July 8 – 14 According to Sheriff Earnie Blackley: On July 8, David Miller age 30, of Cherokee Village, was arrested by Deputy JJ Thomas for Driving with Suspended License and was transported to Izard County Detention Center. Miller posted a bond of $385. Miller is scheduled to appear in the Izard County District Court on Aug. 8...

On July 9, Baxter County Sheriff’s Deputies were involved in a high speed pursuit of a stolen Chevy Silverado truck into Fulton County.The stolen truck was abandoned at Pickren Hall Road at the intersection of Enterprise Road at around 6:50 a.m. A manhunt began at this point. ...

A large crowd gathered at Ozarka College in Melbourne July 11 for the Lady Bearkatz 2019 State Championship Ring Ceremony. The event opened with a few words from Sandra Taylor, former teacher, counselor and graduate of Melbourne High School. “I am a proud retired teacher of 35 years, a Melbourne graduate of 1975 and a proud member of the 1973 [girls basketball] team and we got to enjoy this [when we won] and got to be a small part,” Taylor said. ...

Art is timeless. It is powerful and can change the way people think just by simply viewing the work of others. It may not be the Trevi Fountain, but when Rilee Morgan was given an assignment earlier this year to complete an art project, what he would ultimately create, has the ability to be just as impactful...

After 100 years of fairs, the Fulton County Fair is still going strong. The 2019 fair season, July 20-27, marks a huge milestone for Fulton County. Many activities throughout the week will be geared toward honoring 100 year milestones and individuals in the community. Volunteer Joann Lowrie spent a lot of time organizing photos, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia, on poster boards to represent each era. Look for the large display in the Exhibition Building during fair week...

Country music superstars Mark Chesnutt and group Shenandoah will perform at this year’s Cave City Watermelon Festival; Shenandoah on Friday, July 26, at 8 p.m. on the Bank of Cave City Main Stage and Chesnutt on Saturday, July 27, at 8:30 p.m. on the Bank of Cave City Main Stage...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce recently held their regular monthly meeting at their newest member’s business, Stateline Franks Hot Dog Stand in Mammoth Spring. Dan Grant discussed the 126th Old Soldiers Reunion, the carnival company arrived and was preparing for the upcoming event and began Monday, July 15. Posters were not yet received for the event at the time of the meeting...

Back to school time will be here before we know it and to help area students prepare for the upcoming school year a few back to school fairs will be held. The first Back to School Fair will be held at Thayer Elementary School on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon...

Quilts are not just a way to keep warm or a decorative cover, they are often utilized to commemorate lives, increase awareness and created to help raise money for a good cause. To commemorate lives of local soldiers who served in World War II, a quilt was handcrafted and completed in the 1940s...

Oregon County Sheriff Eric King discussed what is taking place with the sheriff’s office and a brief history of area caves at the latest Oregon County Historical Society. King discussed grants the department has received since 2015 including equipment for patrol vehicles such as flashlights, spotlights and transport partitions. They were able to acquire body cameras through other funding sources including donations and fundraising...

The City of Thayer held a public meeting to discuss Thayer Memorial Airport before the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 9. During the meeting, pictures of the airport were presented by Alderman Stephen Clark to show the condition of the property...

The Sharp County Quorum Court regularly scheduled meeting July 8. Tension was in the air as the court discussed whether or not to accept a bid for work regarding the jail. The meeting opened with the County Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Wanda Girtman told the court the county was “back in the black” on sales tax and provided some promising news...

Carlos Lopopolo, owner of Southwestern Treasurers, a Native American and leather working shop in Hardy, is working to open a mustang preserve in Ravenden Springs using the profits raised through the items he sells in his shop. The preserve will be one of many to be established by Lopopolo and the first in this portion of Arkansas...

In Sharp County, food insecurity and poverty rates are among some of the highest in the state. On any given day, local food banks and other resources are made available to those in need, including area blessing boxes. The blessing boxes are established in various locations around the county, and are filled by who ever will for others to come and take what they need...

Ash Flat City Council held their regular scheduled meeting July 9, during which it was clarified the city council did not vote to reinstate Ash Flat officers Tom Rigsby and Cotton Wilson, but that it was a decision made by Police Chief Anthony Wiles...

The Highland City Council held their regular meeting July 9 beginning with a special presentation from Kasey Carter, Public Relations Director for the Highland School District in regards to the upcoming special election. Carter told the council the issue on the ballot for the Special Election will be to retain the existing millage rate as well as to request an additional four mills (less than half a cent)...

Thayer City Council held a special called meeting on Thursday, June 27 during which the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget was approved. An ordinance for the budget will be read during the July meeting.   A discussion regarding utility department employees was tabled until after closed session.  ...

An Older American’s Resource Fair will be held at the Community Worship Center in Alton on Wednesday, July 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. The fair will not only include beneficial information for seniors but also for those who will soon be seniors and those who serve the elderly such as family, friends or organizations...

Seeking to assist businesses in rural communities and further economic growth is the goal of the pilot program, CREATE BRIDGES, which focuses on retail, entertainment, accommodations and tourism in Fulton, Izard and Sharp counties. Recently, area business owners met to discuss benefits, challenges and opportunities they encounter while operating a rural business as part of the second phase...

The City of Mammoth Spring held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 1. Council approved minutes from the June meeting and reports before discussing and agreeing to determine what the cost would be to repair an old tanker truck. In other business, council passed ordinances 2019-02 and 2019-03, which address maintaining property and prohibiting dumping of trash in city limits. ...

It has been almost one year since Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork expressed his concerns of his deputies’ salary to the Fulton County Quorum Court. Roork made waves throughout the state with his presentation at the August 2018 meeting – waves that led to a special election for a countywide tax to benefit Fulton County Sheriff’s Office...

Early Tuesday (July 9) morning, residents of the Pickren Hall/Enterprise community near Viola were urged to remove all keys from their vehicles (and ATVs), lock up their houses and stay inside, as a man who led deputies on a high speed chase had abandoned the vehicle and was on foot...

Although the trial ultimately ended in a mistrial after a hung jury was dismissed by Circuit Judge Harold Erwin, July 2 started the second day of trial for Cherokee Village Police Officer Josh Trivitt, as the second round of state’s witnesses were called, beginning with recently reinstated Ash Flat Police Officer Colton Wilson...

An incident occurring July 4 landed a Sharp County couple in jail after it was reported one was attempting to drown their child. According to a release from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, 911 received a call of a father holding his 12-year-old daughter under water at the Huelett access on the Strawberry River...

On June 25, word spread quickly after it was discovered a resident of Hardy had attempted to work on the large mural located on Spring Street. Members of the community expressed their displeasure as the work had not been sanctioned by any of the city’s governing bodies such as the Hardy City Council or Advertising and Promotions Commission (A&P)...

After spending a short time in the Spring River area, it didn’t take long for Laura Smith and her husband to determine their hearts belonged to Hardy. The couple chose to relocate to the area and Smith has become a champion for the arts community, so much so, she began working on a project known as the Hearts of Hardy...

On July 7, Jimmy L. Novak, a man walking across the country to raise awareness for veteran suicide, made a pit stop at the Spring River Draft House in Hardy. On March 22, Novak began his journey leaving from Dupont, Wash. with the goal to walk 22 miles a day to symbolize one mile for each veteran who will take their own life...

Crew members of Oregon County Ambulance District were awarded for excellence, Rescue of the Quarter, for their rapid response to an emergency call in January. Every quarter Air Evac awards emergency personnel, such as ground ambulance or first responders, for excellence in responding to an emergency...

On Monday, July 1, Juliann Whitaker, 25, of Thayer, was seriously injured when the westbound vehicle she was driving, a 2006 Nissan Altima, was struck in the passenger side by a southbound Burlington Northern train driven by Albert Malone, 27, of Springfield, Mo., in Koshkonong...

Thayer Police Department responded to a domestic call the night of Monday, July 1. An involved subject, who was reported to be unstable and armed, had left the scene resulting in a search for the subject, who was later identified as Kory Newman. Precautionary measures were taken, resulting in closing the Christian Activity Center located on Fifth Street. However, it was concluded the subject was hiding around the place of residence officers were called to...

Farmers markets are a great way to shop local and support local farmers and homemade goods. This is what inspired Nick Jewell to start a market in Thayer. Located at Sherwood Park in Thayer, the market offers local produce, jams, berries and locally made bread...

On June 24, at around 4:20 p.m., Oregon County Sheriff Office was dispatched to CR 264, outside of Thayer, for report of a stolen vehicle, which just occurred. Deputies arrived in the area and began attempting to locate the suspect and vehicle. During the search, another vehicle was stolen on V Highway near Jeff Cemetery. ...

Fulton County Hospital has been recognized by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) as an Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH). “With stroke, every second counts. Each hour of delay in stroke treatment ages the brain close to four years and increases the chances of permanent disability,” said Appathurai Balamurugan, MD, DrPH, State Chronic Disease Director and Medical Director for the ADH Chronic Disease Branch. ...

Sharon Kibe, a Bexar resident, has identified a need in the area and is working to fill the void. Diapers for Babies in Need is starting out small, but Kibe hopes to see it grow and become Fulton County-wide. The first phase of her project will take place in Viola, with the help of Pharmacy Barn and Dollar General. “Right now we are starting in the Viola area and Bruce at Dollar General will deliver diapers, if purchased in the store, to Pharmacy Barn,” explained Kibe...

It’s that time of year again…time for the annual award-winning Old Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force Reunion sponsored by VFW Post 7831 in Mammoth Spring. The reunion will be held Tuesday, July 16 through Saturday, July 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the reunion grounds near the baseball field in Mammoth Spring State Park. The fun family-friendly event will feature carnival rides, games, prizes, food, bingo and much more each evening...

There was a noticeable difference at the start of the Salem City Council meeting held Thursday, June 27. After almost 27 years, when George Herbert Walker Bush was in the White House, there was a new person sitting at the table in the City of Salem Recorder/Treasurer’s seat...

Hosea Rhoades was born the son of Abner S. Rhoades and Julia A. Leu Rhoades on January 12, 1922 in Couch, Mo. and departed this life on June 26, 2019 at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer, Mo. at the age of 97 years. He was united in marriage on July 5, 1945 to Anna Marie Moreland in Salem, Ark. Anna was a beautiful Christian girl who he met at a large tent revival that was held on the Add Smith farm east of Couch...

Stolen property was recovered and a Cave City man was taken into custody following an unusual series of events. According to a report from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department, on June 3, Deputy Marc Boyd was dispatched to a residence outside of Cave City for a stolen camper trailer. When Boyd arrived, he spoke to the complainant who stated his 2006 Gulf Camper had been stolen...

The first Box Lunch Social will be held in Cherokee Village July 20 beginning at 11 a.m. The event, created by the Cherokee Village Advertising and Promotions Commission (A&P), is hosting the “bid on a box” community picnic to raise funds for the 2020 Thunder on Thunderbird fireworks celebration...

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Storybook Project of Arkansas. The 501-c-3 non-profit organization began in 1999 when a group of volunteers gathered and began working with the goal of keeping incarcerated parents connected with their children...

On any given day, you might see Cherokee Village resident Jenna Lewis running by the roadside preparing for her next St. Jude’s marathon. Also known for her love of fashion from the 1930’s to 1950’s, it’s not uncommon to feel you’re seeing a blast from the past when in passing at the grocery store...

Following jury selection early on the morning of July 1 at the Sharp County Courthouse in Ash Flat, Cherokee Village Officer Josh Trivitt entered the courtroom of Circuit Judge Harold Erwin to stand trial for the injuries he allegedly inflicted on Ash Flat resident Randall Veazie in November of 2016...

It was National Certified Nursing Assistant Week and we celebrated with “Spirit Week.” Monday was “Clown Around Day.” The CNA’s wanted to dress up silly for the residents all week. We hosted a big Carnival for our CNA’s with popcorn and games on Monday afternoon. The Southern Bank donated bags and bags of presents for them to win at the Carnival. Lisa Cates all donated notepads to each CNA We appreciated you Lisa!...

Salem First Baptist Church invites you to an evening with Doc and Connie. June 30 at 6 p.m. will be a night of fellowship, worship, and some words of wisdom from “Rusty”. Doc and Connie along with “Rusty” have blessed families in this area for many years. Having traveled for many years, they now make their home in Batesville, Ark. and continue to travel and share the message of God’s love in music and the Word...

What’s happening this week at the Oregon County Farmers Market, you might ask? Farm fresh goodness! A grower verified market! No “Resale” produce! Our market will be hosting educational events and speakers all season including Healthy Plants, Healthy Bodies, fosters children’s plant science and nutrition learning with activities that involve all areas of development. The activities are hands-on and interactive...

Within the first six months of his administration, Fulton County Judge Jim Kendrick is facing controversial matters and an investigation. Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork recently received a complaint from a taxpayer involving Judge Kendrick. Sheriff Roork said due to him being an elected official in the county, it was a conflict of interest, therefore he could not lead an investigation. ...

Many Fourth of July events will take place locally to celebrate our nation’s birthday. On Wednesday, July 3 a fireworks show will be held at Piney Creek Park, located on Highway 160 East in Alton. The gates will open at 6 p.m. and there will be many food vendors and games for patrons to enjoy. In addition, music will be provided by DJ Ernie Ford from Tennessee...

The Thayer/Mammoth Spring Rotary Club Community Garden has been in operation for over 10 years. The wet and stormy weather the Ozarks has seen recently hasn’t deterred gardeners from taking care of their plots, and on the evening of Monday, June 24, several of them were working in the garden...

Oregon County Sheriff’s Office recently made some staff changes and one addition. Rich Matteson, an Indiana native, is the chief deputy, following the resignation of Lee Simmons, which was due to medical reasons. Matteson, who has over 20 years experience in law enforcement, was appointed to the position in February...