The Hardy City Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. at Hardy City Hall. Mayor Ernie Rose brought the meeting to order with all but one council member present. After the minutes from the last meeting were approved, as well as the current meeting’s agenda, proceedings continued with the Advertising and Promotions Commission (A&P) report...

The Hardy History Association (HHA) met live via Facebook and Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. President Darlene Wilson opened the meeting with an update on HHA business from August. The association has four new members, bringing the current total HHA membership to 159 members...

In the June 10 issue of The News, it was reported that an investigation surrounding citizen complaints made to the Arkansas Ethics Commission was ongoing involving operations of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and that more details would be available once the investigation was complete...

The seventh annual Punkin Run was held on Saturday, Sept. 11. Shortly after 12 noon, 71 bikes/trikes and four vehicles left the square in Alton to participate in the annual event to raise funds for the Eddie “Punkin” Johnson Scholarship fund. Approximately 100 people participated in the dice run during the event, which raised more than $3,000...

After more than a decade, the Couch Fall Festival will once again be held. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Couch High School Old Gym and will raise funds for the high school. Couch High School Principal Kelly Roberts stated funds will be used for items teachers need in the classrooms as well as other needs including new text books in different subjects, etc...

Oregon County was recognized as a Purple Heart County and the City of Alton was recognized as Purple Heart City by State Representative Ron Copeland on Saturday, Sept. 11. During a ceremony held after the annual Punkin’ Run on Saturday, Sept. 11, State Representative Ron Copeland made the announcement about the designation...

Fidelity Communications customers will soon see an improvement in their service. The company, part of the Cable One family of brands, began work on an upgrade Monday, Sept. 6. The company recenlty announced thorugh a press release an almost “$400,000 upgrade to its robust, fiber-rich network in Thayer.”...

Koshkonong City Council held a tax hearing meeting on Monday, Aug. 30. Hunt stated every year the city must hold a tax hearing. “The city cannot raise taxes on the citizens of Koshkonong, the homeowners and property owners of Koshkonong, without putting it on a ballot. The only thing we are here to do is to vote not to raise taxes at this time,” said Hunt. Though taxes were not going to be raised by the city, the assessed evaluation from the county is between the individual and the county...

On Tuesday, Sept. 7, Oregon County Health Department reported seven additional cases of COVID-19 cases. Two have an Alton address and five have a Thayer address. Two of the cases reported as being fully vaccinated for COVID-19. On Friday, Sept. 3, Oregon County Health Department reported three additional cases of COVID-19. All cases have an Alton address...

For those who are always doing acts of service for others, it often comes as a shock when they are recognized for said acts. That was most certainly the case for Ozark Acres resident and SRACC President Lauren Siebert when she was recently told she was the recipient of an award...

Many visited Mammoth Spring State Park this past holiday weekend to enjoy the 37th annual Antique and Classic Car Show. Event Coordinator Adam Davis stated it was a huge success. “We set an all-time record with 167 cars and hundreds of spectators that came throughout the day.   The weather was great and we had cars lining up as early as 7 a.m. Over 50 trophies and awards were given out,” said Davis...

According to Izard County Chief Deputy Charley Melton, on Aug. 25 officers with the Izard County Sheriff’s Department and 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was occupied by Richard Cohn and Jamey Roof. During the course of this traffic stop, officers seized nearly a quarter pound of a substance that Cohn admitted to be “heroin”. ...

The Salem City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 26. Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. With a quorum participating, Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order. Mayor Busch first presented the minutes of the July meeting for review and consideration. The minutes were passed. Then, Mayor Busch presented the July financial report which was considered and passed...

Two special meetings were held by the Cherokee Village (CV) City Council on Thursday, Aug. 26 and Friday Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Russ Stokes presided over both meetings. The second meeting was called by one of the councilmen who voted in the majority at the first meeting, primarily to reconsider some of the issues and to allow input from more council members...

The Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District (SID) held a special meeting Thursday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m. at Omaha Center to discuss the lawsuit filed by Cherokee Village (CV) property owners in 2018 against the City of CV, SID, the American Land Company (ALC) and Sharp County. A potential settlement agreement had been proposed by the plaintiffs facing an upcoming bench trial to begin on Monday, Aug. 30. Commissioner Jim Best called the meeting to order...

The Hardy Advertising and Promotions Commission (A&P) met Monday, Aug. 23, at the Hardy Civic Center. Chairman Charles Wilson opened the meeting at 6 p.m. After the pledge of allegiance, Wilson welcomed new commissioner Amanda Smith, who was sworn in at the Hardy City Council meeting on Aug. ...

The Arts Center of North Arkansas (ACNA) in Cherokee Village Town Center is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is celebrating its rebirth by showcasing the artwork of many new artists, local and beyond, which is on sale by consignment through ACNA. This Grand Re-Opening will provide an opportunity for people to meet and chat with the artists themselves. There will be prize drawings every hour starting at 11:30 a.m...

On Aug. 30 at 1:05 a.m., the Cave City Fire Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of Jackson Springs Road, outside of Cave City, for a fully involved mobile home fire. While fighting the fire, firefighters located an unidentified deceased male subject inside the residence. The Sharp County Sheriff’s Department was notified at that time...

On April 2, an incident of a male subject with a long gray beard was shooting a firearm on County Road 206E was reported to Oregon County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Grey Huddleston arrived at the residence of the alleged suspect identified as David Davis, of Alton...

On June 29, a burglary was reported to Oregon County Sheriff’s Office in Myrtle. The department was informed someone had gone through a resident’s barn and shop building. On June 30, Oregon County Sheriff’s Office was informed of another burglary in Myrtle. Upon arrival on the scene, Deputy Sheriff Grey Huddleston observed damage including a broken window and a busted door...

Thayer Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Fall Festival in downtown Thayer on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. with a rain date scheduled for the following Saturday on Oct. 16. Live music is already lined up for the event including The Howell Family and Highway W Band...

The month of September is Library Card Sign-up Month. A time when Oregon County District Libraries join the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning...

After 24 and a half years in office, Charles Alford is retiring as Oregon County Assessor. When looking for a new job, Alford decided to run for the office after being interested and involved in politics by previously working with various candidates...

Jennifer Bowman-Harnden was back in Fulton County Circuit Court on Wednesday, Aug. 18. By the end of the day, she had posted bond and was released from Fulton County Jail. Harnden’s arrest followed the arrest of her son, Jacoby Goehler, both charged with first degree murder of Salem teen Davidlee Stansbury. The purpose of court on Aug. 18 was for pre-trial and a second bond hearing, where Harnden’s attorney attempted to have her bail reduced, again...

Bearkatz Against Drugs (B.A.D) and sponsor Kristy Sanders are excited to announce that they received a $1,500 grant from Project Prevent for the upcoming school year in order to fund tobacco and nicotine education throughout their school and community...

Twin Lakes Community Foundation Executive Director Kimberly Jones and Yellville City Mayor Shawn Lane recently met with Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship volunteers Warren Sanders, Katie Norris and Margaret Yancey. Together they recognized and awarded summer scholarships to Lisa James and Tracie Barnes at the Ozarka Campus in Melbourne. ...

The Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce met at Shorty’s Rib Shack on Thursday, Aug. 12 to conduct monthly business. President Trena Spears called the meeting to order, followed by a review of last month’s minutes and financial report. Those in attendance accepted the reports as presented...

After realizing last school year there was not a sensory room or a therapeutic space for students with special needs to “calm and focus themselves,” Special Education Paraprofessional Susan Kay Bottorff with the Thayer School District was inspired to create one...

It’s that time of year once again to start your engines and put up your kickstands! The seventh annual Punkin’ Run is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11. Open to all types of motorcycles and vehicles, registration will start at 9:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 11 a.m. Kickstands go up at 12 noon for the benefit dice run that will begin and end on the square in Alton...

As of Monday, Aug. 23, the Oregon County Health Department reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 from Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The number of active cases in the county is 40. Four of the active cases are hospitalized. Of the 11 reported additional cases, one has been fully vaccinated for COVID-19...

Summer is winding down, but newly appointed Oregon County Presiding Commissioner, David Stubblefield is just getting started. Since taking office two months ago, he has been working hard to seek county improvements. The county is once again a member of SCOCOG and meeting with the organization. When asked how this will be positive for the county, Stubblefield stated the organization will assist with grants and certain bids for the county...

The Spring River Gem and Mineral Club (SRGMC) held its monthly meeting on Aug. 5 at the Omaha Center in Cherokee Village at 10 a.m. Vice President Wayne Pinner began with meeting business by welcoming new members, young and old, as well as visitors. Pinner commented that while meeting attendance was down a bit, it is coming back as meetings are occurring regularly again after the 2020 COVID hiatus. The club’s momentum is regaining its strength...

Where there is a child in need, responses come in good deeds. At least, that was the hope that sprouted in the heart and mind of Christina Curry, a Hardy resident and angel with a mission to reach out to help the needy, and particularly children. “The idea came to me while visiting the park with my children,” explained Curry. ...

The Ash Flat City Council met on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 6 p.m., and due to the recent rise in COVID cases, the meeting was held at the Ash Flat Fire Station. After the minutes from the July meeting were approved by council, as well as the current meeting’s agenda, proceedings continued with department reports with Mayor Larry Fowler presiding...

Cherokee Village (CV) City Council met Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Russ Stokes called the meeting to order with two council members absent. After the minutes from the July meeting and the current agenda were approved, the mayor welcomed comments from the audience. ...

Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? What does that sound mean? Knowing the difference can save your home and your family.  State Farm Agent Mike Watson and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are teaming up with the Highland Fire Department to promote fire safety during this year’s Fire Prevention Week from Oct 3–9, 2021.  The campaign educates everyone about the different sounds that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make...

Any landowner knows that maintaining your land and keeping all of its components healthy is a great task. Many landowners take to burning their fields and land each year to help the grass grow back better, clear out underbrush or to clean up the land in general...

Spring River Home Health has partnered with Amerita Speciality for a Monoclonal Antibody Infusion to battle COVID-19. This infusion contains two different monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are ones like your body would produce but they have been made to attack certain parts of the COVID-19 virus. These antibodies bind to the viral spike protein the part of the virus that allows it to replicate into other cells in your body working to stop the virus from spreading throughout your body...

Fulton County Quorum Court met Monday, Aug. 16 and by the end of the meeting had learned Fulton County Sheriff Albert Roork will wrap up his term early in December. Judge Gary Clayton called roll of JPs following the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. JP Gary Phillips’ absence was noted. Members of the court approved the previous meeting’s minutes, along with the clerk’s and treasurer’s reports...

The Cooperative Extension Service is launching a new workforce training initiative, known as “CREATE LIFT.” The program is facilitated by the Department of Community, Professional and Economic Development, which is part of extension and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture...

The Highland School District held its board meeting on Friday, Aug, 13 at 5 p.m. at the Highland Administrative Building. Superintendent Jeremy Lewis led the meeting. Proceedings began with a report by School Nurse Megan Kulczycki on the current COVID status at the Highland Schools. ...

The following press release was issued by Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts after a deputy received injuries in a shooting incident early Friday, Aug. 13. “On [Friday, Aug. 13], Sharp County Dispatch received a call from a motorist advising of a possible runaway juvenile male riding his bicycle on Arkansas Highway 175 between Wirth and Hardy. ...

With the recent rise in COVID cases in children around the nation, it is a major concern among parents and school boards about how to bring students back into the classroom safely as schools are opening for the fall semester. This is especially concerning for children under the age of 12 since they are currently not eligible to receive vaccinations. ...

The Highland City Council met on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at Highland City Hall. Mayor Russell Truitt brought the meeting to order. There was almost a full council with only one member absent. After the minutes from the July meeting were approved, as well as the current meeting’s agenda, proceedings continued with department reports...

The Sharp County Quorum Court met on Monday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Sharp County Courthouse. Judge Gene Moore opened the proceedings with a full court of JPs present. After the minutes from the July meeting were approved, the session continued with the financial report. Treasurer Wanda Girtman said, “Everything is looking good, I’m really pleased. We had a good balance at the end of July.”...

The Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce has canceled the 2021 Business Expo & Areawide Yard Sale that was planned for Sept. 25. “The chamber board of directors decided it would not be prudent for us to hold a public event due to the current increase in COVID cases,” said Kari Hollis, SRACC Executive Director. “We are extremely disappointed since we weren’t able to hold this event last year and we were excited to add the Areawide Yard Sale.”...

The Ash Flat Library hosted a book signing on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. for George Jared, a relatively local author of books on true crime and non-fiction of multiple murder cases. He is also an investigative reporter, a crime consultant and once worked as a journalist for Areawide Media when he lived in Salem, Ark...