Ozark School District is proud to announce that the Springfield Business Journal named Ozark North Elementary Principal Dr. Zeb Wallace to the 2025 40 Under 40 list. This recognition honors 40 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in both their careers and community engagement across southwest Missouri. more

Ozark, Mo. — Capital Holding Group, a construction and material production company, announced today that it will expand in Ozark, investing more than $29.5 million and creating 29 new jobs. The company’s expansion includes the construction of a new asphalt plant on its existing property, allowing its adjacent rock quarry to grow and modernize while staying in its current location. This will enhance efficiency and enable the company to serve a larger market. more

There’s nothing like a friendly March Madness competition to get middle school students — and staff — reading more books! more

In a few weeks, I will close out a public service career of nearly fifty-one years. As I do so, I have spent a good deal of time reflecting on those experiences and values which have stood me in good stead. I see those same qualities in Mayor Don Currence. more

Ozark High School is proud to announce that seniors Savannah Miller and Amelia Cazier have been recognized in the prestigious 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program, a statewide initiative that honors the top academic students in Missouri. Savannah has been selected as one of the top 100 scholars, and Amelia has received an Honorable Mention for their outstanding academic achievements. more

Terry D. Vance CMSGT (RET) USAF, age 81, of Ozark, Mo., passed away Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Terry was born on Nov. 18, 1943, in Cave City, Arkansas, the son of Euric and Maude Vance. Terry and his twin brother were the seventh and eighth of nine children. more

Randall Arthur Ross, 64, of Ozark, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. Randall was born on April 11, 1960, in Starkville, Mississippi, as a proud twin. more

The Ozark Fire Protection District (OFPD) will hold its 2025 Citizens Fire Academy starting in April. The course will be 11 weeks long and is open to anyone living or working in Christian County. more

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are trained to take care of themselves and then help others in their communities for the first three days following a disaster. This is when debris-clogged or damaged roads, disrupted communications, or a high volume of calls may prevent access by emergency response personnel. The purpose of CERT training is to provide citizens with the basic skills required to handle virtually all their own needs and then to be able to respond to their communities’ needs in the aftermath of a disaster. more

An Ozark couple were booked into the Greene County Jail on Monday, March 10, on behalf of the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office. Michael Todd Williams, 56, and his wife Cherita Dawn Williams, 53, are each charged with one count of felony stealing. more

Mercy proudly opened its second primary care clinic in Ozark (on Wednesday, March 5) with a ribbon cutting and blessing of the new facility (at 1758 South 20th Street). The new clinic furthers Mercy’s mission to bring accessible, high-quality health care to patients across the Ozarks. This new facility provides a full range of services including primary care and same-day appointments in a convenient location to ensure patients receive the care they need close to home. more

Benny Baker more

An Ozark resident was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday, March 5 at the Greene County Justice Center. Matthew Steven Richardson, 55, received the sentence as part of a plea agreement where he pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree child molestation. In return, two other counts of second-degree child molestation were dismissed. more

Ozark High School government students had a rare and exciting opportunity to witness the judicial system in action as the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, held a special oral argument session in OHS’s auditorium on Feb. 27. This event provided students with a firsthand look at the appellate process, allowing them to observe real-world legal proceedings and gain insight into the complexities of the justice system. more

The Ozark Varsity Cheer (OVC) took first place in the Missouri State Gameday Championship at Missouri State University on Saturday, Feb. 23. It was the team’s fourth consecutive year to win the championship, and their first year as a coed team. more

We love seeing our parents get involved in our elementary schools, especially when that parent is also a teacher at the high school! Dr. Albert Bryant, Ozark High School math teacher, recently administered a Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics Mathleague contest for four East Elementary students. Congratulations to fourth graders Samson Bryant, Duke Kirkman, Henry Witt, and Emy Yerby for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking the test — literally! more

Charlotte “Elaine” Mann more

Carlene Mayberry more

David Winston Dawson, age 84, of Ozark, passed away in his home early Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was born Aug. 23, 1940, in Springfield, the son of David Winston and Freda Mae (Payne) Dawson. He graduated from Central High School in 1958 and joined the U.S. Navy the same year. After serving his country for three years, David returned home and received a bachelors from SMS (MSU). On June 7, 1963, he and Linda Lea Earls were married. He returned to his education and in 1971 was granted a master's degree from Drury College. more

Alyce Maxine Hughes, a remarkable lady of 102 years and nine months, peacefully passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 17, 2025. more

Betty Louise Swadley more

Pierrette Julia (Julie) Thomas more

The Ozark Board of Education voted to hire Richard Fretwell as the Executive Director of Operations at their Feb. 20 open session meeting. The operations position became available following the retirement announcement of Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Curtis Chesick, who has been with the District for the past 20 years. more

Finley River Art Gallery invites artists of all ages to submit entries in its first public competition of 2025. The Gallery sponsors four competitions each year that are open to the general public. more

Finley River Art Gallery will offer free spring classes beginning March 8. Classes are open to teens and adults. Classes are free and all materials are provided; classes run from 10 a.m. to noon. Space is limited, so attendees must pre-register at the Gallery. The first class is Pen & Ink on Saturday, March 8. March 22 is Watercolors; April 12 is Floral Watercolor. May 10 will be collage, and May 31 will be Abstract Watercolor. The Gallery is located at 100 E. Elm in downtown Ozark and is open Wednesday through Saturday,10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Class sign-up can also be done by phone at 417-551-4011 during open hours. more