The News

Well folks, has it been hot enough for you this past week? If you haven’t melted yet then your doing pretty good. Even though Mother Nature is trying to run us out of the state, she hasn’t been too successful with the members of the Thayer-Mammoth Spring Saddle Club...

The 61st annual International Country Gospel Music Convention and Awards will be held at the West Plains Civic Center. The three-day event will be held Thursday, July 27, Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29. It is the ninth year the event has been held in West Plains...

It is almost that time of year again as summer break winds down and it’s time to prepare for the new school year to begin. For some students and their families this may be a stressful time because some do not have the necessary funds needed for all the items and supplies that are needed to enable students to focus on learning...

Shawn Edward Aul, 32, of Alton was arrested for domestic assault on Sunday, July 9. Alton Police Officer Randy Vater responded to a domestic call. When he arrived, Deputy Dustin Kirkpatrick was already at the scene. According to the police report, the woman was attacked by her son after a conflict about money. Aul allegedly cut his mother and then asked if she was going to call the cops, which she replied that she was going to...

Mammoth Spring State Park welcomed visitors at the train depot museum to their presentation about birds of prey that are found in the area on Saturday, July 15. Matt Cantola with Missouri State Parks and park ranger for Grand Gulf State Park presented information on this topic. He began the presentation by asking what makes birds different from other animals...

When it comes to investing and finances, there may be many questions that some of us have. To help those who were interested, Trena Spears from Modern Woodmen held a financial presentation at the Fun and Friends Senior Citizen Center on Thursday, June 22...

The Oregon County Historical Society held their regular monthly meeting Friday, July 14. During this meeting they discussed upcoming endeavors for the organization and honored the contributions of a Thayer resident, Gene Blankenship, to the community’s history preservation...

In efforts to help get information out to those affected by the flood that occurred late spring public information officers from SBA, Cynthia Cowell and Dawn M. Hockett, visited Areawide Media to discuss finances that are available to flood victims...

To celebrate the birth of our nation the traditional activities were held throughout the community. Monday, July 3 the city of Alton held their annual fireworks show. Many people showed up to event to visit and enjoy many of the activities and vendor booths. Some of the activities for children to enjoy were bounce houses, pony rides and games. Also featured was the “D’Rango Band” from Springfield...

On June 28, Thayer Police Chief Daryl Childers was made aware of a possible squatter at a house on Chestnut Street. After investigating the residence, Childers discovered evidence of the residence being used such as clothes and bedding. After further investigation of the house, Childers discovered evidence of the residence being broken into...

Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center participated in National Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Thursday, June 15 to help bring more awareness to a topic that is often overlooked. “According to the Missouri Department of Health of Senior Services, there are more than 40,000 cases of elder abuse in Missouri. Last year, 1.3 million seniors lived in our state, so it is a quite a bit,” said Heather Roberts Manager of Fun and Friends Senior Center...

Thayer City Council held a special called meeting on Tuesday, June 27 to adopt that annual budget for the year. The meeting began with the swearing in of Clay Risner for the alderman to the north ward to fill the unexpired term of Alderman Earl D. “Buddy” Rogers...

“Take what you need, give what you can. Above all else be blessed.” This is the motto of the blessing box. Efforts to help provide for those in the community that may be in need are being made with two new blessing boxes that have gone up in Oregon County. One is located outside the Alton Library and the other near the Community Center in Myrtle...

The Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery held their first Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, June 24, where throughout the day, children were taught many important elements of fishing. The event was a one day event held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and was open to children from ages 10 to 15...

In response to the recent article about Missouri flood survivors, FEMA Media Relations Manager Scott Sanders contacted The South Missourian News to respond to the recent article about assistance for area survivors of the flood that occurred in Missouri from April 28 to May 11...

With the disaster declaration made by President Trump, one would think that victims of the historical flood of May 30 would soon be receiving financial assistance to help them get their lives back on track, to help them have some kind of relief to the devastation they had to endure. However, everyone in Thomasville and others in Oregon County who lost their houses to flood waters, have been denied assistance...

The city of Koshkonong held a special called meeting on Monday, June 26. After approving the agenda to be addressed, the council reviewed the resignation of Alderwoman Rebecca Hunt from the council. Mayor George Hunt stated that a lot of the progress that has been made for the city was because of the efforts of Alderwoman Hunt. He stated that a lot of the miracles that have taken place have been made possible through her efforts...

Oregon County Ambulance District held a grand opening on Saturday, June 24 of their new facility in Thayer. As of Saturday, the paramedic crew will be occupying the new facility, which is approximately 6,800 square feet. All the operations through the facility will be transferred within the next two weeks and the ambulance station in Alton will still be used, but all of the headquarter operations and training will be in the new facility, stated Ken McKenzie, Oregon County Ambulance Director...

A new facility will soon be coming to the area. On Monday, June 12, members of Ozarks Medical Center and community leaders met for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new clinic to be built. OMC administration and community leaders attended and spoke at the ceremony and included OMC Board of Directors Chair Kevin Gleghorn, OMC President and CEO Tom Keller, Mayor Jean Pace of Mammoth Spring and Mayor Ken Cotham of Thayer...

Thayer City Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 13. Before attending to city business, the council presented a special recognition and paid their respects to the memory and family of Earl “Buddy” Rogers, who recently passed away. Rogers was a current member of the council...

The first combined efforts of two counties for Relay for Life took place on Saturday, June 17. Approximately 150 people attended Relay for Life of Howell and Oregon Counties. There were 35 registered survivors and nine registered teams. The current event total raised was $20,505.03...

Women with Heart hosted a fundraising luncheon in February at the First Baptist Church South Campus. A total of $23,562 was raised from the event to purchase EKG machines for Ozarks Medical Center Heart Care Services, OMC Emergency Department, OMC Thayer Clinic, OMC Winona Clinic and OMC Urgent Care Clinic...

As the temperature rises outside so does the temperature inside vehicles. For K-9 officers on duty, this can be a risk to the health and safety of the officer. To keep K-9 officers safe while in a vehicle, the Hot N Pop was created. Recently, the Alton Police Department was the recipient of an Ace K-9 Hot N Pop. ...

When people reach the time in their life and find themselves a resident at a nursing home facility, often times, once they leave their homes, that is the last time they see many of their belongings, pets and for some, their freedom. However, Shady Oaks Healthcare Administrator Leigh Kincheloe and her staff, are making sure that isn’t the case for their residents...

On Sunday, June 11 at approximately 2234 hours officers with Thayer Police Department were dispatched to 518 North 3rd Street for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival of officers, it was discovered that George R. Campbell, 44, of West Plains, had suffered a gunshot wound. Officers removed Campbell from the residence where he was turned over to Oregon County Ambulance District...

The Eleven Point Anglers Association partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation for their annual children’s fishing event on the morning of Friday, June 9 at the Barbee pond along with volunteers and students from Thayer Elementary School...

On Sunday, June 11, the Oregon County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a man who had been stabbed in the back at the campground at Hufstedlers Canoe rental.  Responding officers discovered Weston Loveland, 32, of Cape Girardeau, had been stabbed twice in the back...

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon L. Childers graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills...

This past weekend for the Thayer-Mammoth Spring Saddle Club was a busy one. On Saturday the trail ride was held. Several wagons and people came out and enjoyed the ride. The day was beautiful to be out riding with friends. The Club hopes everyone enjoyed the ride. ...

Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery Nestled off Highway 63 South, just outside of Mammoth Spring, is a hatchery that is well utilized and a unique asset to the area. The Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery holds many events to help encourage family fun activities such as fishing...

The seventh annual John Romine Memorial ride, presented by members of the Mammoth Spring First Baptist Church, took place Saturday, June 3. This event is dedicated to spreading the word of Jesus and encouraging people to go to church. The first year the event was held there were 13 motorcycles that participated in the ride that is approximately 200 to 250 miles...

A beloved and respected leader and member of the community, Earl D. “Buddy” Rogers, has passed away. Thayer Mayor Ken Cotham released this statement, “I come to you with a heavy heart this morning after receiving the news that one of our city leaders has passed away. ...

As a part of his travels across 30 counties in Missouri, Congressman Jason Smith visited Hirsch Feed Store in Thayer as a part of touring small businesses. During his visit, Smith was led around by Larry Hirsch, getting a behind the scene look at the operation of the store as well as discussing with him some concerns he has a small business owner...

When tragedy strikes a family or a community, it is no surprise that the people in this area step up to help those in need. Whether it be assistance in helping with natural disaster clean-up, raising money for an organization at one of the local schools, this community has a helping heart. Luckily for the Careys, the community is stepping in to help in their time of need in form a fundraiser to be held at Thayer High School on Saturday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m...

As the line grew longer it is evident that residents of Oregon County stand together to help one another in times of need. On Friday, June 2 this could be seen on the square in Alton as many lined up to purchase their lunch and help raise money for the Thomasville Relief Fund...

The Oregon County Fair was held this past weekend. The event kicked off with a rodeo at the Thayer Saddle Club Arena on Friday, June 2 followed by family game day at the Koshkonong City Park on Saturday, June 3 and ended on Sunday, June 4. Despite competing with other events taking place in the region and the possibility of rainy weather, the Oregon County Fair many came out to enjoy the exhibit, games, vendors and karaoke...

Memorial Day is often observed by many with family and friends, trips to the river and lake and cookouts. However, we must not forget the official reason as to why Memorial Day is observed as a day to remember those who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces for their country...

A month after what has been called a 500 to 1,000-year flood, there is still much work to be done and many families dealing are with the devastation of losing their homes. During this time, the Oregon County Health Department is stressing the importance of safety when re-entering homes for clean-up and taking measures to ensure safety and health...

If you are looking for some fun activities for your children this summer, the Oregon County Library is launching their annual summer reading program. This year’s theme is “Building a Better World.” Story times will be held at the Alton and Thayer libraries...

What makes up the beautiful scenery of Missouri was the latest topic at the Oregon County Historical Society meeting. Surprisingly, many plants and species that inhabit the state are not native to the environment and were brought to the area and some of these that one may think would be non-native, are indigenous...

On Thursday, May 11, Joshua Lindberg, an employee of Rent-A-Ride, reported a 2012 Chevy Impala that had been rented to Joshua Chambers was not returned. It was to be returned by Wednesday, May 10. The Arkansas State Police informed them that the vehicle may have been used in Mountain Home in a crime...

This past week, just in time for summer break from school, many residents and visitors enjoyed a fun-filled time at the first Thayer Spring Fair that was held Tuesday, May 16 through Saturday, May 20. Throughout the week, patrons were treated to music, great food and exciting rides for the whole family to enjoy...

After leading police in a high-speed chase across three Missouri counties, a Pacific, Mo. man was apprehended after crashing the stolen vehicle he was driving in Thayer on Saturday, May 20. In a car chase that originated in Shannon County, the driver of a gray Dodge truck stole gas from a gas station. Workers at the station notified authorities of the vehicle headed toward Winona. Winona police attempted to stop the vehicle but led them on a chase that reached speeds up to 90 miles per hour...

Earlier this year, a story was published in Avenues (Areawide Media’s monthly magazine) about local businessman, John Kunkel and his efforts to give back to the community for years to come. Those efforts include a yearly scholarship to be given away in Kunkel’s name (and family’s name). The first year recipient of the John O. Kunkel Sharp County 4-H/FFA $1,000 Scholarship is Katelyn Rogers, of Mammoth Spring...

The morning of Saturday, May 20 a small tornado went over the city of Thayer. Even though the tornado did not touch down, it did take down many trees and left much of the city without power. The area known as Barton Hill was affected the most from the storm as there were uprooted trees from the storm moving through the area. One uprooted tree fell on an unoccupied double wide trailer house...

Thayer City Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 11. Before addressing city business, City Clerk Donna Martin swore in Russel Jewell to fill the position, previously filled by Clay Risner. Moving on, the city approved the consent agenda which included minutes for the monthly meeting in April, a special called council meeting, court report, fire department minutes, an article regarding “Public Funds, Private Benefit” and a report on the Thayer Flood Evacuation Center. ...

Mammoth Spring is a huge tourist town and at the Mammoth Spring State Park, Tourism Day is held every year, not to bring more attention to the park, but to show appreciation for the community and tourists that appreciate the park throughout the year...