South Missourian News

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...

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. ...

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...

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. ...

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...

Lena Burk (Cunningham) Jeffery, age 89 of Bowling Green, Mo. formerly of West Plains, Mo., passed away Thursday May 31, 2018 at the Country View Nursing Facility in Bowling Green, Mo. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Ark. with Rev. Velda Bell officiating. Burial was held in the Salem Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday at the church...

Bees are important elements of the environment and ecosystem and with recent news the population of bees is declining, that creates is a problem for the environment. When asked about the importance of bees to the environment, Jon Zawislak, Apiculture Instructor with University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and EAS Certified Master Beekeeper said, “As pollinators, bees help plants to produce seeds, fruits and nuts. ...

Young’s Produce hit an important milestone in their length of serving the community, by recently celebrating their 90th anniversary. A celebration was held Saturday, May 19 behind the store located on the square in Alton. During the event, attendees were treated to a barbecue dinner and live music. Pony rides were also available for children to enjoy...

There is a new face at Thomasville Library, Melody Millard. Millard is a native of Birch Tree, but now resides not far from the library and is the new librarian. This is her first time being a librarian. She has previously been a substitute teacher and substitute librarian...

To many, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer with barbecues and camping. However, it is important to remember the true reason for the holiday as it is observed to honor those who have lost their lives while in the line of duty serving their country...