How long is too long to leave pets at home?

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My neighbor across the hall confronted me yesterday, accusing me of mistreating my dog. She said that “Cookie” whines and barks for hours whenever I am gone, and that I need to take him with me rather than leave him alone in the apartment.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 4156 by a 39-8 vote and sent it to the Governor on 4/24/24. This anti-immigrant bill creates the crime of “impermissible occupation.” First-time “criminals” would be charged with a misdemeanor and could go to jail for up to a year.

Home renovations and pets just don’t mix

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We have a contractor coming soon to renovate our kitchen. I plan to keep my cat, “Freya,” out of the way and in a separate room during the day.

Rock Creek Schools bond proposition passes

Voters approved a $785,000 bond proposition for Rock Creek Schools that will fund security improvements, remodel school buildings plus obtain fixtures and furniture. In the April 2 election, the proposition passed by 63.55 percent, 333 votes, compared to 36.

Parenting classes to be offered by Bryan County OSU Extension Service

The Bryan County OSU Extension Service announces their upcoming free parenting education classes. A parenting class geared for parents with infants and toddlers, “Active Parenting First Five Years,” will be offered on Tuesday, April 9 and 16 from 9 a.m.

Legislators are back at the Capitol

I hope everyone had a great time with their loved ones during Easter weekend. We are now back at the Capitol, and it’s a busy time.

Legislative Showmanship held at Oklahoma Youth Expo

March 18, the Legislative Showmanship was held at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Legislators from every corner of the state joined Oklahoma’s future farmers and ranchers for the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the world’s largest junior livestock show.

PI-STEM Academy at Southeastern applications now open

Registration is now open for the 2024 PI-STEM Academy, which will be hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University on June 3-7. The event is free of charge and is open to upcoming 8th and 9th graders who reside in Oklahoma.

Quiet strength: Honoring my grandmother

Her simple grave marker states only the basics: Ada Minnie Harrison Whitten, May 24, 1888—November 19, 1971. She was always “Grandma” to me.

Lone Star Tick Bites Cause Alpha-Gal Syndrome

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was recently diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).