A special happy birthday to my nieces, Kristin Rusler and Lindsay Budd.

Kristin and Lindsay celebrate their birthdays Friday, March 21.

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Happy birthday to my great-nephew Easton Rusler.

Easton celebrates his 7th birthday Wednesday, March 26.

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Spring break is here!

Watch out for all the kids as they enjoy some warm spring days!

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Happy birthday to Pam Kyzer, Ryan Russ, Diane Potter, Lizzy Walker, Janet Moore, Abbi Castle, Maribeth Dawson, Char Page, Kim Shubert, Gary Hayes, Linda Burke, Randy Ashcraft, Esmeralda Aguinaga, Nathaniel Austinn Carel, Jon Forster, Judy Pickle, Todd Clouse, Debbie Frasier, Cassidy Bennett, Madison English, Jennifer Lizana, John Gullion and Gary Kochn.

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The deadline to pay the second half of property taxes is Friday, March 28, at 4:30 p.m.

If anyone has questions regarding their tax statements, call the McClain County Treasurer’s Office at 405-527-3261.

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Missoula Children’s Theatre is coming to Purcell Schools March 24 to29.

Auditions for “Alice in Wonderland” will be held Monday, March 24, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. with rehearsals immediately following.

Rehearsals will also be held Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. with a Friday dress rehearsal from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a 1 p.m. performance.

There will also be a performance on Saturday, March 29, at 3 p.m.

All students enrolled in grades Kindergarten-12th grade are invited to audition. Students that are auditioning must be available for all practices and performances.

Auditions, rehearsals and performances will all be held at the old Purcell Junior High located at 201 Lester Lane.

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Purcell City Hall will be closed from 1-2 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month for training.

The offices will be closed Wednesday, April 2.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Connection Corner: Sewing Club” Tuesday, March 25, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Make new friends while working on your sewing projects. Designed for adults 18+.

Join us as we come together to work on a personal sewing project and get to know people who share a similar interest. Discover new techniques and perspectives as we meet with others to learn about their experiences while sharing your own.

Please bring your personal project and any materials, such as machine, fabrics, notions, you need to help support your experience and comfort. Supplies will not be provided.

Registration is requested for the program.

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

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I love slow cooker recipes and this is a good one.

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

1 lb. lean ground beef

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1 oz package)

14.5 oz. can Mexican-style diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup finely chopped white onion

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

4 oz. cream cheese, soften, cut into 1-inch pieces

8 oz. medium shell pasta

8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese

In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.

In 4- to 5-quart slow cooker, stir beef, water, taco seasoning, tomatoes, onion and garlic until well blended.

Cover; cook on low heat setting 3 to 4 hours.

Cook pasta as directed on box;drain. Uncover slow cooker; stir in cream cheese until melted. Stir in pasta and shredded Cheddar cheese until well blended.

Cook uncovered on high heat 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.