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CLEVER'S SAVANNAH CHENEY tags out a Springfield Catholic baserunner at third.
Sore arm can't keep Mittag from pitching Clever past Catholic 13-6 for District title
HOLLISTER — Having no intention of letting a sore right arm interfere with her pitching plans Wednesday, Ava Mittag’s willpower helped her led Clever to its first District championship in …
NIXA'S JACKSON CANTWELL points to his Miami Hurricanes shirt while announcing his college choice.
Believing in Miami's development of O-lineman, Cantwell chooses 'Canes
Like a running back following his lead blocker, Nixa’s Jackson Cantwell is ready, willing and eager to follow the lead of Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal. Citing his relationships …
Local News
Century Elementary faculty receive recognition after the school was named a model professional learning community. Photos courtesy of Nixa Public Schools.

Century Elementary Earns International Recognition

Century Elementary has been recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work School. The school received this honor from Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. Century is one of about 600 schools and districts in the United States and Canada to receive this honor, and the fourth school in Nixa to earn this achievement.
Susan Fox (seated) with her 91-year-old mother, Frances, both from Ozark received roses from Lodge Treasurer Jerry Fritchman, Esquire Michael Sweet (left) and Exalted Ruler Kevin Wolfe. Photo courtesy of Christian County Elks Lodge #2777.

Christian County Elks #2777 Honors Mothers with Heartfelt Tribute and Celebration

The Christian County Elks Lodge #2777 in Ozark hosted a warm and touching celebration in honor of Mother's Day, paying tribute to the love, strength, and devotion of mothers throughout the community. The special event brought together families and members for an evening filled with appreciation, fellowship, and heartfelt moments.

BBB Scam Alert: Student loan forgiveness scams

As student loan payments and debt collection return, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) warns borrowers to be on the lookout for loan forgiveness and debt collection scams.
Bella Hill, 18, will attend Columbia University in New York following her graduation from Ozark High School. Photo by Steve Chapman.

Hill entering the Ivy League

When Bella Hill was six, she knew that she wanted to go to college, even though she wasn’t sure what that meant at the time.
Darlene Roberts, licensed massage therapist and owner of The Good Place, gives an attendee at the Health and Wellness Expo a chair massage. The Good Place was one of about 20 vendors at the expo. Photo by Steve Chapman.

Nixa Parks and Rec hosts Health and Wellness Expo

The Nixa Parks and Recreation Department hosted their Health and Wellness Expo at the X Center on Saturday, May 3. Attendees at the event got a chance to experience massage therapy, learn about judo classes, try out exercise demons, and experience Yoga in the Park. They also had the opportunity to sign up to win prizes.
News
Krenn

Charges dropped against Krenn

Charges were dropped on Friday, May 2, against Louis Krenn, a medical doctor who was accused of sexually abusing a foreign exchange student living in his home last year.
Blankenship

Blankenship found guilty of murder, other crimes

A Nixa man was convicted in a 2019 murder case on Wednesday, May 7, by a jury in Platte County. The jury found Todd Blankenship, 52, guilty of First-Degree murder in the death of his wife, Stacie Whiteley. Blankenship was also found guilty of armed criminal action, Third-Degree domestic assault, and Fourth-Degree domestic assault.

Auto collision leaves Highlandville woman dead, three others injured

A Highlandville woman was killed on Thursday, May 8, in a collision involving six vehicles, according to a traffic crash report filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. According to the report, the crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m., when a 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycle being ridden northward by a 49-year-old man from Strafford on US 160 crossed the centerline of the highway and struck the 2000 Pontiac Firebird the woman was driving southward, causing the Firebird to skid across the highway and strike a northbound 2019 GMC Sierra head on.
Speakers at the groundbreaking event pose for a photo. From left: Denver Caldwell, Vice President, John Deere Aftermarket & Customer Support; Ryan Campbell, President, John Deere Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems; Kevin Schrag, Manager, John Deere Reman; Martha Smartt, City Administrator, Strafford, Mo.; Matt Morrow, President and CEO, Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield, Mo. Photo courtesy of Dan Bernick, Public Relations manager at John Deere.

John Deere breaks ground on Reman Core Center expansion

John Deere broke ground on an expansion of their Reman Core Center facility in Strafford on Monday, May 5. The project is expected to expand the current Core Center facility by 120,000 square feet and represents an investment of $13.5 million in the area, according to information provided by Dan Bernick, Public Relations manager for John Deere.

Area school districts receive $15,000 in CFO grants

Three area school districts were awarded grants from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) recently. According to a press release from the CFO dated Tuesday, May 6, Billings R-IV, Nixa R-II, and Ozark R-VI each received a $5,000 grant from the organization.
Local Sports
NIXA'S RYLEE ENG displays her winning form in the triple jump.

Following injury, COC triple jump champ Eng feels she's 'back in the game'

Rylee Eng is feeling more and more like her healthy self, after being hindered most of this spring by an injured ankle.
OZARK'S KANNON WILLIAMS races to a first in the 200 at last week's COC Meet.
Entering post-season, Tigers' Williams eyes peak performances in 100 and 200
Kannon Williams is doing all he can to allow himself to run free and relaxed at this weekend’s Class 5 District 5 Meet at JFK Stadium in Springfield.
NIXA'S SAM MCCLAIN makes a pass.
Lady Eagles' defenders showcase skills at both ends of field against Ozark
Nixa’s 11 shutouts have put the spotlight on the Lady Eagles’ defenders, as has center-back Bailey Snyder’s success on set pieces.
NIXA'S NOAH NAUGLE is fresh from a COC Tournament championship last week.
Executing up-and-down around greens has triggered Naugle's rapid rise
Advancing to the final round of the Nixa golf team’s season-long Game of 21 Tournament, Noah Naugle gave a great example of why he’s elevated his game from good to great, if note elite. …
NIXA'S JACKSON CANTWELL poses with Georgia commit Jared Curtis, of Nashville Christian, in Athens, Georgia this past weekend.
Cantwell's Nixa classmates believe Georgia and Oregon are his top candidates
Nixa’s Wyatt Vincent agrees with the recruiting experts that the Eagles’ Jackson Cantwell will commit to Georgia, while two other heralded Nixa athletes believe he’ll commit to …
NIXA'S CAEDEN CLOUD follows through on a swing against Ozark on Thursday.
Eagles shortstop Cloud once again displays all-state form in field and batter's box
Nixa shortstop Caeden Cloud even amazed himself with a running catch he made during the Eagles’ 6-1 victory versus Ozark on Thursday. Cloud added to his long list of defensive highlights …
Business

'MATHES, CASSIE M.' via CCH news group Fri, May 2, 12:10 PM (3 days ago) to CASSIE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2025 Ozarks Tech Officially Launches New Airframe & Powerplant Program

Ozarks Technical Community College has officially launched its new Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) program, a state-of-the-art aviation mechanics training program designed to address the rapidly growing demand for skilled aircraft technicians.
Olivia Smith (right) sells her homemade baked goods on the square with a little help from her sister, Kennedy Hodgson, 11. All photos by Steve Chapman.

Downtown Ozark Market Days begins with almost 100 vendors

The Christian County Children’s Charities Sertoma Club kicked off Downtown Ozark Market Days at the Ozark Town Square on Saturday, May 3. About 98 vendors set up booths at the event, selling wares such as baked goods, clothing, handmade jewelry, bath and body items, home decor, wood carvings, and more. The event also featured live music, food trucks, and an opportunity to adopt a duck in the Sertoma Duck Race Festival, to be held on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21.

Beware of Scams

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Missouri Department of Revenue is warning Missourians of ongoing nationwide text scams. The department has received a large increase in calls reporting these phishing texts. These texts are often threatening, claiming to be from the Missouri Department of Revenue or Department of Motor Vehicles, and may include a warning regarding unpaid traffic violations, outstanding toll charges, or fines owed.

Safely searching for financial aid

For students struggling to pay for tuition, a sudden scholarship offer or a financial aid company that guarantees results can seem like a dream come true – but it could also be the setup for a scam.

Arvest to Offer First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program

Arvest Bank can help first-time homebuyers purchase a home with up to $20,000 in assistance for down payments and closing costs through the Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) program.
Education
On Friday, May 9, Clever High School  hosted its annual Decision Day, an event for the Class of 2025 to announce their post-graduation plans – which range from college, trade school, the military, or entering the workforce – as they set out on their paths to career success.
Since launching the Academy Model in 2021, Ozark High School has been working to provide students meaningful career exploration and real-world experiences through Client Connected Projects (CCPs). And now, thanks to a $5,000 Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Career Exploration Grant, the high school can bring real-world learning to more students through teacher training.
My name is Kelsey Brabo, and I am writing to express my gratitude for the invaluable support that Care to Learn provides to our community and to share our need for increased funding.
Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) Springfield is now accepting applicants for this year’s Student of Ethics Award with the opportunity to win a $2,500 scholarship.
Opinion
Cosmopolitan Club of Ozark, a Christian County service organization, held their final meeting of the year on May 6 at Estes Farms, Cassidy Station. Cat Edie, event coordinator, gave club members a tour and a history lesson of this amazing property.
I used to be a fidgeter. I'd tap on things and bounce my leg so fast that Tom would sometimes reach over and put his hand on my knee as if to say, "Enough. That's driving me nuts." Fidgeters don't often realize that our small yet frenetic movements can make the table shake just enough to be annoying.
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