As the temperatures warmed up last week, residents in the Spring River area started seeing an usual number of bears, elk and other creatures making their appearance. Whether it be in the window of a local store, on a front lawn or even in the emergency room, these creatures are not the least bit concerned about where they decide to rest for a moment, but they do provide great entertainment for those participating in a national social distancing initiative and activity called “bear hunts”...

While schools across Arkansas are officially shut down through April 17, that doesn’t mean the people who operate the schools are slowing down. Schools have stepped up to provide resources for parents, and most importantly for some, they’ve also stepped up to provide food...

The March Meeting of the Salem City Council was conducted at the conference room of the Salem City Hall on Thursday, March 26. All council members participated. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Daniel Busch. In the first order of business, Mayor Busch read a letter of resignation from Recorder-Treasurer Jeremy Stone, who had served in the job since the end of June 2019. ...

Salem resident Ann Kish has been using her spare time to organize sewers and donation cycles for local hospitals, in the recent preparation for shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For healthcare facilities across the nation, the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has, at times, been alarming not only for those on the front lines working in healthcare, but for those in their care as well as their families...

Although he is known for helping communities across the country, Kerry Wayne Evans, owner of N-Sta-Smile in Hardy, said his company has turned their attention to the children living in Sharp County as well as those living in the surrounding counties...

The Spring River Innovation Hub has partnered with the Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority (NEAIA) in an effort to provide information and resources to help small businesses in an uncertain economy. According to Executive Director Graycen Bigger, as directives are issued, it has become increasingly more important for businesses to connect with customers online and through social media, but it is also important, if possible, to retain employees...

The Ozark Acres Suburban Improvement District held its annual commissioner election March 23. Five candidates submitted their names for the election: Jean Murphy, Tom Parsons, Debra Lumley, Lauren Siebert and Charlie Underwood. Commissioner Lana Irby opted not to run for an additional term, creating three potential vacancies on the five member commission...

On March 25, the Highland School District held another social media broadcast with Superintendent Don Sharp and Federal Programs Coordinator Kelly Goodson. Sharp said the purpose of the online forum was to accept questions from the public and if possible, answer them...

For healthcare facilities across the nation, the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has, at times, been alarming not only for those on the front lines working in healthcare, but for those in their care as well as their families. Recently, area hospitals began asking the public for their help by creating face masks. ...

Ozarks Medical Center informed of ways community members, including residents of West Plains and surrounding communities, may help during the coronavirus pandemic in a press release on Friday, March 27 from Digital & Media Relations Specialist Kim Wood. This includes homemade masks, monetary donations and donating blood...

Gas prices recently dropped to less than $2 with gas at Casey’s and Valero in Thayer priced at $1.92 and $1.68 at Conoco and Fuel Express in Alton, as of press time on Tuesday, March 31. The national average is the lowest is has been since 2016. According to the AAA website, the national average is close to being under $2 and “at $2.01, that national gas price average is 11 cents cheaper on the week, 43 cents less expensive on the month and 68 cents less than a year ago,” is stated on the website https://gasprices.aaa.com.. ...

Oregon County Health Department announced on Monday, March 30, currently, there have not been any positive cases of COVID-19 reported. However, the department has received confirmation that there is an Oregon County resident that has been tested. It could take several days, up to seven, to receive the results. The individual is on self-quarantine while waiting on the test results...

Sadly, in dire times, is when fraud and scams surface and are often directed toward some of the most vulnerable in the community, senior citizens. The National SMP Resource Center has issued a fraud alert and was announced in a press release from the Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Older adults are being warned for potential fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic...

Oregon County Sheriff’s Office Jeremy Cone, 34, of Alton, was arrested Feb. 18 on warrants out of West Plains PD. He was transferred to West Plains Police. Tracy Thomas, 54, of Alton, was arrested Feb. 19 for forgery and stealing. She posted bond. Anthony Bowers, 41, of Thayer, was arrested Feb. 24 for non-support. He posted bond...

On March 14, Southfork River Therapy and Living, in Salem, announced no visitors would be allowed at the facility. “All visitors, nonessential staff and vendors will no longer be allowed to enter the facility until further notice. Staff and residents who do come into the facility will continue to be screened for illness and possible contact with the COVID-19 virus. ...

The Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District (SID) held their regular meeting March 16 at the Omaha Center in Cherokee Village. Commissioners present at the meeting were Joe Waggoner, Jim Best and Ron Patterson. The meeting opened at 3 p.m. and the first order of business was the approval of minutes from the February meeting...

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish and the 16th Judicial Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant north of Cave City March 19. The warrant was executed at the residence of Daniel Mark Church, 41, on Barn Road near Cave City...

The Cherokee Village City Council held their regular meeting March 19 and passed the first reading of an ordinance to amend zoning code 2017-06A with regards to solar panels in Cherokee Village. Jerry Adams, Chuck Kristopeit, Steve Thompson, Thomas Rupart, Mayor Russ Stokes and Les Covington were in attendance...

The Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce held their general meeting March 17 at the Spring River Draft House in Hardy. President Ethan Barnes announced during the meeting all chamber of commerce activities would be suspended until further notice, including the Bowling for Small Business event slated for March 31...

The Highland School District hosted an informational meeting March 18 which was broadcast to the public by way of the Highland School District, Areawide Media and Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook pages. The meeting was comprised of of area health professionals, community leaders, safety personnel and more who were present to answer questions from the public...

In cooperation with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, and state and local government leaders, all Missouri Job Centers will close to in-person services beginning tomorrow, March 20 for one week, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19...

Missouri State University has made several changes for employees in response to COVID-19. This includes employees at the Missouri State University-West Plains campus and the Shannon Hall facility in Mountain Grove. “Missouri State University is committed to the health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “Our employees have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our students in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic...

Over the past week, the severity of risk posed to our country by the coronavirus outbreak came into sharp focus. President Trump has held daily briefings from the White House with Vice President Pence and a slew of leading experts from around the federal government to keep the American people constantly informed. ...

As of press time, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri was 185 and six deaths related to the virus. The South Missourian News contacted Oregon County Health Department and talked with Oregon County Health Department Administrator Susan Arasmith...

PRESS RELEASE The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, to July 15. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, to July 15, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. ...

Mammoth Spring Council held a special called meeting on Wednesday, March 18 to address concerns about coronavirus. Mayor Charles Vaughn stated it is a small city, but it would be as possible as it is a large city to have cases of COVID-19 and the city needs to be prepared...

The City of Alton is taking extra measures to keep City Hall lobby clean with spraying Lysol and cleaning with Clorox wipes after people visit the facility as well as a lot of hand washing. These measures will be continued until they are notified to do more. On Monday, March 23, the city encouraged residents to use the drop box for payments or documents. Alton City Hall may be contacted at 417-778-6321...

PRESS RELEASE In a press release on March 18, it was announced the April elections will be postponed until June 2. Missouri Governor Mike Parson declared a state of emergency on March 13 due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The press release stated, “ Pursuant to Governor Mike Parson’s Executive Order 20-02 declaring a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 and a request from Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Governor Parson today signed Executive Order 20-03 ordering all Missouri municipal elections previously scheduled for April 7, to be postponed to June 2.. ...

All of Missouri’s public schools are temporarily closed announced Governor Mike Parson on Thursday, March 19 due to concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak. This closing impacted area schools and families. Schools worked to provide educational packets for students to continue learning through the closure...

Mammoth School High School Counselor and dog lover Kim Ragsdale has always had a dog and is now venturing into the territory of being part of a therapy dog team. Renley, Ragsdale’s young goldendoodle recently graduated from the therapy dog in-class training class Love on a Lease program taught by Cate Jaus and Shelly Law, of Complete Canine Academy in West Plains...

- At the Department of Veterans Affairs, the safety of our Veterans and employees is the highest priority. Libby Johnson, Associate Director at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center (VAMC) and crisis management Incident Commander, announced the local medical center will be implementing “Tier 2” COVID-19 planning measures effective Wednesday, March 18, at 6 a.m...

News of the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been worldwide. Missouri and Arkansas have patients who have tested positive for the virus. Throughout this issue you will find a number of press releases detailing the postponement, cancellations, etc. ...

Viola City Council met Monday, March 9. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Jackie Estes; Councilmen Dennis Haber, Robert Lash, Vearl Downum; Water Supt. Joel Huett; Bookkeeper Sarah Huett and several citizens. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Estes...

Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork released the following statement on Tuesday, March 17. “As a precaution to COVID-19, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is suspending all inmate visits from family and friends. There will be no visits from attorneys or clergy. ...

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Arkansas schools were required to close, effective Tuesday, March 17. Shortly after the announcement was made, Salem School District made an announcement of its own. Superintendent Wayne Guiltner issued a statement regarding meals for students. ...

In my last Capitol Report, I had the opportunity to thank my taxpaying employers who caught the attention of elected officials and bureaucrats alike by gathering at the Capitol to show strong support for legislation strengthening landowner rights and responsibilities against nuisance predators. As the House reached its bill filing deadline, more bills were filed to continue this momentum. For your perusal, here is a summary of other bills of interest (cited from House Research):...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce held their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 12 at Fred’s Fish House in Mammoth Spring. Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery Biologist Sara Seagraves informed they have scheduled school tours and Earth Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. She stated to be aware that the event could be cancelled if the coronavirus were to be in the area and anyone helping with the event will be kept informed...

Less than a quarter of Oregon County voters hit the voting polls for the Presidential Preference Primary held on Tuesday, March 10. Ballots totaled 1,219 of the 6,986 registered voters with 480 Democrat votes, two Libertarian and 737 Republican. The unofficial results are as follows...

Alton Council held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 9. Council approved the February meeting minutes and expenditures. Gen-Tec 24-7, a generator company owned by Robert and Lydia Schamel, informed the city of the business and discussed if they needed a generator or one worked on to give the company a try...

Thayer Council held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 10. Council approved the consent agenda, bills paid and to be paid before amending the agenda. The agenda was amended to accept the resignation of Alderman Terry Tillman and appoint Dirk Shultz to fill the position and to address TM Saddle to renew a lease at the rodeo arena...

University of Missouri Extension of Oregon County recently held their annual meeting at Couch R-I School District campus. After attendees were treated to a pulled pork meal prepared by Couch School head cook Margaret Johnson, Extension Agronomist Jamie Gundel expressed gratitude for those who help support Extension including council and community members and employees...

PRESS RELEASE Harps scheduled to take over stores in summer 2020 Harps Food Stores, Inc. announced in a press release it “has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 20 stores across northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri from Town and Country Grocers of Fredericktown, Mo., Inc. The transaction remains subject to ordinary due diligence including approval from the Town and Country shareholders...

The Highland City Council held their regular meeting March 10 with a sewer ordinance being the main topic of discussion. Fire Chief Kal Dienst was first to give his department report. He told the council the department had updated their backpack blowers...

The Ash Flat City Council held their regular meeting March 10. The meeting began with department reports, the first to report was Fire Chief Stacey Horton. Horton said his department and Ozarka College would be hosting a storm spotters class taught by the National Weather Service March 24 at 6 p.m. in the lecture hall. He said the class was open to the public. (The meeting has since been canceled)...

For the last 12 years, Jerry and Barbara Lee have spent a part of each week volunteering at the Cherokee Village Animal Shelter taking care of the cat house. According to the couple, they moved to the area in 1987 and operated a small store called Rain Barrell Antiques...