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New Developments in Oktibbeha County

Exterior view of the OCHS Animal Support Center with happy dogs outside.

News Summary

Oktibbeha County is thriving with the recent opening of the OCHS Animal Support Center and plans for a new housing development. The center aims to improve care for animals and promote responsible pet ownership, while the housing project is set to provide affordable living options for residents. These initiatives highlight the county’s commitment to community welfare and growth.

Exciting Times in Oktibbeha County

Oktibbeha County is buzzing with news as two significant developments, one for our furry friends and another for our future neighbors, are taking shape. From the opening of a new animal support center to plans for a new housing community, there’s plenty to discuss!

OCHS Animal Support Center Now Open!

Hold onto your leashes, folks! On April 8, 2025, the OCHS Animal Support Center opened its doors, marking a *monumental* day for pet lovers and animals in need throughout Mississippi. This groundbreaking facility, the first of its kind in the state, is a joint effort by the Oktibbeha County Humane Society and the ASPCA, designed to provide vital services for our four-legged friends.

The new center is a big deal! It’s not just about providing shelter; it’s about making a positive impact in the lives of thousands of animals each year. With the addition of the OCHS Spay & Neuter Clinic and the VanLandingham Kennel Facility, the center’s goal is to drastically improve the level of care animals receive while waiting for their forever homes.

The Spay & Neuter Clinic is set to double its surgical capacity, scaling up from 2,900 procedures to an impressive 5,800 each year, all while providing *low-cost* options to pet owners. This initiative aims to make a *significant* dent in the number of unwanted litters and contribute to responsible pet ownership in the community.

The VanLandingham Kennel Facility, featuring 30 new kennels, allows for better management of shelter animals. With this upgrade, transport capacity to adoption centers will increase from 1,800 to 3,500 animals annually. Helping pets find loving homes just got a whole lot easier, thanks to a generous $1 million funding contribution from the ASPCA.

New Housing Development on the Horizon

Forest Street Partners. The vision? A fully gated community featuring about 150 homes tailored to meet the needs of everyone from first-time buyers to families looking for a bit more space.

This new housing development is expected to serve professionals and graduates seeking affordable living options close to Starkville and surrounding areas. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those looking to settle down in this vibrant community.

Expansion of the East Oktibbeha Wastewater District services is crucial for this project to come to life. Fortunately, the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors has taken swift action, allocating $700,000 from the American Rescue Plan funds towards the wastewater initiative, alongside a matching grant from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. This means we’re well on our way to welcoming new neighbors soon!

While the housing project has faced some delays, the good news is that progress is finally on the way as necessary wastewater services are set to be expanded. Exciting times lie ahead for Oktibbeha County!

In Conclusion

With the opening of the OCHS Animal Support Center bringing hope to countless animals and a new housing development set to welcome future residents, Oktibbeha County is on the verge of a wonderful transformation. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as these projects unfold!