South Missourian News

Oregon County Food Pantry in Thayer will be able to better serve the community thanks to an addition to the facility, a new walk-in freezer, which will enable the pantry to store and distribute more food to Oregon County families. According to a press release provided by Oregon County Food Pantry Administrator Terry Wrenfrow, “Oregon County was one of eight food pantries in southwest Missouri chosen to receive a walk-in freezer to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts. ...

As research and development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines continue to show promising safety and effectiveness findings, Governor Mike Parson today announced the launch of a new vaccine website for Missouri residents. MOStopsCOVID.com provides Missourians with information regarding the safety of the vaccines, research and production processes, and when they may be eligible for vaccination. The website will also offer additional functionality as vaccines become available...

The City of Koshkonong held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 24. The meeting was closed to the public but was live streamed on Facebook and a video was made available for viewing. This was done so to adhere to CDC guidelines for social distancing...

Oregon County schools will now require students and staff to wear masks while in session. The decision was made as a result of Governor Parson’s announcement of changes in the state’s school quarantine guidance for K-12 grades, which was announced on Nov. 12...

Due to extreme risks from COVID-19, Governor Parson issued a statewide public health warning as cases and hospitalizations rise throughout the state and the midwest. Parson signed Executive Order 20-19 to extend the state of emergency through March 31, 2021...

Christmas festivities in Alton will be Saturday, Nov. 28 with the crowning of Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas and Little Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas at 5 p.m. on the south side of the Oregon County Courthouse.  The annual parade will follow at 6 p.m. ...

Details are being lined out for the annual Shop with a Cop to be held this year at Thayer Walmart, but applications are being taken. Applications for the event are available at Thayer Police Station. Completed applications are due by Nov. 30. All questions on the application must be answered...

A Thayer man was killed on Friday, Nov. 22 after being ejected from his vehicle in a three-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 63 approximately three miles south of Koshkonong. According to a Missouri State Highway crash report, the accident occurred when the southbound 1986 Jeep Cherokee driven by Gary Phipps, 49, of Thayer, was waiting to make a left-hand turn while stopped in the highway and was rear-ended by a southbound 2013 Dodge Ram driven by Matthew Carson, 36, of Pocahontas, Ark. ...

Shelby Couch, of Thayer, was found guilty of second-degree murder, robbery in the first degree, armed criminal action and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. A bench trial was held in Howell County with Judge Michael Martin Pritchett presiding. During the trial, the state presented testimony and exhibits into evidence and the defendant chose not to testify...

The fourth annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale was held in Thomasville on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Thomasville Community Center. “We were really pleased. We had a good number of people buying our merchandise and it was just slightly under what we did last year,” said Brenda Bell of the event that raised approximately $6,000...

Santa will be making his way to Ozarka College – Melbourne on Friday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Ozarka College’s Carpenter Technical Center – Ash Flat on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. for this year’s Holiday Drive-Thru Christmas Dash! Attendees can drive through the parking lot at the listed locations. You may drop your letter to Santa in the special North Pole mailbox and receive a gift while supplies last!...

Nancy Busby, 69, formerly of this area, died Oct. 24 in Washington, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Powell Funeral Home. Thomas W. McDonnell, 71, died Monday, Oct. 19, at his home in Gainesville, Mo. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer...

Ozarks Healthcare, previously knowns as Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) held a news conference to present the completed Women’s Center on Friday, Nov. 13 in addition to making a special announcement. The new Women’s Center consists of 20,000 square feet of resources including five labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms and one labor and delivery procedure room. ...

This year Veterans Day was celebrated differently in the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic as many annual assemblies were not held and others altered. One area event was changed from the usual assembly to a Veterans Day parade hosted by Mammoth Spring School District...

Alton School District announced on Thursday, Nov. 12 the district would move to AMI-X remote learning, which began on Friday, Nov. 13 and will continue until Friday, Nov. 20. “We now have less available bus drivers (regular and substitute) than we have routes (nine daily) after being notified of quarantine situations after the morning routes were completed...,” was stated in the announcement...

Proper Mask Usage May Prevent Close Contacts from Quarantining Governor Mike Parson, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced modifications to Missouri’s K-12 school reopening and operating guidance...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 at Fred’s Fish House in Mammoth Spring. President Trena Spears opened the meeting with at welcome to those in attendance. Brandon Matthews presented the minutes from the previous meeting including the chamber sending flowers in honor of the passing of Steve Russell...

Orders were placed as many others visited The Ingle Hotel Coffee Shop on Friday, Nov. 6 for their fish fry meals to help raise funds for Selah Place. The South Missourian News discussed the event with Selah Place President Debbie Underwood. When Underwood contacted Mammoth Spring School about the fundraiser and getting orders from the school, Terry Range informed her Country Cottage delivers to the school every Friday...

Speculation of an arrest in the Rebekah Gould murder investigation began circulating on social media early Monday, Nov. 9. Around 12 noon, Izard County Sheriff’s Department released a press release. “A Texas man visiting Izard County in 2004 has been arrested and charged with murder (1st) degree in connection with the death of Rebekah Christian Gould, whose body was discovered 16 years ago on a hillside off Arkansas Highway 9, south of Melbourne...

A serious accident occurred on Nov. 9 on US Highway 63 one mile north of Thayer when a southbound 2018 Nissan Titan, driven by Amber M. Hobbs, 31, of Cave City, Ark., crossed the center line and struck northbound 2014 Ford Fusion, driven by Rose M. Brown, 68, of West Plains, head on...

With the number of positive cases for the COVID-19 virus going up in Oregon County, FAITH INC. has put together a bag of supplies for people who live in Oregon County, that have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The bag contains items that you may not have on hand when you become ill. ...

Mammoth Spring Council addressed city business during their monthly meeting held on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Mammoth Spring Fire Department. Council reviewed reports and discussed sales tax the city received being up, which is believed to be part of money allotted to the state and being issued out in portions to cities...

Mammoth Spring Council addressed city business during their monthly meeting held on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Mammoth Spring Fire Department. Council reviewed reports and discussed sales tax the city received being up, which is believed to be part of money allotted to the state and being issued out in portions to cities...

The election was held on Tuesday, Nov. 3. For Oregon County 1st District Associate Commissioner uncontested Jason Kemper (REP) received 98.61 percent with 2,064 votes. There was 29 write in and 416 undervotes. For Oregon County 2nd District Associate Commissioner uncontested Terry Cline received 99.01 percent with 1,894 votes. There was 19 write in and 339 undervotes...

Cully Parr and Dan Morthland are two veterans who are seeking other veterans in need of assistance; whether it is around the house, yard or just needing someone to talk to. Parr served in the US Army for 21 and a half years. He was operation sergeant, based out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., when he retired to Fulton County, Ark. in December 2019. His leave began in December, but he wasn’t officially “retired” until March 2020...

As Veteran’s Day approaches, it is a good opportunity to pause and thank those who have served to protect the rights and freedoms of the American people. One such servant is Cherokee Village resident Billie Suiters. Born in West Memphis, Ark., she was raised on Martins Creek near Williford...

Several national level organizations are hosting 2020 Veterans Day virtual events due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a list of events: National Veterans Day Observance The National Veterans Day Observance is held each year Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. ...

A drive thru lunch will be held at the Thayer Fun & Friends Senior Center on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center is located at 100 Chestnut in Thayer. The lunch will consist of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, hot roll, peach cobbler and bottled water...

The oldest of eight children, Robert G. Miller joined the United States military after he graduated from high school during World War II. Just shy of his 18th birthday, Miller joined the United States Navy. After joining the United States Navy, Miller had to be at Union Station in Kansas City on March 12 and spent his 18th birthday on March 14, traveling to boot camp...

On Thursday, Oct. 29, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced charges filed against an unlicensed Oregon County dog breeder. The office has filed 24 criminal charges and a civil action against Marlisa McAlmond, who owns Cedar Ridge Australians...

Three Oregon County residents are listed among other defendants charged in a multi-state fraud scheme. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced charges on three separate indictments charging 60 defendants for roles in a telemarketing fraud scheme targeting the elderly...

Oregon County Sheriff – Arrest John Davis, 50, of Koshkonong, was arrested Oct. 19 for unlawful possession of a firearm. Kevin Miller, 49, of Birch Tree, was arrested Oct. 20 for driving while revoked. Timothy Martin, 69, of Alton, was arrested for Oct. ...