MADISON, Miss. (WJTV) – In Madison, the closure of a beloved daycare, known as The Ranch, has sparked emotional reactions from families and raised questions about what led to the shutdown.
The Ranch, founded in 1980 by Kathy O’Kelly, has been a staple in Madison for decades, offering children a hands-on, faith-centered experience with animals, nature and community.
According to the City of Madison, the facility failed a Mississippi State Health Department (MSDH) inspection, which included fire code violations, like missing alarms and sprinklers. The city said it notified The Ranch back in February 2025 and offered flexibility on timing, but quotes for repairs were only submitted this week.
“We do this for the children. And me and my wife decided to do this. We thought for the community and for all the kids. But now, it’s unbelievable. I’m excited. It’s really cool to see the town come together and love this place so much,” said Austin O’Kelly, the owner of The Ranch.
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Families said this is more than just a daycare, it’s a life commitment.
“They don’t just take the kids in and try to entertain them and let them run around like they really focus on. They have a party with God every Wednesday and make sure that they’re bringing in Christian values. And it’s not just a certain denomination. It is just bringing Christ to the center of everything they do,” said Kat Riseden, a parent.
The city clarified that it did not shut down The Ranch, but they said it was informed by the facility last Friday that it could no longer operation. Officials said they regret that parents were not notified until Monday.
Meanwhile, families are organizing a prayer walk and launching a GoFundMe to help care for the animals and keep the property afloat while legal matters are addressed.
Supporters said they will continue fighting to preserve The Ranch’s legacy. The prayer walk has been scheduled for November 1, starting at 2:00 p.m.
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