Hope everyone has a safe and happy July 4th.

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The Purcell Register will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, for the 4th of July holiday.

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Happy birthday to Noah Ewing, Amy Nemecek, Stephanie Knowles, Debbie Umber, Karle Tolle, Mary Dawson, Jeff Wells, Erik Gonzalez, Eric Peters, Bruce Moore, Scott Stephens, Connor Still, Mariela Ocampo, Natalie Still, Sean Braden, John Schmitz, Kenslee McKiddy, Rowan Ardery, Daniel Chavez, Tanner Clouse, Tony DiRienzo, Eduardo Reyes and Erika Romero.

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Happy 50th anniversary to Glenn and Ann Mead.

They celebrated their Golden Anniversary on Saturday, June 29.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Painting Together: Step by Step” Wednesday, July 3, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the library.

The program is for teens age 12-17.

Discover your inner artist and create your own work of art. Join Pinot’s Palette as they guide you through a step-by-step instruction of a painting while getting to talk and connect with others in your community.

Registration is required.

This program is a part of our Summer Learning Challenge. Earn prizes, collect badges, and help our community reach 15 million minutes learning by joining the Summer Learning Challenge today!

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Inspyral Circus Hooplahoma” Tuesday, July 9, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Purcell Multi-Purpose Center on the indoor basketball court.

The program is for children through age 11.

Hula hooping with Hooplahoma Balancing on a giant ball, spinning a giant hoop, juggling and more are sure to make a splash this year with the fantastic “Hooplahoma” Show.

Join Chelsea Parks on a journey of ups and downs, success and failure and silliness and inspiration in her “Hooplahoma” library program this summer.

This interactive circus show emphasizes the importance of overcoming setbacks in your learning adventure by accepting that all the ups and downs are important parts of the story.

Participants will be amazed and delighted as Chelsea takes them on a journey of juggling, hoops and balance, all while emphasizing the importance of never giving up, even when the adventure gets difficult.

This program is a part of our Summer Learning Challenge. Earn prizes, collect badges, and help our community reach 15 million minutes learning by joining the Summer Learning Challenge today!

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Connection Corner: Twilight Movie Matinee” Saturday, July 13, from 12-2:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the library.

The program is for teens age 12-17 and adults 18+.

Join us as we come together to enjoy the movie “Twilight” and get to know people who share a similar interest. Discover new perspectives as we meet with others to learn about their experiences while sharing your own.

Please bring any items to help support your experience and comfort.

Popcorn will be provided.

Registration is required.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Interactive Musical with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma” Monday, July 15, from 3:30-4:15 p.m. in the big banquet room of the Purcell Multi-Purpose Center.

The program is for children 6-11.

Enjoy the music, the costumes, the actors and the entertainment in this show that entertains and educates.

Registration is required.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Extreme Animals” Tuesday, July 16, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the indoor basketball court of the Purcell Multi-Purpose Center.

The program is for children 6-11.

Join Extreme animals in this interactive experience with some of the world’s exciting animals. Learn about the animals’ lives, their sounds and special characteristics, and how we can live alongside them in harmony.

Registration is required.

This program is a part of our Summer Learning Challenge. Earn prizes, collect badges, and help our community reach 15 million minutes learning by joining the Summer Learning Challenge today!

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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Here’s a perfect casserole to fix for the Fourth of July!

Firecracker Casserole

2 lbs. lean ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

1 tsp. salt

2 TBL chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

2 TBL chopped jalapeno

1 can ranch style beans, undrained

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

1 can cream of mushroom soup

8 corn tortillas (broken up into 6 pieces each)

6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a medium skillet, brown the beef and then drain.

Add all other ingredients except tortillas and cheese to the beef and stir.

Spray a 13×9 casserole dish.

Tear up tortillas and place them in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add meat mixture and top with shredded cheese.

Bake for 50 minutes or until bubbly.