South Missourian News

The Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT) held a media day Thursday, Aug. 9 to showcase their 16,0000 square foot facility and talk about the benefits the facility provides to the community. GOCAT provides the opportunity for students to access unique training for Missouri State University’s Associate of Applied Science in Technology degree, offering options in alternative energy, advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance. ...

Thayer Police Department warns businesses and individuals to be aware of counterfeit money in the area. Bills passed through Thayer have pink oriental type writing, black lines on the front and the same serial number.

A dedication of a new structure for the Alton Agriculture Department was held Thursday, Aug. 9 at the school campus. Superintendent Eric Allen welcomed a group of teachers, students, board members and community members to the dedication, held across from the baseball field. The structure is an open barn concept, built with students who want to be involved with livestock in some way, but might not have the property to do so...

During this year’s open house at Couch R-I School District, the first back to school fair was held. The event, organized by Couch High School Senior, Shawna Smith, was a great success. Smith was inspired to help after realizing the level of need in the community and wanted to help families with supplying needed materials for the school year, which she was able to accomplish...

It’s not often residents of Alton are treated to live music on the square in the middle of the day in the middle of the work week. However, a group of individuals with the Ozark Skill-share Project, did just that on Wednesday, Aug. 8 to bring awareness to their project, showcase skills they have to offer and visit with residents to find out what they would be interested having in the area for community growth...

The lake at Mammoth Spring State Park is a main attraction to the area, however, employees with the park have an ongoing battle with controlling the aquatic vegetation that grows in it. On Wednesday, Aug. 8, employees from the park attempted to mechanically remove aquatic vegetation or lake weeds with the use of their john boat by attaching a rebar rake to the front and catching the weeds on the tines, which are then carried off in the current...

Primary election was held Tuesday, Aug. 7. The results are as follows: Republican: In the race for Circuit 37 Judge, it was a close race with Steven Privette receiving 52 percent (812) of county wide votes and Melissa Stewart receiving 47 percent (742) of the votes...

If you are looking for events to check out as summer winds down, look no further than Mammoth Spring Park, including the annual river cleanup and classic car show among other events. The first upcoming event will be Legacy Week: Legacy of the Spring to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the Welcome Center at 1 p.m. This program covers the natural wonder of the spring, which approximately 10 million gallons of water from the largest spring in Arkansas...

The traditional farm of Daniel and Sharon Brewer has been awarded this year’s farm family. Located outside of Thayer, this family farm is approximately 1,200 of expansive land with two creeks that run year-round in addition to Warm Fork River running through parts of it...

With a large group of sheriff’s department employees and various family members seated in the court room behind him, Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork stood before the Fulton County Quorum Court Monday night and had a “come to Jesus” moment regarding pay for the people of his department...

Law enforcement agencies are still searching for James M. Smith, 30, who evaded Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork on Friday, Aug. 10. Roork and a deputy attempted to make contact with Smith at a residence north of Moko on Asher Road. The attempt to make contact turned into an officer involved shooting, leading the sheriff to turn over the case to Arkansas State Police, who issued a press release to Areawide Media Friday evening. ...

Many young adults entering college or the workforce feel the pressure of looming bills and turn to credit cards to cover the initial costs but end up paying exorbitant rates long-term. Understanding that credit cards are not free and will only alleviate temporary financial burdens is an important concept for newly independent students. ...

Chad Hudson, FNBC Regional President, has announced Ryan Howard, FNBC Community President for Izard County, will also assume the role of Community President for Independence County effective immediately. “Ryan is a strong community banker and is very knowledgeable of the Batesville community,” said Hudson. “Since joining our team two years ago, he has been very successful in leading growth in Izard County. I have no doubt he is the right person to lead our Batesville team.”...

With the year more than halfway over, the Internal Revenue Service urges taxpayers who haven’t yet done a “Paycheck Checkup” to take a few minutes to see if they are having the right amount of tax withholding following major changes in the tax law. A summertime check on tax withholding is critical for millions of taxpayers who haven’t reviewed their tax situation. Recent reports note that many taxpayers could see their refund amounts change when they file their 2018 taxes in early 2019...

Representing Thayer Chamber of Commerce, as well as Mammoth Spring and the Ozarks Medical Center Foundation, Bob Eckman, welcomed attendees to the ribbon cutting for the OMC Thrift Store on Wednesday, Aug. 1. Eckman expressed his excitement for the new facility in Thayer...

Visitors to the Burger Palace in Alton were treated to special deals on food items including corn dog, small fries, kiddy ice cream cone or a small drink for $.20 or a $1 for a small milkshake. as well as free cake and brownies on Wednesday, Aug. 1, as the restaurant celebrated a special milestone, its 20th year in serving the community its signature milkshakes and burgers...

Chip Layne is no stranger to the Mammoth Spring School District, even though he is relatively new to the position of superintendent at the school. When taking over the position of superintendent at the school, he knew the school was in good shape academically and financially, however, coming from the superintendent position of 13 years at Bay School, he realized strategies implemented there would not necessarily work for Mammoth Spring, but eventually realized the needs were similar...

It’s back to school for students and faculty and programs were held to help make sure all the students have the supplies they need. The back to school fair held at Thayer Elementary School on Thursday, Aug. 2 was a huge success, as they were able to give out 435 backpacks full of supplies...

Chancellor Kelly Damphousse expressed hopes for the future of the graduates in his address during Arkansas State University’s 2018 summer commencement ceremony Friday evening, Aug. 3, in the First National Bank Arena on the A-State campus. Damphousse conferred a new record 1,231 diplomas upon students representing the College of Agriculture, the Neil Griffin College of Business, College of Education and Behavioral Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Liberal Arts and Communication, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and College of Sciences and Mathematics.. ...