On Saturday, Aug. 24, over 600 people volunteered from James River Church to pack and deliver over 4,000 gifts to police officers, firefighters and medical professionals in the Springfield and Joplin areas. These gifts were brought to over 100 locations in 6 different counties throughout southwest Missouri to let our local heroes know how loved and appreciated they are. more

The City of Ozark recently announced the opening of the Garrison Springs Community Forest. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the main gate of Garrison Springs on Aug. 20, marking the official launch of this exciting new addition to the city's green spaces. more

The highly anticipated Showcase Ozark Expo is returning this year, bringing together local businesses, community leaders and residents for a day of celebration, networking and entertainment. Set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Ozark Schools Innovation Center at 1600 W. Jackson, Ozark, this year’s expo promises to be an incredible brand-new experience. more

The City of Sparta and the City of Nixa celebrated National Night Out last Tuesday, Aug. 6. more

Citizens of Christian County exercised their right to vote in this past Aug. 6 primary election. With a total of 17,171 ballots cast, voters decided which candidates will represent their political party in the upcoming general election in November. more

August has arrived, and with it, the 2024-2025 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their student for school. It is also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns, as students begin another year of instruction. In 2023, four people were killed and 403 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 877 traffic crashes involved school buses. more

Several 2024 graduates of Ozark High School have received scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). more

The Historic River District (HRD) celebrated Ozark’s 136th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 3. more

Congratulations to 10 Ozark School District employees for receiving Ozark School District Foundation Fund grants totaling $5,232. more

Scotty McCreery will bring his Fall of Summer Tour to the Aetos Center for the Performing Arts in the Meridian Title Company Performance Hall Friday, Oct. 4, at 7:00 p.m. more

The City of Ozark announced on July 31 the completion of a significant upgrade to the FEMA storm shelter located at the Ozark Community Center (The OC). Remote access and other security features have been installed and are fully operational, providing improved security and accessibility. more

Ozark School District’s Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center is adding two preschool classrooms this school year, thanks to two $50,000 Preschool Start-Up Grants through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. more

The popular MOBUCK$ linked-deposit loan package application portal has been reopened. more

The Clever Police Department has a new chief of police. Mike Evans started his new position on July 15, taking over the role from previous Chief of Police Jeffrey Lofton. more

Dickerson Park Zoo and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, are partnering together to help boost the region’s blood supply for local patients. more

Tractor Supply Company is hosting a pet treat tasting event in Ozark. Planned for Aug. 10, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., this event will give pets the chance to sample a variety of pet treats available at Tractor Supply Company. more

Ozark’s Historic River District is leading the celebration of the 136th birthday of the City of Ozark. more

In early July, Ozark High School (OHS) FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) students traveled to Seattle to compete in a national competition. Students had to first qualify at a state competition and then fundraise for nationals. more

Grant Chair Janis Creek recently announced the distribution of Finley River Community Foundation’s (FRCF) 2023-2024 grant round. A total of $9,000 will be distributed to recipients at the August board meeting of FRCF. more

In late June, 2024, Ozark High School (OHS) 2024 senior Rebecca Gallo traveled to Washington, D.C., with Educators Rising to compete in a national competition. Gallo participated in the Lesson Planning and Delivery CTE Varsity event and brought home the top prize. more

The Christian County Republican Central Committee (CCRCC) has brought a lawsuit against Paula Brumfield, the Christian County Clerk. more

Spectators enjoyed cooler weather as they filled the stands — including a brand new third set of bleachers in front of the concessions — at the Ozark Booster Club Arena this past weekend to watch cowboys and cowgirls compete in the 69th Annual Ozark Booster Club Rodeo. Contestants tried their luck atop bucking bulls and horses, matched their brawn against steers, raced around barrels at top speeds and let their lariats fly in an attempt to rope calves. more

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, is in emergency need of all blood types. Blood inventory levels are at an historic low, with less than a one-day supply available at the beginning of the week. Eligible donors are asked to give immediately at a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive or donor center. more

The City of Nixa recently announced the hiring of Summer Rascoll-Jones as the new Director of Communications. Rascoll-Jones will begin her role with Nixa on Aug. 5. more

The City of Ozark is nearing completion of the planning effort Onward Ozark: Planning Our Corridors. This planning process documents the community’s vision for the future growth, development, transportation and aesthetics of three pivotal corridors within the city: North State Highway NN, South 3rd Street/Highway 14, and South Street. more