State government will collect more in tax revenue this year than previously estimated, according to a revised forecast by the Department of Finance and Administration. The department notified the Legislative Council that revenue for the current fiscal year would be $246 million more than was projected earlier, when legislators finalized a state budget...

Chance Clements is cowboy through and through and has made two appearances in big time rodeo finals. Clements is an eight-year-old who is in the third grade at Salem Elementary School. He rides sheep, mini broncs and mini bulls. He is a member of the World Championship Miniature Bullriding Association (WCMBA) and the International Miniature Rodeo Association (IMRA). ...

An upcoming Fall Festival event, put on by the Bull Shoals Theatre of Arts and the Bull Shoals Lake White River Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Oct. 22 and 23. The event will be in Mountain Village 1890, located at 1011 CS Woods Blvd., Bull Shoals, Ark...

A Salem business owner turned himself in following an arrest warrant being issued on Oct. 7 for theft of property (greater than $25,000), a class B felony. On Sept. 7, Rusty Wubker Jr., 27, who owns JW Construction, was hired to construct a new house. ...

Fulton County’s oldest veteran, William “Bill” Strauss is very popular in his community, rightfully and deservingly so. Strauss is preparing to celebrate his 102nd birthday on Wednesday, Oct. 27. Individuals are encouraged to send birthday cards and well wishes to Strauss at: PO Box 401, Salem AR 72576...

On Sept. 30, James Haney, 33, was arrested on a felony warrant. On Sept. 29, Brian Crawford, 36, was arrested for third degree battery, and felony criminal mischief. On Sept. 27, Lisa Allard, 53, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant. On Sept. 27, Sonya Bryant, 52, was arrested for driving on suspended, and no taillights...

The Ash Flat City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Ash Flat Fire Station. Mayor Larry Fowler presided over the proceedings. After the minutes from the September meeting were approved, along with the current agenda, the meeting continued...

Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts recently issued two press releases regarding separate incidents, both in Cave City, however. Young female found deceased On Oct. 12, at 5:33 p.m., Central Dispatch received a 911 call of a deceased female at 18 St. John’s Apartments in Cave City. ...

The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) essay competition for middle school and high school students is Oct. 31. The essay competition gives students of all backgrounds a chance to win cash prizes and/or scholarship money toward their continuing education...

The Hardy History Association (HHA) met Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Hardy Church of Christ. President Darlene Wilson opened the meeting with a warm welcome to members and guests attending either in person or via Facebook live, as well as thanking the Hardy Church of Christ for hosting the meeting...

Because of Columbus Day, the Sharp County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Sharp County Courthouse. Sharp County Judge Gene Moore opened the meeting with all of the JPs present. After the minutes from the September meeting were approved, the meeting proceeded with the financial report...

The City of Thayer met for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 13 Council addressed an issue with the minutes. Alderwoman Janice Tolar stated there was concern with a previous motion that needed to be rescinded. Council approved to do so with Tolar, Ken McKenzie and Dirk Schultz and Tolar in favor and Alderman King opposing...

The City of Thayer met for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 13 Council addressed an issue with the minutes. Alderwoman Janice Tolar stated there was concern with a previous motion that needed to be rescinded. Council approved to do so with Tolar, Ken McKenzie and Dirk Schultz and Tolar in favor and Alderman King opposing...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce discussed preparing for the upcoming Spooktacular at their regular monthly meeting held on Thursday, Oct. 14 at Spring Dipper Ice Cream Parlor in Mammoth Spring. Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce President Trena Spears called the meeting to order. She discussed expenses including purchasing candy for Spooktacular as well as other expenses for advertising, purchasing t-shirts, etc. The financial report was approved...

Citizens gathered at Thayer City Hall to voice their concerns and share ideas for city growth on Wednesday, Oct. 13. State Representative David Evans from Howell County addressed the crowd about 2020 census results informing that Oregon and Howell counties both had reported decreases in population. ...

Members of Highland Elks Lodge #2539 in Cherokee Village and Ladies Auxiliary members made five plarn (plastic yarn) sleeping mats which will be donated to Mission of Hope in Hardy to be used for the homeless, including homeless veterans. Each 6’ long x 2 ½’ wide mat is made from 800 plastic grocery bags that are cut into strips, then looped together, rolled into balls and finally crocheted into mats. ...

Izard County 4-H members were invited to attend Izard County’s October Quorum Court again this year in honor of National 4-H Month recognition. County Judge Eric Smith signed the 4-H proclamation recognizing 4-H in Izard County at the Oct. 5 meeting...

The Viola City Council met Monday, Oct. 11. Mayor Jackie Estes called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present: Council members Mike Sherman, Robert Lash, Jerry Allen and Brandi Johnson; Water Superintendent Joel Huett and Bookkeeper Sarah Huett...

Two years ago, the Calico Rock Community Foundation board of trustees authorized a major expansion of the Calico Rock Museum & Visitor Center. Being completed in phases, the expansion is progressing and nearing completion. In early 2020, just days before the pandemic rocked the world, the expansion opened phase 1. ...

Shelby Bunch was a very instrumental member in starting Sharp County 4-H’s Vet Science Club. She graduated in May 2021 from Cave City High School with Honors. She is now a freshman at Lyon College in Batesville, double majoring in Biology and Chemistry in pursuant of an advanced degree in veterinary science. ...

The Hardy City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 5 at city hall at 6 p.m. Mayor Ernie Rose brought the meeting to order with the entire council present. The minutes from the September meeting, and the current meeting’s agenda, were approved. Proceedings continued with the Advertising and Promotions Commission (A&P) report. ...

The Cherokee Village (CV) Suburban Improvement District (SID) held a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Omaha Center. This meeting was to address several issues of concern among citizens regarding the pending settlement agreement in the lawsuit against the City of CV and CVSID. The settlement agreement is not finalized until the judge in the case rules on it on Oct. 20...

The Sharp County Regional Airport Authority (SCRAA) held its monthly board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. at the airport terminal in Cherokee Village. Board Chairman Larry Thomas called the meeting to order. Treasurer Peggy Long updated board members of the airport’s revenue for September. ...

The Sharp County Farm Bureau held its 2021 annual meeting on Oct. 4 at the Sharp County Fairgrounds. After the business part of the meeting, a barbecue dinner was offered as the bureau acknowledged and honored many who have served the farm community over the year...

If a little nip in the air, longer shadows and multi-colored leaves floating from the trees doesn’t put you in a fall mood and holiday spirit, perhaps some of these semi-local seasonal events will. The Couch PTO will host its annual “Trunk or Treat” on Friday, Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Couch School between the lunchroom and high school buildings...

With the recent renovations coming to the Jim Hinkle National Fish Hatchery announced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently, it is already a given that will be a boost to Fulton County. The timing couldn’t have been any better as just days after the groundbreaking ceremony, a fishing guide’s own personal catch would be a sign of things to come. However, local fisherman and river guide, Tim Shannon, believes it is all “a God thing.”...

On Saturday, Oct. 9, Oregon County Health Department reported three additional cases of COVID-19. One of the cases has a Myrtle address and two have a Thayer address. As of press time on Tuesday, Oct. 12, there was 13 known active cases in the county, currently isolating under Public Health Guidance...

Mammoth Spring Council addressed city business during their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 4. An attendee addressed council regarding an issue with previous repairs to leaks behind Ozark Heritage Mall. The leaks impact the American Legion location in the basement, filling it with water. She was informed it was out of the city’s hands and she needed to contact the American Legion...

To treat others with respect, be kind, a good student, a good citizen, a good friend, a good leader and courageous in difficult times were all parts of a presentation for some area students when Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft visited Thayer Elementary School the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 6...

The Melbourne School District recently said goodbye to an employee after more than four decades. Glenda Greenstreet spent 43 years with the district and began retirement on Sept. 30. Technology Coordinator Leeanna Hoskinds sent a press release about Greenstreet and her time with the district. ...

With the recent renovations coming to the Jim Hinkle National Fish Hatchery announced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently, it is already a given that will be a boost to Fulton County. The timing couldn’t have been any better as just days after the groundbreaking ceremony, a fishing guide’s own personal catch would be a sign of things to come. However, local fisherman and river guide, Tim Shannon, believes it is all “a God thing.”...

After 42 years in law enforcement, Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork has made the decision to officially retire. Announced at a recent Fulton County Quorum Court meeting, the sheriff sites doctor’s orders for less stress and seeing the department at the top of its game as the main reasons for retirement...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, time set aside to remind those how important education and early detection is in taking charge of one’s health. There are many resources for women for this important medical checkup. In Oregon County, one resource includes the Oregon County Health Department, who provides services through Show Me Healthy Women. This program offers free breast and cervical screenings for Missouri women who meet guidelines including age, income and insurance...

The Koshkonong Museum is scheduled to be open every second and third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located on the corner of Luyster and School Street in Koshkonong, the building is full of local historical treasures for visitors to enjoy viewing. Since its open house, six more exhibits have been installed with lights including old school annuals. In addition, displays and artifacts that had mildew were treated. Mildew is no longer an issue as central heat and air was installed...

Areawide Media is going through some changes. Our printing schedule for The News and The South Missourian News has changed. The papers will be available to be picked up after 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at our Salem and Thayer locations. Rack copies will be available in the afternoon on Wednesdays...

Fulton County Quorum Court met in regular session on Monday, Sept. 20 in the Hickinbotham-Miller Building, located at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. Fulton County Judge Gary Clayton opened the meeting and roll call was taken. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved. JP Joanna DeFoe requested a budget detail on the library for next month...

The collapse of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, plunged the nation into a period of devastation and confusion. As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approached this year, I found myself wanting to know more about the aftermath of that day: How were Americans able to to sort through all of the rubble and debris and move forward in the midst of their grief?...

The Cherokee Village (CV) Suburban Improvement District (SID) met on Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. at the Omaha Center. Two Commissioners, Jim Best and Tim Lee, held the meeting with a large audience present. Commissioner Best called the meeting to order. When there were no comments from the audience on the meeting’s agenda, the two commissioners approved the minutes from the August meeting...

Here it is, the fall of 2021, and we are still talking about the COVID pandemic. My gosh, over a year and a half ago we thought for sure we’d be past this by now, but we’re not…why? This battle has been ongoing, seemingly never-ending, because our foe is a very tricky devil who is capable of changing into forms that dodge our efforts to bring it down, those efforts being the vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J)...

The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) is holding a local, state and ultimately national competition for middle school and high school students of all backgrounds and school localities to win cash prizes and/or scholarship money for their continuing education. This is a great opportunity for students to use their writing skills toward expressing their patriotism and thoughts on the future of the United States of America...

The Cherokee Village (CV) City Council met Thursday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Russ Stokes called the meeting to order. The current meeting’s agenda was approved and the minutes from the August council meeting and the two special meetings on Aug. 26 and 27 were discussed. Minutes from the Aug. 27 meeting were given to council members who had not yet received them. The minutes from all three August meetings were then approved by council...

The arrival of fall often means fall festivals. Last year, many events were not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many event coordinators have made the decision to carry on with their annual event in 2021. This weekend, the Black Gold Walnut Festival will be held. ...

Thayer Mayor Kenny Cotham via a press release announced on Thursday, Sept. 23 “that Excalibur Funding LLC has terminated its contract to purchase the River Country Chevrolet property. My understanding is that some additional time was necessary for approval of the title work. ...

Seeking to improve office space and to house city hall and the police department in one building, Alton City Hall has moved to a new location. Mid-September, the office officially moved to its new location on the square after being at its old location on Pine Street for more than 20 years...