Custer County now has three confirmed cases of the coronavirus, COVID-19, according to information released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. It is not known where the people who have been diagnosed with the illness reside, but the increase of people affected by the disease continues to rise. The OSDH reported there are now 164 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state and the death total has been raised to five with two more people succumbing to the illness. Both were males and hailed from Oklahoma County with one being in his 70s and the other in his 40s. A total of 59 people have been hospitalized due to the coronavirus and there have been 805 who have tested negative. Only a total of three children from ages birth to 17 have been reported to have the disease. The age group of 65+ is still the leading statistic for positive cases with 55 people reported to have the disease.

Postal workers providing valuable service

Clinton Postmaster Kathy Adcock, left, and assistant rural carrier Ashley Taylor load boxes to be delivered. While many businesses observe Gov. Stitt’s instructions to remain closed for three weeks to fight the spread of COVID-19, postal carriers and clerks continue to deliver mail and much needed supplies throughout the region.

Filing period for four offices in Custer County is scheduled for April 8-10. But as people are learning, because of the coronovirus all dates are subject to change.

Mission House ready to help

At Mission House, Tom Shawver and Jennifer Howard put together boxes of food containing 4-6 meals. Food boxes are currently available, but people are being asked to call ahead of time to set up an appointment and be prepared to show ID and proof of residence.

Walker to seek Dist. 2 Commissioner seat

Lifelong Custer County resident Bruce Walker of Weatherford has announced that he plans to run for District 2 Custer County Commissioner. District 2 lies primarily in the eastern part of the county.

Oklahoma State University and Extension experts will host two online teleconferences to address questions about the cattle industry, markets and COVID-19. Both webinars are free and open to the public, said organizers.

A Sayre man, Jerry Drake Varnell, 26, was sentenced to serve 25 years, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction at BancFirst in downtown Oklahoma City. United States Attorney Timothy J. Downing of the Western District of Oklahoma, Special Agent-in- Charge Melissa R. Godbold of the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office, and Chief Wade Gourley of the Oklahoma City Police Department made the announcement.

Portable ventilators ready if needed

EMT Leanne Hileman and paramedic Jeremy Pool set up one of the five ZOLL portable ventilators carried in Sinor EMS’s fleet of ambulances, ready to respond should the need arise.

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