Earlier this year, Christian County participated in a one and a half day workshop for the development of integrated strategies to effectively identify and respond to the needs of justice-involved adults with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. more

On May 1, 2023, Governor Mike Parson announced 169 school districts and charter schools have received grants from the newly created School Safety Grant Program. Sparta R-III School District is one of the schools receiving a School Safety Grant in the amount of $150,000. more

Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area is one of two motorized trail systems in Mark Twain National Forest (Forest). Located about 35 miles to the southeast of Springfield, this network of trails provides Forest visitors a place to ride their ATVs, UTVs and off-road motorcycles. A Chadwick Recreation Area project is being proposed to make multiple improvements to this trail system. Public feedback is encouraged and an open house to learn more will be held May 13 in Sparta. Specifically, the project proposes the following actions: more

Leaders across Christian County visited Jefferson City April 20 to meet with district and regional legislators for a “Christian County Day” of legislative advocacy. The group, consisting of officials from Show Me Christian County (SMCC), as well as leaders from Nixa, Clever and the Christian County Library District, met with representatives Bob Titus, Stephanie Hein and Melanie Stinnett to express support and concern for a number of bills proposed this session. more

Safety and growth took center stage Friday, April 21 as Ozark School District officially broke ground on projects at Ozark High School (OHS) and Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center. These projects include storm shelters at both locations, as well as an indoor practice facility at OHS, all part of the $19 million no-tax-increase bond issue voters approved on the April 5, 2022, ballot. more

On Saturday, April 29, the City of Sparta held its second Drag City Cruise-In in the Sparta Middle School parking lot. The event, which went from 3-5 p.m., allowed people to enjoy the nice weather, admire classic cars and treat themselves to something from the food trucks and craft vendors available on site. To close out the car show, the cars cruised down Main Street, allowing passers-by one last look. more

According to Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole, on April 28, 2023, at approximately 4:10 p.m., Christian County deputies assigned to campus security at the Christian County Justice Center (110 West Elm Street) observed a physical altercation across the street on the Ozark Square. more

What if an entire community read the same book during the same month? What if the book everyone read together has a unifying message about kindness, neighborliness and friendship? What if everyone celebrated these lessons with family-friendly events where readers can come together to discuss? more

During the Rural Philanthropy Summit on April 25, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) presented Cynthia Glenn with a Board Member of Excellence Award. She serves as a board member for the Finley River Community Foundation (FRCF). more

Over spring break, members of Ozark High School’s (OHS) Educators Rising traveled to Westminster College in Fulton for the state competition. All 14 students who competed placed in the top five of their respective events, with six placing first overall in their events. They will all move on to compete at the national competition in Florida over the summer. more