South Missourian News

COVID-19 testing has recently increased in the rural communities of Arkansas. Local healthcare provider, 1st Choice Healthcare Inc., received a federal grant to increase their coronavirus testing capabilities, according to Brigitte McDonald at the Salem the location. 1st Choice Healthcare, Inc. has additional locations in Ash Flat, Corning, Jonesboro, Paragould and Pocahontas...

During a COVID-19 briefing on May 28, Governor Mike Parson announced that Phase 1 of the state’s “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan has been extended from Sunday, May 31 through Monday, June 15. “We are very pleased with how well Phase 1 has gone so far,” Governor Parson said. “Businesses, communities, and Missourians across the state have done a great job of implementing health and safety measures, and we continue to be encouraged by data across the state.”...

Families that qualify for free or reduced meals at school are possibly eligible for a one-time Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. The amount of the benefit would be up to $302 per child aged pre-kindergarten through 12th grade...

Even though school is officially out for the summer, Oregon County Health Department is scheduling appointments for the 2020-2021 school year. The department usually does not schedule appointments for yearly vaccinations. However, the department is this year to help limit the number of individuals in the office receiving vaccines due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to prevent running out of vaccines, which has happened in previous years...

Even though school is officially out for the summer, Oregon County Health Department is scheduling appointments for the 2020-2021 school year. The department usually does not schedule appointments for yearly vaccinations. However, the department is this year to help limit the number of individuals in the office receiving vaccines due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to prevent running out of vaccines, which has happened in previous years...

A Classic Car and Truck Show will be held on Saturday, June 6 at the Christian Activity Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The CAC is located at Chestnut and 5th Street in Thayer. Admission is free. There will also be free food as well as live music. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. ...

The Alton Chamber of Commerce recently announced the annual Ozark Black Gold Walnut Festival has been canceled for the 2020 year. In a press release it was stated, “It is with great sorrow that the Alton Area Chamber of Commerce confirms that the annual Ozark Black Gold Walnut Festival set for Oct. ...

Organizers of the annual Ozarks Studies Symposium hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains have canceled the 2020 event. This year’s symposium was set for Sept. 17-19 at the West Plains Civic Center. Dr. Jason McCollom, assistant professor of history and event coordinator, said two factors went into the decision to cancel this year’s event, and both involve COVID-19...

Area residents age 62 and over who would like to take a class at Missouri State University-West Plains during the 2020 summer session can do so under the Senior Citizen Fee Waiver Program. Seniors citizens can register beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, June 5, at the registration and records office in Cass Hall, 515 Cass Ave., in West Plains. ...

The market will NOW be open each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Alton City Park, in the walking trail area. As with many businesses reopening, there will be several guidelines we ask our patrons to observe. We urge our visitors to follow CDC guidelines, maintain that important six-feet social distancing, avoid social gathering and exercise good hand hygiene. ...

By Lori Garrison Shady Oaks staff and residents sure did enjoy some of the warmer days and the nice sunshine. We were able to soak up some sun and get some much needed time outdoors. Monday was Memorial Day. Shady Oaks would like to pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom and served our country. Olen Russell, Leroy Paulette, Ray Hall, Clarence James, Billy Abney and David Millburn: “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!”...

By Lori Garrison Shady Oaks staff and residents sure did enjoy some of the warmer days and the nice sunshine. We were able to soak up some sun and get some much needed time outdoors. Monday was Memorial Day. Shady Oaks would like to pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom and served our country. Olen Russell, Leroy Paulette, Ray Hall, Clarence James, Billy Abney and David Millburn: “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!”...

The City of Koshkonong held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 27. To comply with federal, state and Center for Disease Control recommendations for social distancing due to COVID-19, the meeting was streamed live on Facebook where there is also a recorded version available to view...

A free six-week virtual workshop will be held on Diabetes Self-Management. Classes will be held on Wednesdays on May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24 and July 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. via zoom virtual meeting room presented by County Engagement Specialists in nutrition and health education Stephanie Johnson and Brandi Richardson...

The Old Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force Reunion sponsored by VFW Post 7831 has been canceled this year. The cancellation is due to restrictions that would need to be in place for the carnival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Exceeding capacity limit for the midway was a concern as was regulating the capacity percentage. If exceeded, the carnival would be fined as would the organization responsible for the event...

During a COVID-19 briefing held on Wednesday, May 20, Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of a new COVID-19 dashboard containing Missouri-specific data from across the state. “Throughout COVID-19, we have worked very hard to be transparent and provide Missourians with the most accurate, up-to-date information as possible, and the same goes for this dashboard,” Governor Parson said. ...

Recently, Mammoth Spring Elementary students were surprised with a gift of books when they picked up their personal items from campus. Provided by Twin Lakes Future Fund, first through third grade students received a literacy packet which included three books, a work sheet for reading comprehension and a guide for improving children’s literacy...

The Chinese government continues to stall all international efforts to find the origin of the coronavirus. In January, Chinese officials said they were zeroing in on the source of the outbreak and that it was “only a matter of time” before it was identified. ...

Near the close of the May quorum court meeting, Fulton County Judge Jim Bicker announced his resignation as judge, effective May 21. The regular monthly meeting was held Monday, May 11 at Fulton County Fairgrounds in the Hickinbotham-Miller Building. ...

Oregon County Curtis Williams, 40, of Mammoth Spring, was arrested March 27 for resisting arrest, driving while revoked and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner. He posted bond. Richard Caldwell, 49, of Thayer, was arrested March 28 for driving while revoked and displaying plates of another. He posted bond...

There is a new face at Shady Oaks Healthcare, Lori Garrison is the new activity director at the facility. Garrison, who has prior experience in the field and loves the elderly, stated she “hopes to bring joy to our residents as well as put smiles on their faces.”...

A Classic Car Cruise-In was scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 16 from 5 to 10 p.m. along Chestnut Street in downtown Thayer. However, due to heavy rainfall throughout the day which continued into the evening, Mayor Kenny Cotham made the decision to re-schedule the event...

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and his Deputy Chief of Staff Harry Roberts visited Alton to deliver election supplies to Oregon County Clerk Tracy Bridges for polling locations on Monday, May 18. Items delivered included face masks, social distancing strips, bottles of sanitizer, face shields and posters for each precinct. The county also ordered additional hand sanitizer for each precinct...

The COVID-19 pandemic’s dramatic effects on the economy and the subsequent regulatory reactions have hit the agriculture industry hard, making difficult to navigate issues such as agricultural labor, contracts and direct marketing, increasingly confusing...

By Lori Garrison Another week down with social distancing at Shady Oaks. Even though some of the surrounding businesses are now open, Shady Oaks is still on guard. We are still not allowed to have any visitors. Activities have been a big distraction for our residents. ...

The 2020 Fulton County Homecoming Festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19, however; there will be a Virtual 5K Race to keep the spirit of the race going. A link to the registration page is on the Salem Chamber of Commerce website at www.salemar.com as well as the chamber's Facebook page. ...

President George Washington, on April 30, 1789, delivered his premiere Inaugural Address to Congress. “Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations and whose providential aides can supply every human defect; that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes...No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States.”  . ...

The people of Missouri are eager to return to work, spend quality time in-person with their family and friends, and to reconnect with their communities, and I couldn’t agree more. Missourians have heeded the advice of state and local officials’ and have done their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but now it is time to allow them to return to their normal lives. ...

Mammoth Spring City Park is in the process of receiving a facelift as work began on Monday, May 4 as a part of the project, which is being funded by a grant the city received. Things completed so far include concrete for the basketball court and handicap parking by Quality Concrete...

The 2019-2020 school year is winding down, one that has involved social distancing and AMI packets sent home as doors were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and schools providing meals for their area students. Recipients of meals in the Couch R-I School District received special treats in their meals recently...

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition is encouraging everyone to join in #MoveInMay while still practicing social distancing. Part of this campaign includes encouraging students and children to get moving. The Presidential Youth Fitness Program and its partners are bringing you the PYFP @ Home Fitness and Video Challenge. The overview video is available at https://vimeo.com/412473455 and visit PYFPatHome.org...

Photos/ Renee Janes Mammoth Spring Class of 2020 was honored with a parade in Mammoth Spring on Tuesday, May 5.

A Classic Car Cruise-In is scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 16 from 5 to 10 p.m. along Chestnut Street in downtown Thayer. Live music will be provided by Bobby Bair & The Groove Vault from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free to the public. Donations are welcome for the band. Extra proceeds will go to a local charity...

On Saturday, May 2, Justin Buckley, 27, made the drive from his home in Benton to Melbourne for a visit with family; his sister, brother in law, their children and to spend some time with his own children. “He and my son were very close, I can still see them playing in the yard,” Amanda Tiernan, Buckley’s sister said...

High schools across Missouri are celebrating their seniors’ plans for the future duringDecision Day, a program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. Decision Day events are held nationwide on or near May 1 – the date by which most high school seniors are asked to notify a college of their plans to enroll. The events celebrate students’ plans to continue their education, enter military service, or enter the workforce...

A 74-year-old male has been confirmed as the second case of COVID-19 in the county by Oregon County Health Department on Saturday, May 2. The health department is coordinating with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine close contacts of the individual who may have been exposed and health officials will provide guidance and they will be monitored for symptoms...

“Girls Like Me” is the new song just released by country female superstar, Martina McBride. McBride had a tough decision on NBC’s Songland Monday, May 4, as she was presented with four amazingly written songs for her to choose from to be her next released single...

It was a sight to behold on Wednesday, April 29 with the celebration of life held outside Shepherd’s View in Alton. Community members drove by and honked and even lined the side of the road to honk and wave at the residents at the facility. Oregon County Sheriff’s Office and a semi also joined the parade of vehicles...

The need for personal protection equipment (PPE) is imperative for those working on the front lines of battling COVID-19, something many of those workers are running out. This inspired Alton resident, Sally Groves Robbins to begin making masks as well as asking her friends to do the same...

The Flint Springs Cemetery Association will honor CDC guidelines and cancel any “group” meeting this year. All those interested in the care and maintenance of the cemetery are encouraged to stop by the cemetery anytime to clean, maintain or decorate...

A 74-year-old male has been confirmed as the second case of COVID-19 in the county by Oregon County Health Department on Saturday, May 2. The health department is coordinating with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine close contacts of the individual who may have been exposed and health officials will provide guidance and they will be monitored for symptoms...

Operation BBQ Relief is known for its service to communities in times of need. Bootleggers BBQ, located in West Plains, Mo., shares the same passion for serving their community, which extends beyond West Plains...something they proved from April 25 to May 4...

It was a sight to behold on Wednesday, April 29 with the celebration of life held outside Shepherd’s View in Alton. Community members drove by and honked and even lined the side of the road to honk and wave at the residents at the facility. Oregon County Sheriff’s Office and a semi also joined the parade of vehicles...

The need for personal protection equipment (PPE) is imperative for those working on the front lines of battling COVID-19, something many of those workers are running out. This inspired Alton resident, Sally Groves Robbins to begin making masks as well as asking her friends to do the same...

Out of an abundance of caution and to protect participants amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns, Missouri State Parks and the Missouri State Parks Foundation have cancelled the 2020 Katy Trail Ride scheduled to begin Monday, June 22. The five-day, 240-mile annual ride, which takes travelers through many of Missouri’s rural communities, along open fields and between the Missouri River and its bordering bluffs, draws approximately 350 bicyclists from across the nation and overseas. ...