A special happy birthday to Marti Pate Gallardo of Dallas, Texas.

Marti celebrates her birthday today, August 21.

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Happy birthday to James Gamble, Dusty Ricks, Peggy Underwood, Whitney Johnson, Christy Powell, Haydin Buterbaugh, Brittany Mayes, Bobbie Calvert, Ralph Crampton, Fran Ray, Terry Ellis, Mike Wilson, Hoss Frasier and Kathy Keeler.

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School has started in the Heart of Oklahoma.

Crosswalks and neighborhood streets will be filled with children walking and bicycling to school.

I know everyone has heard this message over and over, but here it is again: Motorists - Put down the phone, stay alert and watch out for these precious, vulnerable children.

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The August Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held Thursday, August 21, at the Mid-America Technology Center, 27438 State Highway 59, in Wayne.

Lunch is $20 and will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the program to commence at 12:10 p.m.

The program will feature superintendentsToby Ringwald, Wayne; Dr. Sheli McAdoo, Purcell; Chad Hall, Lexington; Chris Reynolds, Washington; and Mike Eubank, Mid-America Technology Center, who will be speaking on the “State of the Schools.”

The host for the luncheon is McClain Bank.

RSVP by Friday, August 15, by calling or texting 405-527-3093 or email elisabeth@theheartofok.com.

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Families across McClain County are invited to attend the McClain County Community Baby Shower on Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Farm & Home Building located, 1721 Hardcastle Blvd., in Purcell.

This free family-friendly event is designed to connect parents, caregivers, and expecting families with valuable local resources, all while enjoying a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

The event is hosted by the C.A.R.E. Coalition and made possible through the support of local community members and partners who are committed to supporting families in the area.

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The 2025 Heart of Oklahoma Football preview magazine will publish in The Purcell Register’s August 28 issue, featuring Purcell, Washington, Wayne and Lexington football teams.

There will be pictures, previews and up-coming game information, each team’s 2025 schedule and more.

Make sure you plan to pick up a copy of The Register on August 28 as your team kicks off the 2025 football season!

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The Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival will be held Saturday, September 27, in downtown Purcell.

The first band will perform at 11 a.m. and performers will include The Great Divide, Brother Heywood, Etowah Road, Gary Gibson Bank and Red Dirt Rangers.

The event will also feature food trucks and vendors and admission is free.

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The Purcell Register will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.

The office will be open at 8 a.m. Tuesday and regular deadlines of 11 a.m. will apply.

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Here’s a good slow cooker recipe to fix so you don’t have to heat up the house with your oven.

Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooked pasta for serving

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper on both sides.

If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice texture to the dish.

Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the crock pot. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are fully covered.

Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the cheese is melted and bubbly.