News

Free at Home COVID-19 Tests Available January 15

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Oklahoma Insurance Department issued a special notice regarding coverage of at-home, over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests. Beginning January 15, 2022, group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage must cover OTC COVID-19 tests. Under the new guidelines, the tests may either be free or reimbursed by the insurer. Health plans and insurance companies are incentivized to set up a network of pharmacies or retailers so their members can conveniently order or pick up COVID-19 tests that will be covered up-front. OID requested that all regulated insurance companies provide a description of how the administration of coverage for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests will be handled and communicated to their insureds and members.

Another Round of COVID-19 Heroes Needed

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OKLAHOMA — Few things these days are as welcome as new tools in the fight against COVID-19 and last week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed the way COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) can be used. This specialized type of transfusion is now approved for clinic patients with weakened immune systems to prevent worsening of their condition. Hallelujah! We can do more to help the most medically vulnerable avoid hospitalizations, complications, and worries. To capture this benefit, however,a fresh group of blood donor heroes is urgently needed in January to restock the improved CCP units that will target recent variants, like omicron.

2022 Trout Derby Canceled

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We have made the difficult decision to not have the Trout Derby this year! Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is still working on the repairs on Lake Watonga’s dam. There was a break in work on the dam for a while due to complications in the repair plans.

‘They Can Rely on Us’: Noriega Aims to Restore Confidence in WPD

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WATONGA – In December the City of Watonga hired John Noriega as its new chief of police, ending six months of interim leadership at the department. Noriega, a former Blaine County deputy and Langston police chief, is now tasked with building back the force, recruiting new officers and restoring public confidence in the WPD.

Geary Grad Leaves District Gift in Estate

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GEARY – When Geary’s own Frank Austin died in late November 2021, he left behind a passion for education and helping students achieve their academic goals. That generous spirit was on display last Tuesday, Jan.

How To Get a COVID-19 Test in Blaine County

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WATONGA – The omicron variant of COVID-19 is sweeping through Oklahoma, canceling classes at school districts throughout the state and keeping people home from work. Geary Public Schools canceled classes this past Friday, Jan.

Watonga Superintendent Says Bond Will Build ‘Sense of Pride’ in Community

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WATONGA – Ever since he arrived in Watonga in summer 2021, Superintendent Kyle Hilterbran has brought enthusiasm to his position as he oversees the day-to-day at Watonga Public Schools. In early February, Hilterbran will face his greatest challenge yet – convincing at least 60% of Watongans to OK a slight property-tax increase to help finance a capital improvement project for the district.

Holiday Season Helps Smash Revenue Records

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OKLAHOMA – A strong holiday shopping season helped push Gross Receipts to the Treasury to record highs for December and the calendar year, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced today. December gross receipts of $1.4 billion and 12-month receipts of $15.2 billion set new all-time highs.

Polling Place Change For Feb. 8 Election

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BLAINE COUNTY — The polling place for Precinct 11 has been changed, Brenda Rice, Secretary of the Blaine County Election Board, announced today. Voters in Precinct 11 formerly voted at Former City Hall, 117 N.