Ozark Action, Inc., recently announced its weatherization department has received extra funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (Cares) Act. In a press release from the organization, it was stated, “The $58,842 in CARES Act money is being provided through one of the main funding sources for the OAI Weatherization program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and is part of a nearly $2 million boost in LIHEAP weatherization funding for the state of Missouri. ...

Driving into Thayer from the north, visitors are welcomed with at new sign featuring the 2018-2019 Class 2 State Champions. Instrumental in the installment of the sign was former Lady Bobcat Lashanda Grooms. Donnie Thornton, with Thayer School District, stated sGrooms paid for the repairing of the billboard so the sign could be put up and is not charging rent for the picture to be featured on the billboard...

District 15 Oregon and Ozark Counties has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. District 15 Oregon County has been chosen to receive $5,012 and Ozark County $4,244 for Phase 38 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the two counties via State Set-Aside Allotment...

As many are aware, Ingle Hotel Café recently closed. However, this has not interfered with the mission of the building, to provide a domestic and sexual violence shelter. Selah Place, which owns the building, is now leasing the downstairs to Life360 Community Services for one year. Both are non-profit organizations...

“They can’t ever say we’re not out there giving it our all,” said Salem High School’s new head girls basketball coach, Josh Bateman. At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, coach Josh Bateman was hired at Salem High School. After having coached boys basketball at Tuckerman and Bay High Schools, Bateman moved to Salem because of the area and community...

Areawide Media welcomes Salem High School Senior JR Schaufler to the Salem office as an intern. Schaufler has an interest in pursuing a career in journalism once he graduates high school later this spring. He will be attending college in the fall, but in the meantime, is reporting to Areawide Media for several hours a week...

Though much of 2020 was covered in COVID-19 news, there were still many local happenings unrelated to the pandemic. Take a look back at the top local news stories from July to December in 2020. July Despite having to cancel the traditional 2020 Fulton County Fair, volunteers and Fulton County Fair Manager Carolyn Lewis found ways to still celebrate. ...

The Ash Flat City Council met on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. After the minutes from the Dec. 15 meeting were approved and the council’s January agenda was accepted, the meeting proceeded with various departmental reports since December. Tracy Breckenridge, Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Department, gave his monthly report regarding repairs on several water leaks and conduits. ...

The Highland City Council met on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. Recorder/Treasurer Mary Wiles swore in the council members for the year 2021. The minutes from the Dec. 8 meeting and the current meeting’s agenda were then approved. Mary Wiles went over the treasurer’s report and overall budget from 2020, and addressed any questions on finances of individual departments. ...

www.hallmarktimes.com Dennis Sternberg, CEO of the Arkansas Rural Water Association traveled to city hall in Ash Flat Jan. 12 to present Tracy Breckenridge, water superintendent for the city, with an award on behalf of the Arkansas Rural Water Association. The award for best tasting water in the State of Arkansas places the City of Ash Flat among the top 50 destinations for best tasting water in the United States...

Though not as long ago as the first half of 2020, the second half flew by equally as fast for some. Enjoy taking a look back on the second half of top local news stories published in Villager Journal from July to December 2020. July The Arkansas State Police issued a statement that they had been asked to conduct an investigation involving the use of deadly force by several law enforcement officers during an altercation near Hardy...

The grand opening of the new Sharp County Detention Center in Ash Flat was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on a blustery Friday morning, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. After a thankful prayer by County Judge Gene Moore, Sheriff Mark Counts proceeded with introductions of several Arkansas Government officials. ...

The Calico Rock Community Foundation recently awarded $5,000 in grants to 20 local small businesses. Small businesses have been hit particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Calico Rock tourism was down 70% over the previous year. “Our local economy is dependent on tourism. Tourist dollars support our gas stations, restaurants, lodging, fishing docks and shopping. Those local businesses then support our mechanics, grocery stores, hair salons and more,” Calico Rock Mayor Greg Hamby said...

With the rapid growth in COVID-19 cases throughout the U.S. and the alarming number of deaths resulting from coronavirus (over 250,000 total cases and almost 4,000 deaths in Arkansas alone as of Jan. 9), there is an ever-pressing concern about the distribution and availability of the different COVID vaccines. ...

Viola City Council held its first meeting of 2020 with an update on the sewer system construction on Monday, Jan. 11. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Jackie Estes; Council members Brandi Johnson, Dennis Harber, Mike Sherman and Robert Lash; Water Supt. Joel Huett and Bookkeeper Sarah Huett. There were also two citizens in attendance at the meeting which was called to order by Mayor Estes at 6:30 p.m...

Fulton County Quorum Court held its first meeting of 2021 on Monday, Jan. 11 and six new Justices of Peace were sworn in by Fulton County Clerk Vickie Bishop. Once roll was taken, the treasurer’s report given by Barry Abney was approved, as well as minutes from the previous meeting...

Mammoth Spring Council addressed city business at their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 4. The meeting was closed to the public due to COVID-19 concerns. Council approved their budget for the 2021 fiscal year. A resolution regarding the new senior center to give Mayor Charles Vaughn permission to oversee the contract was approved...

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, on Wednesday, Jan. 6, the southbound 2008 Ford F250 driven by David Brown, 67, of Alton, traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned and ejected the driver. Brown was pronounced dead by Dr. Korby Pogue...

Inspired to do something extra for area senior citizens, Alton Senior Center and Thayer Fun & Friends Senior Center are working to provide Valentine’s Day gifts. “With the closure, we’re all looking for unique ways to let our seniors know we’re still here and how much we miss them,” said Regional Lead for Thayer and Alton centers, Meghan Haenel...

Students at two area schools are now receiving snacks thanks to Life360 Community Services and the USDA. Students in the Alton School District began receiving snacks on Monday, Jan. 4, which was the first day they were delivered. Alton School Superintendent Eric Allen stated Life360 Community Service contacted them “out of the blue” in November...

Ron Copeland officially began his service as state representative for the 143rd District after being sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 6 in the Missouri State Capitol. State Rep. Copeland takes his place in the Missouri House of Representatives alongside 113 of his Republican colleagues, as well as 48 Democratic members...

Ozarks Healthcare is now accepting sign-ups for those who would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available for them. Based on availability and guidance from the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services (MO DHSS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, Ozarks Healthcare will be providing the COVID-19 vaccine based on a predetermined tier system. Individuals will be identified to receive the vaccine based on risk status and occupation...

2020 was definitely a year for the record books, and a year no one will be forgetting anytime soon. Take a look back at the top news stories published in Villager Journal from January to June 2020. January James Seawell, Travis Armistade, Carlo Farruggia and Stacey Everidge were placed under arrest Dec. 20, after attempting to steal nearly $4,000 worth of merchandise from Walmart in Ash Flat. Ash Flat Police responded to the scene and was the arresting agency...

Editor’s note: If you noticed an unfamiliar name on a few articles in Villager Journal at the end of 2020, that name will gradually become more familiar. Elaine Brown is the newest member of the editorial team at Areawide Media. She will be reporting for Villager Journal, covering the top news stories in Sharp County and also reporting some in Fulton and Izard counties. She had a very interesting idea to “survey” local residents about 2020 and their hopes for 2021...

As of press time on Tuesday, Jan. 5, Oregon County Health Department confirmed 674 total cases of COVID-19 with 57 currently on isolation. The number of cases off isolation is 617. There have been 2,053 negative test results and one inconclusive. There are two current cases hospitalized and a total of 42 that have been. There have been four deaths...

The Humane Society of Missouri recently announced the removal of 17 dogs from an unlicensed dog breeder in Oregon County. In a press release, it was stated “On Tuesday, Dec. 29, the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) removed 17 dogs from the residence of an unlicensed breeder and repeat offender in Oregon County.”...

A well-rounded education is the goal of school districts for their students. For one local school, another goal has been added and that is to teach students how they may be beneficial to their community. One of Mammoth Spring School District’s newest classes, Community Service Learning, focuses on combining classroom learning goals and community service to help enhance students and the community...

With 2021 here and 2020 left in the past, here is a look back at the last half of 2020. July Oregon County Sheriff’s Office and the community mourned the passing of retired Chief Deputy Lucas “Lee” Simmons. K9 units participated in a three-day training provided by FMK9, which was held at Alton High School...

Salem Chamber of Commerce announced winners of the light contest on Dec. 18. “Thank you all for participating! The judges had a very hard time picking and town looks wonderful. May you all have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year,” said the post before listing the winners as follows...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

Early this week, Fulton County Judge Gary Clayton issued a press release in reference to Fulton County being deemed a “hot spot” for COVID-19. When asked how the county received the information, Judge Clayton said the information came from the Arkansas Department of Health...

Fulton County Chief Deputy Joe Boshears recently presented a request to Fulton County Quorum Court to pass an ordinance for the purpose of receiving grant funds of $50,000. The grant funds will pay a liaison position and create a Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program in Fulton County. ...

Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork issued a press release on Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25) about an incident which had recently occurred. “On Dec. 24, at 1:43 a.m., the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department received a call from the Fulton County Hospital [stating] that a 52-year-old hispanic male subject had just arrived by private vehicle at the ER with multiple gunshot wounds...

2020 has been a unique year. Here is a look back at local news from January to June. January Donations for Salvation Army was projected to be more than $18,000 thanks to generous community members as well as Buildings for Babies matching funds for two days in December...

As of press time on Tuesday, Dec. 29, Oregon County Health Department confirmed 618 total cases of COVID-19 with 43 currently on isolation. The number of cases off isolation is 575. There have been 2,016 negative test results and one inconclusive. There are six current cases hospitalized and a total of 42 that have been. There have been four deaths...

Early this week, Fulton County Judge Gary Clayton issued a press release in reference to Fulton County being deemed a “hot spot” for COVID-19. When asked how the county received the information, Judge Clayton said the information came from the Arkansas Department of Health...

Inspired by friendly competition as to who is able to collect the most for a good cause, area students worked to collect approximately 9,000 items for this year’s Hunger Heroes Campaign to be distributed to area food pantries. The total for Thayer School was 3,579 with Ms. Jerome’s 5th grade class collecting 649 and Ms. Hufstedler’s 1st grade class collecting 623...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

Ozarks Healthcare received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination and administered its first doses to frontline coworkers on Monday, Dec. 21. “Today is a historical moment for our organization,” Tom Keller, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. “We hope the arrival of this vaccination is the beginning of an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.”...

MDC congratulates five hunters who each harvested bull elk during inaugural season! Missouri’s first elk-hunting season ended Sunday with all five of the hunters selected for permits harvesting bull elk during the firearms portion Dec. 12-20. An archery portion ran Oct. ...

Viola City Council met on Monday, Dec. 21. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Jackie Estes, Councilmen Dennis Haber, Robert Lash, Jerry Allen, Water Supt Joel Huett, Bookkeeper Sarah Huett and several citizens. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Estes...

The Salem City Council met in the Salem City Hall Conference Room on Thursday, Dec. 17. All council members participated. Salem Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The first order of business was the consideration of minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were approved. Next, the financial report was presented, discussed and approved...

Fulton County Hospital began administering its first shipment of 20 COVID-19 vaccinations on Friday, Dec. 18, shortly after they were received. Sonja Jones, who is FCH’s Infectious Disease Director began administering the vaccines to frontline workers; those who might come in to contact more with COVID-19 positive patients. “We were only allocated 20 doses of the vaccine,” said Jones. There were more that signed up to receive it than doses actually received...

A new industry is making its way into Sharp County, which will be beneficial for the local economy in many ways. One of those benefits is the creation of jobs. Emerson prides itself on two business platforms: Automation solutions and commercial and residential solutions. Worldwide, the corporation employees 88,000 individuals in 200 manufacturing locations. Emerson was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo...

The Highland School Board acted swiftly in their selection of a new superintendent, hiring Jeremy Lewis to lead the district in the 21-22 school year. In the November board meeting, Don Sharp announced he will retire at the end of this school year, completing his fifth year with the district. At the December school board meeting, the Highland School Board conducted interviews and selected Lewis to be the superintendent...