Happy birthday to Susan Nicholson, Debbie Tims, Kathryn Hilgenfeld, Blake Western, Matt Croslin, Carolyn Harrison, Maria del Carmen McGee, Quincy McGee, Jobeth M. Suarez, Raul Caralampio, Jose Ortiz, Barbara Breuhl, Martin Montelongo, Leslie Arriaga, Eduardo Cruz, Carolyn Hall and Cristian Reyes.

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McClain County Treasurer Teresa Jones reminds property owners in the county that 2023 tax statements have been mailed.

Full or half payments were due before January 1.

The treasurer’s office can email tax statements if it is requested.

Property owners can also print out their tax statements by going online to oktaxrolls.com.

For more information call 405-527-3261.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Connection Corner: New Year New Planner” Tuesday), January 7, from 3-5 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Make new friends while decorating your 2025 planner. Connect with and learn more about other’s experiences while sharing your own. Designed for teens 12-17 and adults 18+.

Join us as we come together to prepare for the new year and get to know people who share a similar interest. Discover new ideas and perspectives as we meet with others to learn about their experiences while sharing your own.

Planners and some materials for decorating will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well!

Registration is required for the program.

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

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With school resuming early next week after the Christmas break, drivers should be especially vigilant for pedestrians before and after school hours.

Drivers need to watch out for children walking and biking to and from school which includes those getting out of cars in school parking lots which can be particularly dangerous.

We  need to pay special attention to our greatest resource, our children!

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Now is the time to make your New Year’s Resolutions!

Most people make the usual resolutions to eat a healthy diet, stop smoking, exercise more and save more.

Whatever yours are, try to stick with them. I’ve been  told that it only takes 90 days to make a change in your life!

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Learn it! U.S. Citizenship Test Study Sessions” Tuesday, January 14, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

In these sessions you will prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test.

Strengthen your study skills! This program is a series of study sessions to help you prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test.

This activity is supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

The program is designed for adults and registration is required.

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

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Here’s a great recipe you can make in your slow cooker and come home to a delicious meal.

Easy Taco Soup

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

4-5 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef or chicken broth of stock

15. oz. can of corn, drained

15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

15 oz. can chili beans in chili sauce

28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

4 oz. can chopped green chiles

1 TBL chili powder

2 tsps. cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano, onion powder and garlic powder

Salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste

Place cooked ground beef in the bottom of the crockpot. Add in all other ingredients and stir together.

Cover with lid and cook on high 4-6 or low 8-10 hours.