A motocross track has been reopened in Oregon County and held their first race, the Ark-Mo Top Dog Spring Series 2019, on Saturday, March 16 with approximately 50 riders participating. Participants included all ages of categories and classes ranging from seven to eight-year-old, 10-year-old and different classes depending on ages as well as women’s class, seniors, veterans, ATV and much more ranging from beginner to expert levels. ...

It was a fun-filled time at the annual Bluebird Day held at Mammoth Spring State Park on Saturday, March 16. Participants attended to build their own bluebird houses as all ages enjoyed the activity held at the park pavilion. The event was held in conjunction with Mammoth Spring Arbor Day and Eastern Redbud trees were given away...

Thayer City Council met on Tuesday, March 13 for their regular monthly meeting. Before beginning the meeting, a moment was taken to congratulate Thayer Lady Bobcats for winning the state championship. After approving the consent agenda including the meeting minutes, court report, fire department minutes and the financial report for February and bills paid and to be paid, a request by Alderman Stephen Clark to amend the agenda in three places this included a discussion with representatives from Thayer High School, hay lease and an employee attending MIRMA Spring Conference.. ...

University of Missouri Extension of Oregon County welcomed guests to their annual dinner Friday, March 15, which was held at Thayer Elementary cafeteria and catered by Thayer School Connie Ward – Thayer School Food Service Director. Agronomist Jamie Gundel informed attendees of upcoming programs including a workshop on growing succulants on Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. ...

Dr. Scott Ream was appointed to the State Board of Optometry by Governor Mike Parsons on Feb. 21. With businesses in Thayer and West Plains, Ream has still found the time to visit third-world countries to help provide eye exams and eyeglasses. Senate confirmation for the five-year term will be March 27 and the first meeting to be held in June...

The Viola Solid Rock Assembly of God (VSRAG) is certainly working to make a difference in northern Arkansas as they work to partner with churches in surrounding counties to help improve the quality of life for the people they serve. Earlier this month, the Convoy of Hope traveled to the church in Viola to hold a training for pastors and leaders who attended...

The annual Spring Cleanup event for the City of Salem is slated for March 25. According to a press release issued by Salem Mayor Daniel Busch, city trucks will run all streets in Salem during the cleanup. This cleanup is to help pick up accumulations of items that are not normally covered under the regular weekly trash pickup...

University of Arkansas’ Division of Agriculture: Research and Extension program has offices in each of the 75 counties in the state. The program’s mission statement is, “We strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.” The Fulton County Extension Office displays the mission with a well-rounded staff; a staff that has recently seen some changes...

The proposed sewer plant for Viola residents is set to “break ground” by the end of the year, according to City of Viola Mayor Jackie Estes. A special meeting was held Thursday, March 14 for the opportunity to ask additional questions of John Selig, of Civil Engineering Associates in Jonesboro, Ark., regarding the final plans of the sewer project. Following the meeting was an easement signing for property owners whose land will be accessed during the installation...

Michael Bailey is not your typical high school student, although he is capable in many areas, he suffers from a disease known as Arthrogryphosis, which translates to crooked joints. A “Wheels of Independence” fundraiser will be held for Bailey at the Cave City Gym, Saturday March 23 beginning at 4 p.m. with food served at 5 p.m...

Sharp County officials held a meeting with the Arkansas Jail Standards Committee March 14 to discuss the progress and planning of the proposed plans for a new facility in Sharp County. The controversial issue of whether or not to pass a 3/4 cent sales tax to pay for a new jail facility was placed before the Sharp County voters in November 2018. ...

The Sharp County Quorum Court held their regular meeting March 11. Treasurer Wanda Girtman gave the treasurer’s report stating sales tax was down for the month but the county was still ahead for the year. “I was disappointed in the sales tax check this month. I was hoping it’d go better than $90,000...

Detective Cody Bailey with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department recently took a few minutes to speak with the Villager Journal about multiple scams which have been reported and how they are impacting residents of the area. Recently, there was a report from another news agency which reported a woman who had fallen prey to a scam costing her approximately $30,000...

The Highland City Council met March 12 during which they discussed signage and more. Following the approval of the minutes, Cleatus Wiles made a presentation to the council in regards to signage in the city. Wiles began by handing out a paperwork to the council depicting the location and plans he had in mind...

The Ash Flat City Council met March 12. Fireman Adam Bates delivered the fire report announcing the department had hosted a In Woods/Logger Rescue Class. Bates stated the class had been taught by a professional logger with approximately 54 people in attendance from state and local agencies as well as citizens...

The 2018-19 Thayer Lady Bobcats Basketball Team made history this weekend, winning the school’s first ever basketball state championship. The team’s advancement to the Final Four created much excitement in Thayer and surrounding areas. A town send off took place Friday morning as the Lady Bobcats began their journey to the JQH Arena in Springfield...

Mammoth Spring City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, March 4. Before council addressed city business, Fulton County Judge Jim Kendrick addressed the council and those in attendance. He stated he will not be at all city council meetings but will be available when needed. ...

State Sen. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville, was pleased to welcome Peggy Flood, the reigning Ms. Missouri State Nursing Home Queen, to the chamber of the Missouri Senate, Wednesday, March 6. A resident of Shady Oaks Healthcare of Thayer, Ms. Flood was crowned in August during a statewide competition sponsored by the Missouri Health Care Association...

Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT) was formed to provide advanced technological training and education to surrounding communities as a collaboration between Missouri State University – West Plains, South Central Career Center and the city of West Plains; out of a realized need to provide qualified employees after the city lost two major employees...

Fulton County Quorum Court met with a full agenda and another full courtroom on Monday, March 11. Prior to quorum court, the six committees created by the new administration were spread out in various rooms throughout the courthouse, holding their first meetings. Representatives from each committee spoke later during the meeting...

The Izard County Quorum Court voted to pass an addendum to their contract with Vita Link, the county’s Emergency Medical Services ambulance provider which would allow for a reduction in the number of ambulances operating in the county during their regular meeting March 5...

Those who frequent the Salem Senior Life Center welcomed a familiar guest during lunch on Thursday, March 7. Darrell Zimmer, and wife Lena, were guests of honor for a special presentation at the center. Following lunch, Salem Senior Life Center Director Jody Sparks called everyone’s attention to the front of the room where she was joined by former director Julie Milburn and former Fulton County Judge Darrell Zimmer...

The Cave City School District is making history by making an the addition to the athletics department by offering soccer as an elective sport for the first time. According to coach John Beller, it was brought before the Cave City School Board prior to the start of the school year...

Multiple law enforcement agencies, emergency responders and medical personnel responded to a call for help March 9 near Papoose Park in Cherokee Village. According to information obtained from the Cherokee Village Police Department, at approximately 4:43 p.m., on Saturday a 911 call was received reporting a man who believed he was being followed and seemed confused...

The Hardy City Council held their regular meeting March 5. Following the passing of amended minutes, Freda Mae Gamblin took to the podium to speak to the council about the upcoming Easter event sponsored by the Highland Elks and City of Hardy. Gamblin shared with the city the needs and responsibility of each party. The council briefly discussed the addition of food vendors and encouraged the solicitation of additional vendors...

Freddie Howard Johnston, 36, accepted a plea deal sentencing him to 360 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections March 6 before Circuit Judge Harold Erwin. The plea agreement for the charge of murder in the second degree came following an incident in November 2017 when Sharp County Dispatch received a report of a possible shooting on Agnos Road...

The town of Sidney is gearing up for the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration slated for March 16. Each year, the sleepy town comes to life in a sea of green with the annual parade, BBQ contest and other events. The events will begin at 10 a.m. with a silent auction. Throughout the day, there will be games, an obstacle course, photo opportunities with Lucky the Leprechaun and more...

The third annual breakfast fundraising event to benefit the part time officers of the Highland Police Department will be held March 16 at the Highland Assembly of God Church in Highland from 7 to 9 a.m. According to Highland Police Chief Shane Russell, the funds raised are used to help offset costs of items needed to help equip the department’s part time officers...

A proposed bill, HB 1540 could mean a new start for many Arkansans with certain criminal records. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Justin Boyd (R), if passed, would establish a process by which records of certain criminal offenses to be automatically removed following a certain period of time...

The public is invited to Art After Hours to enjoy a night of food, art and fun. The event will be held at the Spring River Innovation Hub, located inside Cherokee Village Town Center, on Tuesday, March 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get an exclusive tour of the Arkansas Artmobile visiting from Little Rock, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks from Chow on the Square, and listen to great music by Dylan Kane...

The Old Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force Reunion was awarded the Henry Award for the Grand Old Classic Special Event at the 45th Annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in Hot Springs, Ark. The award was announced Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Governor’s Banquet...

Mammoth Spring Police Chief Michael Davis, of the Mammoth Spring Police Department, was alerted of a suspicious man attempting in cash a stolen money order. When he arrived on scene, Davis took 24-year-old Harley A. Tibbits, of Mammoth Spring, in custody with several stolen money orders from Missouri...

There are a few local positions up for election in the upcoming April election. Following is a list of those for cities and schools. For the City of Alton, Holly Reese and John Wheeler are running for the two aldermen positions open. There are four vying for position of alderman for the City of Koshkonong. They include an incumbant running for re-election Matthew (Codey) Bryant, Vonda Collins, Thomas Lowe and James Barnett...

Koshkonong FFA Alumni Chapter will hold its annual consignment auction and craft bizarre on Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Koshkonong School. The mission of the event is raise funds to help Koshkonong students. The funds help FFA students with scholarships, in addition to if they need help purchasing their jackets and attending conventions...

Due to the advancement of the Lady Bobcats to the final four, The Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area – Thayer Branch has rescheduled the Super Hero Day to Saturday, March 23. This fun-filled event is a way to raise funds for activities for members. It will feature many games and concessions for sons and moms to enjoy in addition to the opportunity to win door prizes including two bikes and two mom gift baskets...

To help combat the foster family to foster children ratio, Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is hosting an event for those who are interested in being a foster family. In Fulton County, families who have an interest in becoming a foster parents with DHS’ Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), can attend the “Fishing for Fosters” event on Thursday, March 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Orange Room at NAEC in Salem...

Salem City Council met Thursday, Feb. 28 for its regular monthly meeting. Once minutes of the previous meeting and the financial report review were approved, department reports were given. With the city’s new chip truck up and running, council members originally discussed selling the old Dodge chip truck. ...

The Izard County EMS Board held a special meeting Feb. 25 to discuss the upcoming changes proposed by Vita Link, the county’s ambulance service provider. Over the course of the past several months, the ambulance service, EMS Board and Izard County Quorum Court have been in discussion concerning costs, run volume and the number of trucks (ambulances) in operation at any given time within the county...

According to documents filed at the Sharp County Courthouse Feb. 15, Robert Carpenter, 45, of Cave City, is facing several felonies following an incident which took place Feb. 1. According to the affidavit for warrant of arrest, dispatch received a 911 call from a victim asking for help stating her ex-boyfriend was shooting at her boyfriend...

According to documents obtained from the Sharp County Court Hosue filed Feb. 28, Dawn Brewer, 37, of Highland, is facing multiple felony charges including abuse of an endangered or impaired person. According to the affidavit for warrant of arrest, in October, of 2018, a report was filed at the Cherokee Village Police Department from an elderly victim who stated he believed Brewer had stolen his money...

Highland Assembly of God is gearing up to host the Triumphant Quartet, one of the top ranking southern gospel groups in the nation March 14 at 6 p.m. According to Highland Assembly of God Pastor, this is just one of many events to come. “Now that we have the new facility, we want to start opening it up for all different kind of events. ...

The Cherokee Village Lions Club is gearing up for their annual community dance slated for March 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Omaha Center in Cherokee Village. Tickets to the event are $10 and light refreshments will be provided. The theme for this year’s event is A Masquerade...