Happy birthday to my great-niece, Ellianna Rusler of Midwest City.

Ellianna celebrates her 13th birthday Friday, September 25.

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Happy birthday to Charles Perry, Nancy Ewing Friedman, Betty Barnes, Allison Northcutt, Andrew Cummings, Riley Wren, Jane Sparlin, Matt Lohn, Savannah Yates, Adeline Still, Hortencia Legarda, Tyler Sherman, Ixcel Murrieta, Denise Garanzuay, Marcia Haynes, Jeremy Lizana, Humberto Aguinaga, Jesus Espinoza and Cary Glen Warren.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Hispanic Heritage Festival” Thursday, September 24, from 4-7 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Discover the diverse cultures, traditions and experiences that make up our Hispanic community. Join us are we learn and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Deepen your connection with your community and expand your mindset on Hispanic culture.

The program is for all ages.

For more information call 405-527-5546.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Celebrating Dolly!” Friday, September 25, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Celebrate Dolly Parton at your library! During her lifetime, this legendary entertainer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist made a difference in the lives of millions of children.

Join us for come-and-go activities as we celebrate the joy she brought to generations of readers.

The program is for all ages.

For more information call 405-527-5546.

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The 3rd Annual Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival will be held Saturday, October 3, in downtown Purcell.

The first band will perform at 11 a.m. and the headliner will be Little Texas. Other performers will include TJ Todd Band, Brandon Butler Band, Gary Gibson Band and Logan Mac.

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

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Connection Corner: Coffee with Your Community” Friday, October 2, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Enjoy free coffee and pastries from local business Sassy Sifter and take the opportunity to chat with fellow members of your community!

Coffee and food will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Extreme STEAM: Rig-A-Ma-Jig” Friday, October 2, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Did you know, almost everything we use connects back to STEAM. Discover the elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities and exploration.

Boost your problem solving and team building skills in this program on group creations with the Rig-A-Ma-Jig.

The program is designed for children and teens from 5-17 and registration is required.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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This year’s Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Halloween of the Heart - Treats on the Trail will be held Saturday, October 31, from 3-6 p.m. at the Purcell Lake.

House-to-house trick or treating in Purcell will also be held on Saturday, October 31.

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Here’s an easy casserole to make for a busy night!

Baked Mexican Goulash

1 box dried macaroni or rotini pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 envelope taco seasoning

1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 pint chili beans

1/2 cup salsa

1 small can sliced black olives

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cook dried pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink; drain.

Return the browned beef to the skillet, and add the package of taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Cook for a few minutes to incorporate the seasoning into the meat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, tomatoes, chili beans and salsa. Stir to thoroughly combine.

Pour pasta mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Evenly spread the sliced olives over the top of the pasta. Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350° for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely brown on top and the casserole is bubbly. Top each serving with your favorite toppings.