, of Haworth, Okla., took the oath of office to serve on the Kiamichi Tech Board of Education at the Board meeting on Aug. 12, 2025. Long will represent Zone 7 of the Kiamichi Tech District, which includes parts of McCurtain, Leflore and Pushmataha counties.

Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com One of the most unsympathetic people in the world is the one who has never had pain. They’ve never lost a loved one and suffered the all-enveloping grief and soul-crushing depression that can come with knowing that you never see their smile or feel hugged by them again. Never again hear that voice in conversation offering advice you may, or may not need.

The Choctaw Nation Public Health Department has released a new Choctaw Nation Tick Guide in response to growing concerns about tickborne illnesses within the reservation. The guide provides valuable information for the community to stay informed and protected while enjoying the outdoors specifically in Southeastern Oklahoma.

• Through TRIO Student Support Services WILBURTON –– The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Eastern Oklahoma State College a federal TRIO Student Support Services grant totaling $348,000 to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.

Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com Alex suddenly realized he was starving, according to his standards. Of course, that standard set low, as his stomach pretty much governed his life. Forty-five minutes without something going into his mouth seemed like forever to that growing teenager.

• Businesses, organizations and communities can apply through Nov. 1 The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s (OSDH) Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program began accepting applications for 2025 on Friday, Aug.

Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com You have probably been told a few times in your life to not let anyone take away your own peace. That you responsible if you are filled to the brim with good will toward all mankind –– or had your fill of all mankind. “Your happiness is in your hands, and it depends upon your own reactions to events.”