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More abandonment means more volunteers needed
A: Main, News
September 12, 2024
More abandonment means more volunteers needed
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

McIntosh County as a whole has seen its fair share of animals being abandoned. Eufaula pound has picked up four dogs just this past week and local shelters like Happy Paws in Checotah has also seen the increase. Even the rescue organization Paws N Claws-Eufaula has had an overwhelming increase with residents reaching out and asking for help because of the number of animals being dumped almost daily in the county. This increase has caused the need for more volunteers, additional foster homes and extra awareness for the community that responsible owners get their animals spayed or neutered.

“I’ve been doing this for 16 years and it’s never ending,” Kate Paris with Happy paws stated. “It’s just so sad and depressing. We have transported out over 20,000 and spayed and neutered over 40,000 and there is still no end in sight.”

Since starting the Paws N Claws-Eufaula organization to help find homes for the pound pups brought in to the Eufaula pound, which is not a shelter and so it has a 10-day policy before being euthanized, volunteers like Lori Powell-Fells now are feeling the pressure that they may not be able to save every dog that comes into the pound.

“Since we started in January no pound pups have been euthanized but every day we worry that this will be the day we can’t find someone to step up and help,” Powell-Fells said. “We have been able to rescue and rehome 21 from the pound and twice as many in the community as people have reached out day after day asking for our help. However, at this rate there in no way of staying ahead of the game if people keep dumping their animals like they are trash to be discarded. People think it cost too much to get them spayed or neutered, but believe me it costs even more to feed those extra mouths each month and it’s costing our community in the long run. That’s why we have to see change in our county, starting with getting animal control in Eufaula. They also hope others will become advocates and volunteers to help save these poor animals from an ill-fated circumstance due to irresponsible owners.”

Besides helping at the pound, Paws N Claws-Eufaula has also started a Free Pet Pantry located at the Eufaula Indian Journal where people who are struggling to feed their pets can go by and pick up a gallon bag or two of dog food or cat food. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and donations are also accepted and go directly to the abandoned and neglected animals.

“The best thing any owner can do for their pet is to get them spayed or neutered for their own safety and health,” Powell-Fells said. “Believe me when I say it’s for your sanity and ours too.”

Local church supports those with disabilities
A: Main, News...
Local church supports those with disabilities
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 17, 2025
Last week His Ability Ministries with Checotah First Assembly of God offered training for disability friendly churches with Lonnie and Janet Nance from Unlimited Ministries of Springfield, Missouri. L...
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Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
A: Main, News...
Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 17, 2025
Memorial Service for Bill Duvall Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m. First Baptist Church, Checotah When Bill Duvall was called to meet His Maker in the Great Round Up in the sky this past Sunday, Checotah los...
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Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
A: Main, News...
Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
July 17, 2025
Get ready for another funfilled weekend as the 41st Annual Whole Hawg Arts & Crafts Festival prepares to get underway, Friday and Saturday, July 25-26. The festival will consist of Arts & Crafts, a ro...
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A: Main, News...
Annual Memorial Service planned at Honey Springs Battlefield
July 17, 2025
Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. to honor the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service will be hel...
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Man facing obscenity charges
July 17, 2025
Ryan Troy Dick, a 52-yearold Sallisaw resident, is being held in the McIntosh County Jail pending his preliminary hearing on charges related to indecent photographs and videos sent to a former girlfri...
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Carey trial set on rape charge
July 17, 2025
Arnold Willard Carey Jr., 28, waived his right to a preliminary hearing on July 9 and his rape case was placed on the Sept. 29 sounding docket for the next trial. The McIntosh County resident has been...
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Juvenile dies following accident near Longtown
July 17, 2025
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that a juvenile, whose name and age are being withheld, was fatally injured in a single-vehicle accident that took place at about 10:30 p.m. on July 4. The deceased...
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Checotah bandies recognized at TMALA
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Checotah bandies recognized at TMALA
July 17, 2025
Class of Checotah band students were recently recognized at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy (TMALA). TMALA Band Leadership was led by Ryan Edgmon, Director of Bands for Mustang Public Scho...
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Supporters walk to raise awareness against sexual assault
News
Supporters walk to raise awareness against sexual assault
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 17, 2025
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation held its Sexual Assault Awareness Walk (SAAM) last Friday, July 12, at 12 p.m. in Posey Park. The event was originally scheduled for April but was rained out. Community sup...
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News
Oktaha Trinity Baptist Church Vacation Bible School
July 17, 2025
The Great Jungle Journey An Epic Cruise from Genesis to Revelation July 21- 25 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ages: 4-12 years Dinner will be provided.
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Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
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Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
July 17, 2025
Following a competency hearing on July 9, Wilburton resident Glen Edward Calvin, 54, was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing in McIntosh County District Court at 2 p.m. Aug. 20. On a charge of...
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Checotah, OK
74426

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