Members of nonprofit service agencies, churches and local and county governments have been meeting regularly to tackle homeless issues in this area.

Rev. Tim Baer, among members of the Canadian County Homeless Task Force, wants to develop a “holistic” transitional housing program rather than open a homeless shelter.

Baer, vicar at Grace Church-Episcopal in Yukon, believes the goal should be to help the homeless “get back on their feet” and move toward “self-sufficiency.”

For several years, Redlands Community College Kids College has provided learning activities for children. This year, instead of the traditional on-campus activities, the college is offering a “Camp in a Box” kit for families to enjoy fun-filled learning activities at home.

“We’ve missed having the kids on campus, but we’re excited about this free learning experience families can enjoy together,” said Marcia Shottenkirk, director of Service Learning at Redlands.

English language phrases known as idioms often are oddly associated with rain.

“It’s raining cats and dogs.”

“Saving for a rainy day.”

“Rain on someone’s parade.”

“When it rains, it pours.”

The latter idiom is a way of life for one Yukon family. The Rains family blessings most often come in threes, and they have poured for 18 years.

Alyssa, Lacey and Maddy Rains are triplets – two identical twins and a fraternal sibling, often referred to in the medical world as “a pair and a spare.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders have announced a state budget agreement that cuts taxes for all Oklahomans, increases school-choice opportunities for families, and leaves state government with more than $1 billion in savings.

“We want Oklahoma to be the state that says, ‘You know what? We’re open for business,’” Stitt said.

“We want to lower taxes in Oklahoma. We want to be business-friendly.”