Stories from Thursday, December 31, 2015

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, Gov. Jay Nixon applauded new data from the U.S. Department of Education showing that Missouri's 4-year high school graduation rate increased to 87.3 percent in 2013/2014 from 85.7 percent in 2012/2013. Missouri's graduation rate is significantly above the national average of 82.3 and ranks in the top 10 in the nation...

A new online tool can help landowners and land managers better understand their land. The Ag Site Assessment Tool, developed by University of Missouri Extension, integrates information from multiple sources into a report describing physical, cultural and environmental characteristics of a piece of land...

Ozarka College hosted a reception on Tuesday, Dec. 8 for participants of their fitness challenge. The fitness challenge was part of a grant from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas that began in January of 2015, where participants were invited to log their miles throughout the year from walking, running, swimming, etc...

With feeder-calf prices still falling, beef producers can protect current prices on their calves. But they won't make as much money as they could have if they had sold futures contracts back in the summer. All autumn, Scott Brown, University of Missouri beef economist, told herd owners to lock in what had been near record-high prices for their 2015 calf crop...

The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) in partnership with Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge unveiled "ADVA Verified" in a press conference at the state capitol Thursday, Dec. 10. The voluntary program verifies nonprofits who offer Veteran specific services are current with Arkansas filing requirements...

On Sunday, Dec. 27, Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri as heavy rain, flooding and flash flooding continued to impact much of the state. Heavy rains have led to widespread flooding and at least eight fatalities had been reported at the time of Nixon's declaration. More heavy rain and additional flooding is expected through Monday, and river levels are forecast to continue to rise over the next several days...

There have been many changes to take place in the area during the past year. As 2015 ends and 2016 nears closer, we take a look back at many of the events that have taken place in the region. January New and familiar faces were sworn in as county officials during a Dec. 29 ceremony at the Oregon County Courthouse. Winners of the Nov. 4 election gathered at the county building to receive their certificates and take oaths to fulfill their duties for their respective jobs...

University of Missouri Extension of Oregon County recently held a presentation covering information useful to farmers in the area. The topics of calf scours, low quality forage utilization and plants that are poisonous to cattle were covered at this event...

Many children gathered at the Myrtle Library on Saturday, Dec. 19 to enjoy a Polar Express experience. This is the third Polar Express that the little library has held and this event was met with much enthusiasm from the many children that attended the festive occasion...

Instead of preparing for winter time snow and ice storms, the Ozarks has recently seen record amounts of rainfall and some have suffered the effects of high winds and tornadoes at the end of December. Dangerous storms came through the region on Wednesday, Dec. 23. A tornado damaged nine homes, a church and a business in Highland, Ark. A small tornado in rural Oregon County damaged a shop that was in the process of being built...

There is a New Year's Eve dance on Thursday, Dec. 31 at the George D. Hay Theater, located on US 63 South in Mammoth Spring, starting at 7 p.m. and running through midnight. Keith Bradshaw & Country Connection is the featured band. Admission is $7 per single adult and $12 per couple. Attendees are asked to bring snacks and finger foods. Door prizes will be given out at intermission...

Bob Eckman, of E-Communications, LLC., congratulates everyone for a great year of collection from area schools. This actually surpassed last year in totals for schools. "You realize you're helping a lot of people that may not have much food and items for the holidays. It's very rewarding. The food pantries are very appreciative. We collected food at the businesses until Dec. 24 and reports overall look good," said Eckman...

'Tis the season to experiment with fresh herbs in holiday dips and dishes. If you're new to using fresh herbs, the holidays are a good time to dabble in these delights, says Janet Hackert, University of Missouri Extension regional nutrition and health education specialist...

'Tis the season to experiment with fresh herbs in holiday dips and dishes. If you're new to using fresh herbs, the holidays are a good time to dabble in these delights, says Janet Hackert, University of Missouri Extension regional nutrition and health education specialist...

The Calico Rock Museum Foundation is pleased to announce through the generous donations of the community they met the Floyd and Flora Hicks Matching Gift. A local family had offered the museum a matching gift of up to $1,000 based on donations from the community. The community responded by donating $1,200 to the foundation in memory of Floyd and Flora Hicks, who were married for 75 years...

The Izard County Consolidated School Board met in regular session on Dec. 14 in the high school board room. The school board approved a $250 Christmas bonus for all employees. High School Principal David Harmon announced that the high school chess team had won the regional tournament for the twelth time since 2002 and Andrew Walker and Eric Vest were Co-MVPs of the tournament. ...

Gift cards can make great gifts for friends and family. Gift cards allow the recipient to go to favorite restaurants or stores and purchase an item or items at no charge to them. Arkansas's Fair Gift Card Act, along with federal regulations, provides protections for recipients of gift cards. ...

The Ozarka College Foundation is pleased to announce additional scholarship recipients of the 2015-2016 academic year. Students being awarded these scholarships are as follows: Teresa Mulderig: Dietsche/Martin Appreciation Scholarship. This scholarship was created in honor of Science instructors Bruce Dietsche and Melissa Martin and awarded to a student pursuing a science-related degree. Teresa has received $250 for the Fall 2015 semester and will receive $250 for the Spring 2016 semester...

According to the probable cause affidavit, on Dec. 16 the Salem Police Department received a report from Health Resources of Arkansas Mental Health Clinic that Michael Rich was making or communicating a terroristic threat. Rich was at the clinic attempting to get an intake done so the could get sleep medication prescribed to him. However, just before the examination began, Rich became aggravated and aggressive acting in a threatening manner toward the examiner...

From running the air conditioning on Dec. 23-25 to cold temperatures and flooding Dec. 26-28, Sharp County felt the brunt of a strange weather pattern. Fulton County was far from being untouched. Fulton County Judge Darrell Zimmer and road crews are out working to get the roads that have been closed due to flooding reopened. ...

As we take a look back into the second part of 2015. We find many happenings, some exciting, some disturbing, some emotional and some that perhaps went unnoticed. We present to our readers 2015's yearly review, part two. May The Ozark Gateway Tourist Council held their annual Leo Rainey Tourism Appreciation Banquet on April 30. ...