South Missourian News

Ozark Action, Inc., recently announced its weatherization department has received extra funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (Cares) Act. In a press release from the organization, it was stated, “The $58,842 in CARES Act money is being provided through one of the main funding sources for the OAI Weatherization program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and is part of a nearly $2 million boost in LIHEAP weatherization funding for the state of Missouri. ...

Driving into Thayer from the north, visitors are welcomed with at new sign featuring the 2018-2019 Class 2 State Champions. Instrumental in the installment of the sign was former Lady Bobcat Lashanda Grooms. Donnie Thornton, with Thayer School District, stated sGrooms paid for the repairing of the billboard so the sign could be put up and is not charging rent for the picture to be featured on the billboard...

District 15 Oregon and Ozark Counties has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. District 15 Oregon County has been chosen to receive $5,012 and Ozark County $4,244 for Phase 38 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the two counties via State Set-Aside Allotment...

As many are aware, Ingle Hotel Café recently closed. However, this has not interfered with the mission of the building, to provide a domestic and sexual violence shelter. Selah Place, which owns the building, is now leasing the downstairs to Life360 Community Services for one year. Both are non-profit organizations...

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...

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...

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 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. ...