NOBLE, Okla. — This year could be a banner year for rabies in Oklahoma.

It appears the dangerous disease is on the rise.

So far in 2012, Oklahoma has seen 35 cases of animal rabies compared to just 61 for all of 2011.

Bats and skunks are the common Oklahoma carriers out in the wild.

The skunk’s increased population could be the reason for the rise.

Rondi Large with WildCare in Noble said, “Skunks, like all wild populations, will have peaks and valleys in their numbers. This was a real mild winter so I’m not at all surprised that we are going to have increased number of skunks this year and especially babies coming on in the next month.”

Laurence Burnsed is an Epidemiologist with the Oklahoma Department of Health.

OKLAHOMA CITY — McDonald’s is offering the most important meal of the day for free Tuesday to students in the third through eighth grade.

The fast-food chain said they want to make sure children have a wholesome breakfast before they start standardized testing.

Students between third and eighth grade taking standardized tests can stop by any McDonald’s in the state Tuesday to receive a free breakfast from 6:30 to 9 a.m. 

Students must be accompanied by a parent and go into the restaurant to receive the breakfast.

Students can choose one of the following four wholesome breakfast items: an Egg McMuffin, Fruit and Maple Oatmeal, Fruit and Walnut Salad or Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait.

Earlier this month, a life-changing program celebrated ten years with the Norman Regional Health System.