🌱 OCCHD Modifies COVID Testing Hours + Red Panda Joins OKC Zoo

Happy Friday, neighbors! Let's start today off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know today in Oklahoma City.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 36 Low: 20.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. The Oklahoma City-County Health Department has modified its hours for COVID-19 testing services because of the cold weather. Today, Jan. 21, both the Northeast Testing Center and the Southern Oaks location off South Hudson Avenue will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Northeast Center will also be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow. (KOCO Oklahoma City)
2. Oklahoma City Public Schools has increased the COVID stipend for guest teachers from $40 a day to $70. The COVID stipend is on top of the standard daily rate. Any guest teacher who serves five consecutive days also qualifies for a $100 bonus. (news9.com KWTV)
3. The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden welcomed an endangered male red panda to its animal family. 6-year-old Benjamin arrived at the zoo as part of a breeding recommendation for the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Red Panda Species Survival Plan. Benjamin’s caretakers report that he is comfortable with his new habitat. (Norman Transcript)

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Today in Oklahoma City:

• Home And Garden Show At Oklahoma City Fair Grounds (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Oklahoma City Dodger Markus Solbach is putting in the work to become the first German-developed player to pitch in the MLB. Read more about his journey on Beyond the Bricks! (Facebook)
• The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon has released the Run to Remember Podcast, which will feature a series of episodes leading up to the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon race in April. (Facebook)
• The OKC Dream Center has reopened. If you are in need of assistance you can call the Dream Center at (405)634-2615 or send them a message. (Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.