Mammoth Spring Council addressed city business at their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 4. The meeting was closed to the public due to COVID-19 concerns. Council approved their budget for the 2021 fiscal year. A resolution regarding the new senior center to give Mayor Charles Vaughn permission to oversee the contract was approved...

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, on Wednesday, Jan. 6, the southbound 2008 Ford F250 driven by David Brown, 67, of Alton, traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned and ejected the driver. Brown was pronounced dead by Dr. Korby Pogue...

Inspired to do something extra for area senior citizens, Alton Senior Center and Thayer Fun & Friends Senior Center are working to provide Valentine’s Day gifts. “With the closure, we’re all looking for unique ways to let our seniors know we’re still here and how much we miss them,” said Regional Lead for Thayer and Alton centers, Meghan Haenel...

Students at two area schools are now receiving snacks thanks to Life360 Community Services and the USDA. Students in the Alton School District began receiving snacks on Monday, Jan. 4, which was the first day they were delivered. Alton School Superintendent Eric Allen stated Life360 Community Service contacted them “out of the blue” in November...

Ron Copeland officially began his service as state representative for the 143rd District after being sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 6 in the Missouri State Capitol. State Rep. Copeland takes his place in the Missouri House of Representatives alongside 113 of his Republican colleagues, as well as 48 Democratic members...

Ozarks Healthcare is now accepting sign-ups for those who would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available for them. Based on availability and guidance from the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services (MO DHSS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, Ozarks Healthcare will be providing the COVID-19 vaccine based on a predetermined tier system. Individuals will be identified to receive the vaccine based on risk status and occupation...

As of press time on Tuesday, Jan. 5, Oregon County Health Department confirmed 674 total cases of COVID-19 with 57 currently on isolation. The number of cases off isolation is 617. There have been 2,053 negative test results and one inconclusive. There are two current cases hospitalized and a total of 42 that have been. There have been four deaths...

The Humane Society of Missouri recently announced the removal of 17 dogs from an unlicensed dog breeder in Oregon County. In a press release, it was stated “On Tuesday, Dec. 29, the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) removed 17 dogs from the residence of an unlicensed breeder and repeat offender in Oregon County.”...

A well-rounded education is the goal of school districts for their students. For one local school, another goal has been added and that is to teach students how they may be beneficial to their community. One of Mammoth Spring School District’s newest classes, Community Service Learning, focuses on combining classroom learning goals and community service to help enhance students and the community...

With 2021 here and 2020 left in the past, here is a look back at the last half of 2020. July Oregon County Sheriff’s Office and the community mourned the passing of retired Chief Deputy Lucas “Lee” Simmons. K9 units participated in a three-day training provided by FMK9, which was held at Alton High School...

Salem Chamber of Commerce announced winners of the light contest on Dec. 18. “Thank you all for participating! The judges had a very hard time picking and town looks wonderful. May you all have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year,” said the post before listing the winners as follows...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

Early this week, Fulton County Judge Gary Clayton issued a press release in reference to Fulton County being deemed a “hot spot” for COVID-19. When asked how the county received the information, Judge Clayton said the information came from the Arkansas Department of Health...

Fulton County Chief Deputy Joe Boshears recently presented a request to Fulton County Quorum Court to pass an ordinance for the purpose of receiving grant funds of $50,000. The grant funds will pay a liaison position and create a Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program in Fulton County. ...

Fulton County Sheriff Al Roork issued a press release on Christmas Day (Friday, Dec. 25) about an incident which had recently occurred. “On Dec. 24, at 1:43 a.m., the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department received a call from the Fulton County Hospital [stating] that a 52-year-old hispanic male subject had just arrived by private vehicle at the ER with multiple gunshot wounds...

2020 has been a unique year. Here is a look back at local news from January to June. January Donations for Salvation Army was projected to be more than $18,000 thanks to generous community members as well as Buildings for Babies matching funds for two days in December...

As of press time on Tuesday, Dec. 29, Oregon County Health Department confirmed 618 total cases of COVID-19 with 43 currently on isolation. The number of cases off isolation is 575. There have been 2,016 negative test results and one inconclusive. There are six current cases hospitalized and a total of 42 that have been. There have been four deaths...

Early this week, Fulton County Judge Gary Clayton issued a press release in reference to Fulton County being deemed a “hot spot” for COVID-19. When asked how the county received the information, Judge Clayton said the information came from the Arkansas Department of Health...

Inspired by friendly competition as to who is able to collect the most for a good cause, area students worked to collect approximately 9,000 items for this year’s Hunger Heroes Campaign to be distributed to area food pantries. The total for Thayer School was 3,579 with Ms. Jerome’s 5th grade class collecting 649 and Ms. Hufstedler’s 1st grade class collecting 623...

The Create Bridges team recently announced a partnership to provide extra help for local businesses. “The Create Bridges team is excited to partner with Arkansas Department of Parks, Tourism, and Heritage to showcase Arkansas.com and how it can benefit your business and region for FREE. ...

Ozarks Healthcare received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination and administered its first doses to frontline coworkers on Monday, Dec. 21. “Today is a historical moment for our organization,” Tom Keller, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. “We hope the arrival of this vaccination is the beginning of an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.”...

MDC congratulates five hunters who each harvested bull elk during inaugural season! Missouri’s first elk-hunting season ended Sunday with all five of the hunters selected for permits harvesting bull elk during the firearms portion Dec. 12-20. An archery portion ran Oct. ...

Viola City Council met on Monday, Dec. 21. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Jackie Estes, Councilmen Dennis Haber, Robert Lash, Jerry Allen, Water Supt Joel Huett, Bookkeeper Sarah Huett and several citizens. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Estes...

The Salem City Council met in the Salem City Hall Conference Room on Thursday, Dec. 17. All council members participated. Salem Mayor Daniel Busch called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The first order of business was the consideration of minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were approved. Next, the financial report was presented, discussed and approved...

Fulton County Hospital began administering its first shipment of 20 COVID-19 vaccinations on Friday, Dec. 18, shortly after they were received. Sonja Jones, who is FCH’s Infectious Disease Director began administering the vaccines to frontline workers; those who might come in to contact more with COVID-19 positive patients. “We were only allocated 20 doses of the vaccine,” said Jones. There were more that signed up to receive it than doses actually received...

A new industry is making its way into Sharp County, which will be beneficial for the local economy in many ways. One of those benefits is the creation of jobs. Emerson prides itself on two business platforms: Automation solutions and commercial and residential solutions. Worldwide, the corporation employees 88,000 individuals in 200 manufacturing locations. Emerson was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo...

The Highland School Board acted swiftly in their selection of a new superintendent, hiring Jeremy Lewis to lead the district in the 21-22 school year. In the November board meeting, Don Sharp announced he will retire at the end of this school year, completing his fifth year with the district. At the December school board meeting, the Highland School Board conducted interviews and selected Lewis to be the superintendent...

The Ash Flat City Council met on Dec. 15, postponed from the regularly scheduled meeting of Dec. 8. The meeting was delayed out of respect to the late Councilman Billy Bob Billingsley, who passed away after a tragic accident on Dec. 7. After approval of the minutes from the previous meetings on Nov. 10, 24 and Dec. 1, reports from individual departments followed, covering incidents and issues that arose since November...

The Harps Food Store, located in the Highland Square Shopping Center in Highland, donated a $500 check each to the American Legion Post 336 of Williford, and to the House of Luke Ministries of Cherokee Village. The checks were presented at the store location on Dec. 16, by Kenny Haney, store manager...

A new industry is making its way into Sharp County, which will be beneficial for the local economy in many ways. One of those benefits is the creation of jobs. Emerson prides itself on two business platforms: Automation solutions and commercial and residential solutions. Worldwide, the corporation employees 88,000 individuals in 200 manufacturing locations. Emerson was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo...

Oregon County Sheriff’s Office Bradley Gibson, 32, of Thayer, was arrested Nov. 9 for tampering with a motor vehicle, theft/stealing and several more traffic violations. Chad Croney, 34, of Myrtle, was arrested Nov. 11 for resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia...

Fulton County Hospital began administering its first shipment of 20 COVID-19 vaccinations on Friday, Dec. 18, shortly after they were received. Sonja Jones, who is FCH’s Infectious Disease Director began administering the vaccines to frontline workers; those who might come in to contact more with COVID-19 positive patients. “We were only allocated 20 doses of the vaccine,” said Jones. There were more that signed up to receive it than doses actually received...

During this season of giving, the 11th year of Hunger Hero Caring About Neighbors Campaign was recently held at area schools. Students from Oregon County elementary schools including Alton, Couch, Koshkonong and Thayer as well as Mammoth Spring joined in the friendly competition to collect canned goods, non-perishable food items and personal care items...

The dedication of school staff to their students has reflected in the work they have put in during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has included navigating ways to ensure students receive an education as well taking extra measures to make sure students receive school meals many of the students rely on. For one Alton resident and parent, it inspired her to begin the Adopt-a-Teacher project...

Fulton County Quorum Court met for its final meeting of 2020 on Dec. 14 in the Hickinbotham-Miller Building at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Salem. Minutes from previous meetings, along with reports from the clerk’s and treasurer’s offices, were approved before receiving an update on funds from the CARES Act...

Law enforcement agencies across Arkansas and the nation are prepared to launch a two-week long intensified enforcement plan aimed at drivers who choose to drive impaired. In advance of the holiday travel period state troopers, local police, and sheriff’s deputies want to remind drivers of their stepped-up patrols along U.S. and state highways, as well as local streets and county roads...

While many truths and myths about the coronavirus have been floating around since the pandemic started at the beginning of the year, one fact is plain as day: We are all tired of hearing about it. Yet this deadly virus, also known as COVID-19, will not be ignored. ...

A tragic accident claimed the life of an influential Sharp County resident. Billy Bob Billingsley, of Evening Shade, died following an accident on his farm on Monday, Dec. 7. Billingsley was very active in the agriculture community, especially with his role in the family business at the Ash Flat Livestock Auction...

A news article was recently shared on social media which caused quite the stir amongst Fulton County residents. The article was in regards to an annexation of a new business opening soon in Fulton County, but near the City of Hardy. Spring River Dispensary, the first medical marijuana dispensary in the tri-county area, will soon be opening for business. ...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce held their regular monthly meeting at Penny Loafers in Mammoth Spring on Thursday, Dec. 10. Mammoth Spring Mayor Charles Vaughn informed members fencing on the city park will be completed this week. The only things left for the park will be items not through the grant. One example provided was lighting for the park...

The Thayer Branch of the Oregon County Library is encouraging patrons to read a new Christmas novel, re-read a Christmas classic or share a book with a child this Christmas season. This holiday season a theme of “Reading Gives Us Someplace to Go When We Have to Stay Where We Are” was selected...

While many truths and myths about the coronavirus have been floating around since the pandemic started at the beginning of the year, one fact is plain as day: We are all tired of hearing about it. Yet this deadly virus, also known as COVID-19, will not be ignored. ...