Those interested in beginning and participating in a farmers market for Oregon County met Thursday, June 14 in the basement of the courthouse. Even though the farmers market will be held in Alton, it will be considered a market for Oregon County. Organizers of this project visited with Alton City Council to request permission for the market and a location, which was granted. Tucker Creek Park was approved as the location...

The West Plains Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area – Thayer Branch will begin a special event this summer to help provide lunch for area children, Meet Up & Eat Up, which is a free summer food service program through the USDA and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, provided to the youth of the community...

With the heat of this year’s June, it is hard to believe today is the first day of summer, which also means fourth of July draws closer. Area cities have been buys planning Independence Day celebrations. The city of Alton will hold their annual fireworks display on Tuesday, July 3 at the Piney Creek Park at dusk. ...

Thayer City Council held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, June 12. The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the May meeting, two special called meetings, May court report, May fire department minutes and expenses, financial report and a letter from Thayer Drug before approving bills paid and to be paid...

It was announced last week, Ozarka College will add housing opportunities to its Melbourne campus. With unique programs like aviation, culinary and now welding, housing students has become a need, and Ozarka College President Dr. Richard Dawe says meeting the needs of the students is one of the college’s main priorities...

Many local towns are gearing up for summer’s biggest holiday, the 4th of July. There is definitely not a shortage of events, so it shouldn’t be hard to find the perfect activity for Independence Day celebrations. The Salem Chamber of Commerce Fireworks in the Park Celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 4 at the Salem City Park...

This time last year, the small Fulton County town of Viola was welcoming some much needed growth and improvements. This year? More businesses are getting ready to open up while others are continually growing. Mayor Jackie Estes is especially proud to see the success of Viola and hopes to see it continue. ...

For the 2018-2019 school year, Mammoth Spring School students and their families will have one less expense as the district is now offering free meals for all students. The need to provide this for all students was realized after examining the number of students who received free or reduced lunches. ...

To honor Viola resident, Austin Jennings, who passed away in December 2017, his family has launched the ALJ Project to raise awareness for organ donation. Though Austin’s young life came to end at 21-years-old, parts of him are still living on and have saved the lives of at least three people...

This is an update to the Hepatitis A (Hep A) outbreak in Northeast Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has previously alerted the public about potential exposures in food establishment settings. Risk factors for getting Hep A in this outbreak are close contact with someone who has Hep A; restaurant workers; people with infections or chronic diseases like Hep B or C, HIV/AIDS or diabetes; drug use; homelessness; or incarceration...

If you have driven by Cedar Glade Resort in Horseshoe Bend recently, you’ve probably noticed a lot of hustle and bustle. The resort is revamping and has added Healthy Habits Haven and Spa, which features Foxy Lady Boutique, Healthy Habits Vitamins, Organics and more, a wellness center and complete spa and fitness center...

Tim and Cindy Finley have been named the 2018 Izard County Farm Family. Farming at four locations, the Finleys operate an Angus based cattle farm consisting of 130 cows and seven bulls. Members of the media were greeted by the couple, along with their children; Kayla Ward, husband Daniel and son Eli and Kody Finley and wife Whitney. Also present for the event were Tim’s parents, Rayburn and Lacresha Finley...

Lendal and Tammy Erby, of Viola, have received the honor of being chosen the 2018 Fulton County Farm Family. With nearly 40 years in the farming industry, it is no surprise they were selected. The Erbys operate a feeder calf operation of 300 head. “We are currently raising 300 head of steers and our goal is to raise 500 by the end of the year.”...

Highland police officer Steve Dravenstott was promoted to the position of sergeant for the Highland Police Department June 12 during the Highland City Council’s regular meeting.  The promotion occurred during Highland Police Chief Shane Russell’s monthly report to the council during which he also announced that call volumes were up and the new police vehicles were in...

The Ash Flat City Council voted not to pursue further legal action against a Michigan man who had violated a contract he had entered into with the city regarding one of the city’s fire trucks.  The issue was discussed during the June 12 council meeting at which time Fire Chief Stacy Horton announced the truck had been returned to the department, costing the city $2,700...

The Hardy Advertising and Promotions Commission finalized plans for their upcoming Hardy Independence Celebration scheduled for June 30 during their regular meeting held June 11. The meeting opened with event chair Freda Mae Gamblin who provided an update on the progress...

Sharp County Quorum Court held their regular meeting June 11 during which the need for a new jail facility was further discussed. The meeting opened with a series of questions about three proposed ordinances. Everett McGuire asked about a line which referred to using funds for operating and maintaining the existing jail and law enforcement facilities...

A Sharp County man has been placed under arrest after he allegedly shot another man at an apartment complex in Cave City June 15. According to Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts, Shea George, 38, of Cave City, was taken into custody following the admittance of shooting the man...

When Chasity Hart took her sons to celebrate with dinner out following a ballgame, she had no idea the encounter would quickly turn into a mothers worst nightmare. “That night was like a horrid scene from a movie. You are going on about your regular day and then all of a sudden something traumatic and unexpected happens. ...

Kyle Salamone, a wanted person by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, was found and arrested shortly after Sheriff Al Roork issued press release. Following his arrest, Sheriff Roork issued another release, thanking the community. "On June 14, I made a press release asking for the public's help locating fugitive Kyle Salamone. ...

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a wanted person. Kyle Salamone is wanted for a parole violation and is staying somewhere in our area. Salamone was convicted in Fulton and Sharp Counties for possession of a controlled substance, residential burglary, theft of property, breaking and entering, and escape...

Despite the heat of the day, many attended the 32nd annual Fishing Derby held at Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery on Saturday, June 9. Parents and grandparents accompanied children as each child attempted to catch their limit of fish at this year’s derby, which was open to children 15-years-old and younger...

A community health fair and car show were held Friday, June 8 at the Alton Senior Center. The event was the center’s beginning efforts to raise money to replace the electrical system, which was installed in 1984 and needs updated. It will cost approximately $6,500 to have the electrical system updated to what the facility needs. Sandy McCasland, director of Alton Senior Center, stated they will have many upcoming fundraisers for this project and if possible, will have one every month...

A library holds a wealth of information and resources. This week, summer school students from Thayer Elementary visited Thayer Library for a special presentation given by librarian Joy Evans. She explained there are different kinds of authors such as co-authors and ghostwriters...

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative held their 78th Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 7. Festivities began at 2 p.m. with registration and bingo, and lasted until after 9 p.m. Bingo, fun for the kids, live entertainment, including Grammy award winning Diamond Rio and local group Billy Joe French and Friends, and food were all enjoyed late afternoon into the evening, when the business meeting began at 7 p.m...

The Fulton County Quorum Court met in regular session on Monday, June 11. Two main items of the night addressed the sheriff’s department’s needs for another vehicle and a firewall for their computer system. “Not too long back, we totaled two vehicles in one week,” said Sheriff Al Roork. ...

Mammoth Spring City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, June 4. After call to order and roll call, the minutes from the May meeting were read aloud by the recorder/treasurer and financial reports were reviewed. Next, the council addressed a request from Freddie Thompson to place a mobile/modular home on his property. Mayor Jean Pace informed the council she referred to the planning and zoning board, two of the individuals could not be reached, but others agreed it would be okay...

Tragedy struck on the Spring River June 9 near Saddler Falls in Fulton County after two men were sucked into an apparent sinkhole in the river while on a trip with friends; the incident claimed the life of one and hospitalized the other. According to reports, the two men were with a group from Searcy when the accident happened. Both were pulled from the water at which time Dr. Donald Wright was transported to a local emergency room where he was pronounced deceased...

Jennifer Lee Collins, 57, of Mammoth Spring, a caregiver who injured an elderly woman in her care ultimately leading to her death, has been found fit to stand trial following her second mental evaluation. Collins’ initial evaluation was court ordered June 21, 2017 and was completed Oct. ...

Four people were injured in a two vehicle accident which took place in front of Tri-County Farm and Ranch in Ash Flat June 8. According to an accident report from the Ash Flat Police Department, two adults and one juvenile sustained serious injuries which resulted in the three being life-flighted out to area hospitals...

Five students from the Cave City High School recently made a presentation to a large gathering of educators from around the state at the Butler Center in Little Rock. The presentation was the finished product of a pilot project the students had been asked to do by George West, education coordinator for the center...

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department Shop With a Cop program has launched their first fundraising event of the year as they prepare for their December event. According to Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts, raffle tickets are currently being sold for a 2018 model NuCanoe Flint Fishing Kayak...

A Hardy woman faces multiple felony charges after a routine traffic stop yielded drugs and drug paraphernalia. According to a report from the Hardy Police Department, Detective Casey Poulette was patrolling U.S. 62/412 May 25 when he spotted a white Chevrolet Corsica driven by Amanda Payton, 24...

A Sharp County man has been arrested for failure to comply with registration, a class C felony, after it was discovered he had been living in Sharp County for an extended period of time. According to Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts, the incident occurred, May 30, after the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department received a complaint of sexual misconduct...

The first deadline for the Fulton County Fair is quickly approaching. With the start of summer comes a lot of work for those who are preparing exhibits or getting their livestock ready for the fair. The fair is slated for July 23-28 and by viewing the events online, it is shaping up to be another big year for Fulton County Fair. The theme this year is “Making lifetime memories,” which is exactly what being a part of a county fair is all about...

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative has been busy planning their Annual Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, June 7, at the Salem Civic Center at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. With fun, food and entertainment, it is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss...

A new council member was sworn in at the special called meeting held by Thayer City Council on Wednesday, May 30. Roger Foley was nominated for the open position of former council member Dustin Jennings, who resigned from his position at a special called meeting held earlier in the month. Thayer City Clerk Donna Martin swore in Foley before moving onto other business...

Buying locally is a “trend” that has caught on and shows no sign of stopping as with it comes many advantages. Advantages community members recognize and would like to help provide to area residents. A meeting was recently held to get the ball rolling on this new proposed project, a farmer’s market in Alton...

Volunteers and campers braved the heat for the second annual Kids Fishing Camp held Saturday, June 2 at Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery. During the day-long event, seven participants, three who also attended the previous year’s camp, were treated to a variety of educational activities including fly tying and fly casting with Mark Crawford, pond sampling, Fish ID Scavenger Hunt, knot tying and casting, fish dissection and fishing at the end of the day...

Mammoth Spring State Park participated in National Trail Days on Saturday, June 2 in which 10 people signed up to take part. Those who participated walked around the trail circling the spring at the park. Peggy Rogers, of Thayer, was the National Trails Day winner with six full laps and received a water cooler bottle and fan...

Alton Senior Center and Seniorage will present a community health fair and car show Friday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alton Senior Center. Inspired with a 1950s theme and to feature attire of the era including poodle skirts, there will be vendors on site...

The Highland School District School Board held a special meeting May 24 at the Central Office in Highland. The meeting opened with an employee hearing as per the employees request of Billy Yates, high school cook. After the hearing was complete the board entered into executive session for eight minutes to discuss the outcome of the hearing...

The decision to disband the Hardy Public Safety Committee was announced June 4, following the May 30 meeting at which a city alderman threatened a lawsuit against the committee and the committee chair resigned. Mayor Jason Jackson stated the committee had initially been formed at the request of alderman Raymond Hicks, who was also the alderman who threatened a suit against the committee members during the May 30 meeting. ...

A Cherokee Village man has been placed under arrest after confessing to the sexual assault of two juvenile females on multiple occasions. According to Detective Aaron Presser with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, he received a call then traveled to a residence in southern Sharp County to speak with the victims and their families...

Local fisherman Matt Boyer has started a petition which would ban the practice of Hoop Netting on Spring and Strawberry Rivers. Hoop Netting is a style of “commercial” fishing in which a tube like closed ended net is placed in the river below the water with bait in one end. As the current flows, fish swim into the net and are caught...