Happy birthday to Donald Sherman, John Warren, Adrian Arriaga, Dr. Bryan Dye, Brandon Fisher, Debra Fisher, Erica Montelongo, Dutzie Nabonne, Henry Dumas and Lisa Clark Robertson.

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The Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival was so much fun!

There was so much to do with all the vendors, food trucks and of course some really good music. The organizers did a great job of having everything so organized.

I know everyone is looking forward to the event next year!

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Friday night is Homecoming at Washington High School.

Washington will crown their 2024 Homecoming Queen and King prior to Friday night’s 7 p.m. football encounter with the Marietta Indians.

The coronation ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. prior to the football game.

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The Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held Friday, October 4, at the Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course in Purcell.

The four-man scramble will have an 8 a.m. shotgun start followed by lunch and an awards ceremony.

For more information or to sign up contact Elisabeth Baker at elisabeth@theheartofok.com or call 405-527-3093.

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The 1st Annual McClain County Domestic Violence Awareness Walk is an event aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and providing support to victims.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, at 8 a.m. at the Purcell Lake Trails.

All proceeds from the event will be placed in a new nonprofit for McClain County Domestic Violence Awareness.

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Hope on Wheels, a mindful journey bus tour, organized by Parents Helping Parents will be in Purcell Thursday, October 3.

The tour stop will be at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce between 3:10-4 p.m.

The group partners with organizations across Oklahoma to deliver mental health and substance use resources to those who need it most.

To learn more about the bus tour and how to participate, email amanda@parentshelpingparents.info or call 405-550-7325.

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Make plans now for a three-part series at the Purcell Public Library “STEAM Kids 8-11: Witch Crafts” Tuesday, October 15, 22 and 29.

The programs will be held from 3:30-4:30 each of the days in the STEAM area of the library.

Did you know, almost everything we use connects back to STEAM? Discover the elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math through hands-on activities and exploration.

Boost your problem-solving and teamwork skills in these programs on Halloween themed hat, broom and potion making!

This program will include 3D printing, sewing machines, and science experiments!

Week 1, October 15: Hat making

Week 2, October 22: Broom making

Week 3, October 29: Potions!

Full registration is required for the programs.

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

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Music Connection” Tuesday, October 15, from 4-5 p.m. in the small banquet room of the Purcell Multi-Purpose Center.

Music Connection is a interactive music and story program for children ages three to seven and their caregivers.

It includes singing, playing instruments, listening, moving to music and more.

Engaging with music is a fun way to build and strengthen early literacy skills, helping kids succeed in learning and in life.

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

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This is a very simple recipe but it is a fun and new way to eat your meat and potatoes.

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole

32 oz. package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes thawed

10.75 oz. can condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 egg lightly beaten

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 small onion, finely chopped

15.5 oz. can sloppy joe sauce

Shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Spray a 5-qt. slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine shredded potatoes with the soup, egg, salt and pepper. Stir well then spread it in the bottom of the crock pot.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown and crumble ground beef along with chopped onion. Drain excess grease. Stir in sloppy joe sauce.

Spoon sloppy joe mixture over hash brown mixture in crock pot.

Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

Note: Shredded hash browns can be substituted for southern style hash browns, which are the smaller cubed potatoes, or you can use the Potatoes O’Brien that have peppers and onion mixed in with the cubed potatoes. If you’d like, about 10 minutes before it is ready, add about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the top of the casserole. Then put lid back on crock pot and allow the cheese to melt.