South Missourian News

Oregon County Sheriff’s Office announced via a press release details of a hunter recently rescued. A deer hunter who failed to return to his hunting camp on the final day (Tuesday, Nov. 23) of the traditional firearm season, was found injured a day later by emergency officials...

A former West Plains school resource officer (SRO) was arrested by Missouri State Highway Patrol after an investigation. Rob Pilkington, 53, was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 25 and charged with a third-degree felony for child molestation (victim less than 14-years-old)...

The season of gift buying is in full swing. Recently, Shop Local Saturday was observed with a reminder of the importance of shopping close to home. There are many benefits to shopping local, one being it helps to fund important services for area cities and the county through sales taxes, such as emergency services and repairs...

Oregon County Sheriff’s Office Jessica Rand Babcock, 32, of Couch, was arrested Nov. 15 on a warrant for stealing, class D felony. Bond in the amount of $1,500.00 was posted and Babcock was released from custody. Chad Jeffrey Croney, 35, of Myrtle, was arrested Nov. 16 on warrants for possession of controlled substance, class D felony and resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony, class E felony...

Dr. Sam Taggart, a retired family physician, is a prolific writer interested in previous and current doctors practicing in rural areas of Arkansas. He recently published a book, “Country Doctors of Arkansas,” released by the Arkansas Times in 2020. This book is part of an ongoing series that Dr. ...

At the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, the Viola Elementary sixth graders worked in groups of four to five students to discuss and research new pieces of playground equipment. Their task was to find a piece of equipment with dimensions that fit in the northwest segment of the upper playground. ...

Area Veterans Day events were held on Thursday, Nov. 11 to honor military service members. This included an assembly at Alton School, recognition of veterans at Koshkonong School and a parade held in Mammoth Spring.

The annual Christmas Bazaar is scheduled to be held at the Thomasville Community Center. Originally held in 2017, the Thomasville Christmas Bazaar features new and slightly used items as well as an array of Christmas decorations including wreaths, trees and centerpieces in addition to hand-crafted items. Flea market finds and small furniture will be included in items available for purchase at the fundraiser...

It’s the time of the year for the familiar sound of the Salvation Army bells ringing. The fund-raising organization will kick-off this year on Friday, Nov. 26 at area businesses. Funds raised in the past have been donated to many great causes including area schools, senior centers, the Backpack Program, Mitten Tree, Celebrate Recovery, Oregon County Health Department for diapers and to help residents with utilities...

The City of Thayer held a town hall meeting the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 9 at Thayer City Hall with the focus on community and city growth. Starting back from square one since a lease-purchase agreement for the old River Country building fell through, the city has been exploring options along with other entities including the Economic Development Committee, SCOCOG, Oregon County Presiding Commissioner David Stubblefield, and offices of Senator Karla Eslinger, State Representative Ron Copeland and Congressman Jason Smith.. ...

What does Veterans Day mean to a veteran? During the Veterans Day assembly held at Couch School on Thursday, Nov. 11, retired Army Sergeant First Class Daryl Shields shared just this of the day that began to be observed after World War I. “For each of you here, Veterans Day means something different. ...

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many families and children are expressing gratitude by giving back to children in need around the world. For those who are including Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts as part of their holiday, more than 4,000 drop-off sites are now open...

Many may not associate gardening with the month of November. However, this is a great time to reevaluate one’s garden. For outdoor flowering and ornamentals, University of Missouri Extension suggests reflecting on this year’s garden and making notes on new things to try and problems to solve in the spring. This is the time to “inspect trees and shrubs for bagworm cocoons and silvery egg masses of tent caterpillars. Remove and destroy them to reduce next year’s pest population.”...

Oregon County Sheriff’s Office Bevan A. Poulette, 42, of Thayer, was arrested on Oct. 28 on a warrant for domestic assault third degree, class E felony. Bond set at $4,500 cash or corportate surety. Mark A. Martin, 43, of Thayer was arrested Oct. 29 on a warrant for domestic assault first degree, class B felony. Bond set at $1,500 cash or corportate surety...

Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce scheduled the upcoming Christmas Extravaganza and discussed area events during the monthly meeting held on Friday, Nov. 5 at Shorty’s Rib Shack in Mammoth Spring. After approving the financial report, members gave updates on their businesses. Pam, owner of Pam’s Place, stated business is slow and would appreciate anyone sending patrons her way...

On Monday, Nov. 8 , Oregon County Health Department reported 12 additional cases of COVID-19 cases from Nov. 6 to Nov. 8. Eight have a Thayer address, three have an Alton address and one has a Myrtle address. Two of the cases reported being fully vaccinated for COVID-19...

This past weekend, many shopped local at the annual Mistletoe Magic Arts and Crafts Fair held on the Thayer High School campus, helping to make the event a success raising more than $2,500 for Thayer Beta Club. Booths filled the Thayer High School gymnasium, spilling out into the hallway and outside. Throughout the weekend, members of Thayer Beta Club assisted vendors with various tasks helping to make the arts and crafts show an even more enjoyable experience...

Mammoth Spring Housing Authority honored two long-time members during their meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at Fred’s Fish House in Mammoth Spring. Bob Simers and Chairman Bill Pace were honored for over 45 years of service to the organization and given Certificates of Appreciation...

The 2021 Mistletoe Magic Arts and Craft Show will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Thayer High School. The venue will be overflowing with many booths for attendees to enjoy. With too much to list, and an array of vendors from A to Z, Event Organizer Trena Spears stated there will be something for everyone including food vendors as well as an array of vendors located in the gymnasium, hallways and new and old cafeterias...

Mammoth Spring Council accepted the resignation of a long-time council member during their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 1. Council approved the previous minutes and reports before Mayor Charles Vaughn discussed the topic of land on Highway 9. This will be further addressed when more information is known...

The City of Koshknonong held their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 28. Council approved the consent agenda, after a correction was made in spelling of Alderman Keith Frealy’s name, the September minutes were approved. The September financials, along with and bills paid and to be paid were also approved...

Memorializing veterans and providing college tuition/fees funding to local high school students, are two important needs addressed by the Forrest – Stone Post #55 American Legion Scholarship Program. “Beginning with the 2018 Spring Semester, American Legion #55 Mammoth Spring, has provided funds for tuition and fees to Mammoth Spring High School juniors and seniors at the Mammoth Spring Campus of Ozarka College...