To show appreciation for area emergency personnel, a grab ’n go style barbecue lunch was held at the pavilion in Mammoth Spring State Park. As an EMS worker himself, Tommy Crowell decided to cook up a special barbecue meal for workers to stop by from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16...

Oregon County Library District patrons now have a new reading resource available at their fingertips as Ebooks is now offered, which will allow access free Ebooks, audiobooks and magazines through the Oregon County Library District. As simple as downloading the Libby by Overdrive app from one’s app store on their Android, iPhone, iPad/iPod touch or Windows 10 device, those with district library card may sign in to browse the library’s collection and borrow. ...

A ribbon cutting ceremony and public meeting was held at Grand Gulf State Park on Saturday, Oct. 17. Work done at the park has included a new platform and eight new interpretative panels featuring information about the park. “We are here to celebrate the construction project, but also the interpretive project that just lends to the value of the park itself,” said Missouri State Parks Deputy Director Brian Stith...

A three-vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Highways 63 and 19 on Monday, Oct. 19. The accident occurred when southbound 2003 Toyota Tacoma driven by Matthew D. Conely, 33, of Thayer, pulled into the path of the southbound 2015 GMC 3500 driven by Randy McClanahan, 44, of Alton. A northbound 2019 RAM 2500 driven by Daryl Bradford, 49, of Willow Springs, then struck the vehicle driven by McClanahan...

Art is an expression of imagination and skill that can transform one’s perspective and feelings. It can also help in bringing a community together. One example of this are murals that express the uniqueness of communities throughout the country as well as highlight the people of the community...

The Highland City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 13. The meeting began with department reports. Fire Chief Kal Diesnt was absent, however; Mayor Russell Truitt publicly thanked the responding departments who helped to extinguish the recent apartment complex fire...

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to many events in 2020. Through Halloween might look differently this year, several Halloween and fall events are still being planned. Evening Shade Community Events will hold a family friendly seasonal event Oct. ...

The Ash Flat City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 13. Department reports were first to be presented. Fire Chief Stacy Horton said the department responded to 33 calls for service. Ash Flat Police Officer Allan Wallace provided the police department report in the absence of Chief Steve Powell...

The Cherokee Village City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 15 during which, the second reading of the proposed short term rental ordinance was passed. The meeting began with property owner comments related to agenda items. Peter Martin approached the podium to inquire as to why the ordinance was only dealing with short term rentals (29 days or less)...

Following a recent incident in which needles were discarded in the recycling bin of the City of Ash Flat, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department has offered to dispose of “sharps” for citizens of Sharp County. “I was contacted recently about needles being discarded in the recycling there in Ash Flat. I think some people think because the tube is made of plastic, they can recycle those but that isn’t the case,” Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts said...

Emerson to open manufacturing facility in Ash Flat, create 245 new jobs Emerson will open a new facility in Ash Flat, where it plans to invest $35 million and create approximately 245 new jobs within four years. “We greatly appreciate the support of Governor Hutchinson, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority and the other local, state and federal officials who helped to finalize plans for our new location in Ash Flat,” said Craig Sumner, president of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio in North America. ...

Ashton Cowan of Melbourne has been awarded the Tom Smith Memorial Scholarship for the 2020-21 academic year at Ozarka College. The scholarship will be awarded in two increments: $250 for the fall semester and $250 for the spring semester. The family of Tom W. ...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce met at Woods Riverbend Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 8. Though most of the year’s events have been canceled, the chamber is still planning its annual Christmas parade. President Trena Spears welcomed those in attendance and shared condolences about the community’s loss of Steve Russell. He was a Mammoth Spring resident Russell was active in the chamber and overall community, serving on many boards and always lending a helping hand...

As a result of a traffic stop on Oct. 7, by Trooper Lively, in Calico Rock where methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located, Amanda Hatfield, 32, of Calico Rock, was charged with possession of a controlled substance; to wit methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hatfield’s bond was set at $10,000 professional with a court date in the Izard County Circuit Court of Oct. 28...

Decisions regarding our state budget show the priorities we make as a state. The budget-making process has a direct impact on everything from classrooms to health care. Budget hearings began Tuesday, Oct. 13, and are scheduled to conclude Nov. 1. The Joint Budget Committee sits with the Arkansas Legislative Committee as voting participants in the hearings, creating the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget Committee...

A civil lawsuit was filed against the Municipal Recreational Facilities Improvement District (MRID) No. 80-1 of the City of Horseshoe Bend and City of Horseshoe Bend in Izard County Oct. 6. The recent increase of the annual levy of the assessment of benefits paid by citizens was the cause for the suit, according to suit documents, filed by Eric Graetz on behalf of himself and all other taxpayers similarly situated...

The Fulton County Clerk’s Office would like to remind residents of the voting locations and dates, as some locations have changed. Early voting is taking place at the Miller-Hickinbotham Building, located at 124 Arena Lane (the Fulton County Fairgrounds) in Salem, Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting will also be available on Saturday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will also be open on Monday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m...

Baxter Regional Behavioral Health sponsored the Project Semicolon Suicide Prevention Awareness art contest, and although it could not be held at the hospital this year, Program Director Jodi Leeker partnered with the Viola High School Art Department for a smaller scale competition. All students were given the opportunity to compete for prizes from Baxter Regional with their submissions based on suicide awareness...

Connor Robbins is a young Fulton County man who was involved in a life altering car accident on July 7. For the next few weeks, Robbins and his family fought for his life in a Springfield hospital. Prayer chains immediately started, keeping close friends and family back home in Fulton County informed about his progress, which at first seemed bleak...

“I cannot put into words the feeling I felt whenever I heard the words “you have cancer,” said Stephanie Honeycutt-Smith, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s. A resident of West Plains and Oregon County native, Smith was diagnosed in April of 2012 after a self-exam...

Recently, I had an opportunity to hear Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn speak at the Webster County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. You’ll rarely find a more enthusiastic champion for Missouri agriculture. A fifth-generation Missouri farmer, Chinn and her husband operate a 1,600-sow hog facility and feed mill in Shelby County. ...

Grand Gulf State Park, located on Hwy. W outside of Thayer, has recently seen improvements and construction. The public is invited to view these upgrades at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9:45 a.m. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will present improvements made to the park, including construction of a new overlook platform and installation of eight new interpretive panels. ...

By Richard Proffer, Community Economic Development Field Specialist A question facing many rural towns today is how can they survive? They are losing population, youth and jobs. How can it be turned around? A turn around in small towns can happen if the community is willing to commit to its future and make the necessary changes. Not as easy as it sounds but it can be done...

Grand Gulf State Park, located on Hwy. W outside of Thayer, has recently seen improvements and construction. The public is invited to view these upgrades at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9:45 a.m. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will present improvements made to the park, including construction of a new overlook platform and installation of eight new interpretive panels. ...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce met at Woods Riverbend Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 8. Though most of the year’s events have been canceled, the chamber is still planning its annual Christmas parade. President Trena Spears welcomed those in attendance and shared condolences about the community’s loss of Steve Russell, who was a Mammoth Spring resident. Russell was active in the chamber and overall community, serving on many boards and always lending a helping hand...

The South Missourian News reported in June about Oregon County’s “cautious” plans to spend $1,235,262 – the amount received from state officials as part of the CARES Act funding. At that time, Oregon County Presiding Commissioner Patrick Ledgerwood said not a dime had been spent, as guidelines for how the money could be spent were still evolving...

As a result of the uniqueness of this public health situation and its ever-evolving status, I am writing to inform you as to the most recent activities and efforts underway at Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) related to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic...

The Arkansas PBS Foundation announced today that it is joining other Arkansas organizations in a public awareness campaign highlighting National Estate Planning Awareness Week, Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 25. Arkansas PBS Foundation will recognize National Estate Planning Awareness Week by providing local residents with free estate planning booklets. ...

A Loser’s Tale In memory of my uncle, Charles Counts, 1947-1983. As Veteran’s Day nears, I think of my Uncle Chuck. Living on Little Shawnee Creek outside of Eminence, Mo., he never lost his love of fishing. Adored by his three older sisters, my mom among them, he was their baby, and they carried him on their hips until his feet dragged the ground...

When thinking of breast cancer, almost everyone attributes it as a disease which only females are prone to receiving a diagnosis for. From pink ribbons and balloons down to the ink used to provide educational materials, a simple online search yields thousands of images which are geared toward awareness for females...

The Quad Cites Rotary Club of Sharp County is now selling live evergreen Christmas wreaths as a 2020 fundraising project. Rotarians are offering sales now through Nov. 4. Wreaths may be purchased from any Rotarian in the area; prices start at just $25...

The Sharp County Quorum Court held its regular meeting Oct. 5. The first item addressed was the county treasurer’s report. County Treasurer Wanda Girtman said the county received the second largest sales tax check during the month of September. “It continues to surprise me,” Girtman said. “We’re holding.”...

The Encourager; coming to your town. The week of Oct. 8, Nathaniel Thomas, known as the Arkansas Running Man, made his way through parts of Sharp County. On Oct. 8, he made a stop in Ash Flat where he first visited the Veteran’s Memorial before making his way to meet with and encourage all those he came across...

Residents of Ozark Acres can expect changes to their water services following a meeting Oct. 6 when the Ozark Acres Water Board voted to approve a contract with Clear Water Utility Management Services LLC to manage the Ozark Acres Water Association...

The Ash Flat Rocks and Cherokee Village Rocks clubs will hold a Rock Painting Get Together Meet and Greet at Tohi Trail located on Hosptial Drive in Cherokee Village Oct. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The co-hosted event will take place at the pavilion with access to restrooms and water...

The Hardy History Association (HHA) held a surprise dedication of their new museum library Oct. 5 in honor of Jeff Munroe, a volunteer who donated his time and effort to help make the library a reality. Munroe is a long term area resident. He and his wife moved to Hardy in 2017 when they purchased and renovated the old Hardy Pottery Shop building on Main Street...

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, Cherokee Village Police Department and Sharp County Coroner Renee Clay-Circle responded to a call at the hiking trail adjacent to Flathead Bridge in Cherokee Village Sept. 29 after a couple walking the trail discovered the body of a deceased male...

The Cherokee Village City Council held its regular meeting Sept 17. Prior to the approval of the agenda, Councilman Chuck Kristopeit requested he be allowed to report on the recently held public meeting regarding improvements to the Sante Fe Addition in Cherokee Village...

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the Cave City, Highland, Ash Flat and Cherokee Village Police Departments, are gearing up for the annual Shop With a Cop event slated for Dec. 12. According to Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts, due to COVID-19, the traditional fundraisers the departments would hold were unable to take place and this year’s event will look different than in years past...

The Knights of Columbus will hold their annual yard sale at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Oct. 10 from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. According to Chuck Wolff, the proceeds raised during the yard sale are used to help provide for those in need and to help fund the many charitable projects held by the organization...

The Hardy History Association held its regular membership meeting Oct. 1 at the Hardy Civic Center. The meeting opened with a welcome from President Darlene Wilson, as well as an update of the board meeting held just prior to the membership meeting...

Centennial Bank in Highland has partnered with the Department of Human Services (DHS) for the eighth annual Coat Drive which will provide coats for children in Sharp and Fulton counties this year. According to Amber Griffin, project head at Centennial Bank, with the support of the community, more than 650 coats have been distributed to the children of Sharp County since the project’s inception...

Ozarka College was selected as a recipient of the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant, a federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Labor and Delta Regional Authority.  Ozarka was awarded $1.47 million toward a three-year workforce development initiative based at Ozarka’s new Carpenter Technical Center in Ash Flat, Ark...

The Salem City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24 in the City Council Meeting Room at City Hall. All members participated. Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. The first order of business was to consider the minutes from the August meeting. The minutes were presented and approved...

Fulton County Quorum Court met Sept. 14 to discuss unfinished business (a hazard mitigation plan), an update on the judge’s research on a new courtroom proposal and an update on the Humprey’s Ford Bridge (Spring River Bridge). Fulton County Treasurer Barry Abney was first to give his report. ...

As of this summer, Fulton County has been collecting the one-cent sales tax implemented by voters for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, for one year. According to information from Fulton County Treasurer Barry Abney, in 2019, the tax generated $481,446.69 and so far for 2020, has generated $592,993.01. Though passed in a special election held in December 2018, the tax didn’t go into effect until April 1, 2019 and June 2019 is the first record of the sales tax...

An opportunity has been made available for those who have warrants or fines in Fulton County according to an announcement made by Fulton County District Judge Larry Kissee. Kissee said from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, anyone who has a warrant or owes a fine in Fulton County, the City of Salem or the City of Mammoth Spring has an opportunity to clear the fine at half cost...

The Fulton, Sharp and Izard County Clerk’s Offices are all urging residents to take advantage of an online program that can educate voters. Voter View is an option found on the Secretary of State’s website that allows Arkansas residents to enter their name and birthdate to receive vital voting information. ...

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education...