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News
March 13, 2025
From cells to forever homes: Prison dog program returns with help from O.S.U.
By OSU VET SCHOOL

McLOUD – In an environment where hope often feels lost, the Guardian Angels Dog Program shines a light on second chances.

The program operates inside a 2,982-squarefoot animal training facility at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. Originally launched in 2018, it was paused last year due to staffing changes at the facility.

After a brief hiatus, the program has been reinstated with the generous support of the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

“I’m excited, ladies,” Warden Scott Tinsley said. “This will be a big deal, and you get to be at the forefront.”

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections also partners with local animal rescue groups to identify dogs struggling to find a forever home.

Incarcerated women in the program find solace and purpose through the companionship of abandoned and unwanted animals.

The dogs spend up to three months in the program before becoming available for adoption.

“It’s nice to be back,” one inmate trainer said. “Something to love on.”

“It’s definitely good to be back,” another inmate trainer added. “We are excited.”

“We’ve embraced the whole program, and we love it,” Administrative Programs Officer Misty McFarland said. “The ladies are thrilled this program has returned. We look forward to training these animals and finding them forever homes.”

Through the partnership of OSU’s veterinary school, the dogs receive essential care, including behavioral assessments and nutritional support.

“The students are here today to evaluate the dogs,” Dr. Leticia Fanucchi of OSU said. “We will place them in our program for eight to 12 weeks. Once they are ready, they get adopted out.”

“I didn’t know we were doing this when I started this rotation,” OSU student Mary Gaston said. “But I’m really glad to be a part of it.”

“According to my parents, I couldn’t pronounce ‘veterinarian,’” OSU student Drew Darty joked. “I wanted to be a doggie doctor or a doggie walker. My mom convinced me that a doctor makes more money.”

The Guardian Angels program not only rehabilitates dogs but also gives incarcerated women the opportunity to heal. Each wag of a tail is a testament to the power of transforming lives.

Checotah lit up the sky this 4th of July
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Checotah lit up the sky this 4th of July
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 10, 2025
The City of Checotah showed off its bold stripes, bright stars and brave hearts this Fourth of July after working countless hours so residents could celebrate their freedom with lots of family fun and...
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Sexual Assault Awareness Honor Walk
July 10, 2025
Friday, July 11 at 12 p.m. Posey Park, Eufaula Show your support for survivors Take a stand against violence! Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center for Victim Services
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Annual Memorial Service planned at Honey Springs Battlefield
July 10, 2025
CHECOTAH — 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 ...
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Farewell to Checotah’s friend, Jerri Reaves
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Farewell to Checotah’s friend, Jerri Reaves
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July 10, 2025
Last Thursday family and friends said goodbye to former city councilwoman Jerri Reaves who had passed away on June 26 at the age of 82. Jerri graduated from Checotah High School in 1962. In 1980, she ...
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Trump administration freezes over $70 million state’s education funds
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July 10, 2025
States won’t receive funds from six federal programs, including after-school care and English learner support, until further notice. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Trump administration is indefinitely withholdin...
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Jeff Starling launches campaign for attorney general
July 10, 2025
TULSA ––Jeff Starling, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment, has officially announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Oklahoma. Starling is a conservative, attorney, businessman, and d...
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Checotah residents celebrated their freedom with lots of family fun and fireworks on July 4th weekend at Freedom Fest.
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EDMOND - Two from this area have made he University of Central Oklahoma recently announced the students named to the university’s honor rolls; a distinction given to those who achieve the highest acad...
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