Funeral services for Anthony “Tony” Beene, of Valliant, Okla., were held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov.

Earnist Scott Garrett, 56, of Valliant, Okla., passed from this life Nov. 6, 2020. He was born July 31, 1964 in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of William “Tak” Garrett and Betty (Haley) Garrett. Scott grew up in the Valliant area and was a 1984 graduate of Valliant High School. At the age of 19, Scott began teaching for the Durant Kiamichi Area Votech School. He taught industrial maintenance at Idabel KAVTS and became the coordinator. Scott received his Doctorate Degree from Oklahoma State University. At the time of retiring Scott was the Director of the Antlers and Hugo KAVTS campuses. Scott loved to travel and traveled to several countries. He enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles

As is usually the case following a presidential election, victorious voters are dancing in the streets. In this already remarkable year of 2020 however, most of the dancing is taking place in the nation’s biggest cities and metro areas where Democrats dominate the political landscape.

After enjoying high temperatures in the 70s this past weekend, we will be in the mid- to upper-60s for mid-to-late week. There will be several nights this week with clear skies and temperatures dropping to the low 40s. It looks like we could have some more days in the 70s coming between Nov. 16 and Nov. 20 of the month. A thunderstorm could come back to the forecast around Friday night.

SO FAR THIS YEAR, Bailey Cody’s seventh grade English students have read 133 books collectively. “High-interest, relevant novels are critical in motivating my students to read inside and outside of my classroom,” Cody said. “Several ways I am encouraging my students to read is by allowing them to choose what book they read independently and incorporating Book Clubs. In Book Clubs, students choose from several novels, and I group them with students who chose the same novel. I also enjoy changing things up in my classroom; recently, we had a ‘Starbucks Day.’ Students came into class, were served hot chocolate and snacks, and then read all hour in a cozy spot of their choice.”