Gravel bars on rivers and creeks are special to me. They have been a part of my life. I have skipped rocks, gone swimming, fished, camped, read books, and taken some really great naps on gravel bars. more

When Christian County voters head to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, they will decide whether or not to approve Senate Bill Three, a ballot issue, that if approved, would keep Christian County property tax levels at their 2024 level going forward. The exception to that rule would be if a property owner made a substantial improvement to their property, or if a person purchased property in the county at a later date. Those people would pay a property tax rate figured for that calendar year, but the amount would then remain set going forward. more

If Nixa voters approve Proposition One when they go to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, the Nixa City Charter will be amended so that vacancies on the Nixa City Council with a remaining term of over one year will no longer be filled with a special election. Rather, the vacancy would be filled by mayoral appointment, with the approval of the city council; the same process used to fill vacancies that have less than a year-long-term remaining. more

Ruth Meadows more

Berton (Bert) Stanley Brundage, Jr. more

Last November, the Highlandville Rural Fire Protection District (HRFD) asked voters to approve an increase of their tax levy of $0.23 per $100 of assessed value. The ballot issue was voted down. On Tuesday, April 7, the HRFPD will again ask voters to pass the increase. more

Betty Jean Crume Wells more

Ozark area women met February 24 at the new Children's Smile Center facility to plan for Year 11 of the Impact 100 Ozark organization. Impact 100 Ozark is a philanthropic initiative designed to pool funds from members to collectively make large grants in the area of Ozark that improve the quality of life. Since 2016 they have given away nearly $462,200 and will pass the half million dollar mark with their large grants later in 2026. For more information, go to their website at www.impact100ozark.org or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Impact100Ozark. more

When voters living in the City of Ozark go to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, they will decide whether to elect a charter commission. more

Robert John Bidgood, born Dec. 31, 1948, in Joliet, Ill., to John and Rose Bidgood, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Springfield, Mo. more

Diana Watkins more

If voters in the Clever R-V School District approve a $0.40 per $100 of assessed value increase in the district’s operating tax levy, and a corresponding decrease in its debt service levy, the district will purchase the First Baptist Church of Clever building, and the building will become the district’s new Early Childhood Center. The shift in the tax levies would also allow the district to maintain competitive salaries for faculty and staff. more

On Feb. 23, 2026, Deputy Gabriel Ramirez was killed in Highlandville after stopping a person who barreled past a stopped school bus. On Feb. 24, 2026, while attempting to help apprehend this person, Deputy Michael Hislope was killed when the person opened fire on approaching law enforcement. The photos in this gallery are of the memorial set up for the deputies and their funeral procession, held on Feb. 28, 2026. The photos of the deputies are courtesy of the Christian County Sheriff's Office. The photos of the funeral procession on US 60 were taken by Alexa McNew. All other photos are by Steve Chapman. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning Missourians of a new phone scam targeting the family members of individuals incarcerated in the Christian County Jail. more

Hello Senator Mike Moon and Representative Jamie Ray Gragg, more

OATS Transit is currently offering regular transportation services to rural residents of any age. To schedule a ride or to inquire about services available in your area, please call the OATS Transit office at 417-887-9272 or 800-770-6287. You can also visit our website at www.oatstransit.org, where you can find your local schedule by clicking on your county under the “Bus Schedules” tab. OATS Transit is available to the rural general public of any age. Additionally, we contract with various agencies to serve their clients. more

An Ozark man faces numerous felony charges after he allegedly fired rounds from a handgun while inside a mental health facility in Springfield. Joseph Raymond Skibel, 53, is charged with making a terrorist threat in the second-degree, two counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. more

The sun is beginning to peek through the forested hills. Annie is at the trout park, waiting with rod in hand. She is visiting with the men on both sides of her. It’s a cool morning. The fishermen and one fisherwoman talk about the weather. more

James Ray Forsythe, formerly of Ozark and Bismarck, Mo., passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Feb. 20, 2026, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Tullahoma, Tenn., at the age of 87. more

Marie Ann Sowards more

The weather has been nice for a few days. Sunday evening we had a shower like I like, a slow drizzle that soaks into the ground and doesn't cause flash floods. If you live across a creek you always think of that when you have some place to go. We have been promised rain each day this week. more

Michael James Hislope, age 40, passed away on Feb. 24, 2026. He was born on Feb. 17, 1986, to Pamela Hislope and Darrell Hislope. Michael graduated from Ozark High School in 2004 and went on to live a life defined by service, strength, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. more

Gabriel Ernest Lee Ramirez, 30, of Ozark, Mo., passed away on Feb. 23, 2026. He was born on April 28, 1995, in Visalia, Calif. more

Carol Todd more

Anthony Oriaku more