State briefs for Nov. 16

Nov. 16--Health officials warn of flu's arrival in state

The flu season has arrived in Oklahoma, and health officials advise precautions ahead of the holidays. As of Wednesday, 63 people have been hospitalized for flu statewide, said Kendra Dougherty, an epidemiologist with the state Health Department.

The number is high for this time of year, but it isn't clear how much is due to a tough strain of the virus and how much is due to people being infected earlier than usual, Dougherty said.

The flu causes a fever, chills, aches, coughing and a sore throat. Senior citizens, young children and people with chronic conditions are at a higher risk for complications.

To prevent infection, officials advise people to get the vaccine, wash their hands often and avoid sick people. Sick people should stay home to avoid infecting others. Someone who cares for a sick person should stay home as much as possible, because they can spread the virus up to 24 hours before symptoms emerge.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

ODOT seeks public comment about plans

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is seeking comments about transportation priorities for federal fiscal years 2018 through 2021. Comments will be taken through Nov. 28.

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is a planning document required by federal guidelines. It includes the first four years of highway projects in ODOT's eight-year plan and federally-funded projects by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments representing the Oklahoma City area, the Tulsa area's Indian Nations Council of Governments, the Lawton Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Frontier Metropolitan Planning Organization in the Fort Smith, Arkansas, area.

The full proposed plan can be viewed online at www.odot.org by clicking the Programs and Projects tab and then clicking Transportation Programs. To request a printed copy of the plan, call 405-521-2521.

Comments may be made via email to darnold@odot.org or in writing to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Programs Division, 200 NE 21 St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73105.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORMAN

OU students launch community initiative with event

The University of Oklahoma Student Government Association will launch its OU Loves Norman initiative at an event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union courtyard.

The purpose of the event is to promote civic and community engagement between students and the Norman community.

The kickoff will feature free T-shirts and food. Representatives from several Norman businesses will be there.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

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