The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed the 19 newest educators joining the Sparta R-3 School District during its inaugural New Teacher Luncheon, held August 5 in Sparta. more

A Nixa resident who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for child endangerment has been indicted on 18 sexual offenses he allegedly committed against two underage female relatives in Douglas County. Ellis Rayls, 40, is charged with two counts of first-degree child molestation, four counts of statutory sodomy/attempted deviate intercourse with person less than 14 years old, five counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, first-degree statutory rape/attempted statutory rape, first-degree rape/attempted rape, two counts of child endangerment, and two counts of sexual misconduct involving a child under the age of 15. more

Barbara Faye Castleberry more

Carl Jean Jones, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and strength on Aug. 23, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on Dec. 29, 1945, to Jesse and Susie (Rutledge) Jones. more

The kids have one week of school behind them, and I am hearing happy kids and a few not there yet. It will get better! I haven't heard any reports of problems with "The no phone in classrooms". No one can say they use their phones in other schools. more

Kenneth Loren Fitzpatrick, age 84, of Nixa, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. Born on Oct. 14, 1940, in Springfield, he was the son of Loren Kenneth Fitzpatrick and Leola Kathleen (Campbell) Fitzpatrick.

Kenneth dedicated over 40 years to a successful career in banking. He was a founder and president of Battlefield National Bank and later Landmark Bank. He also worked at Commerce Bank, Metropolitan Bank, and Countryside Bank, where many of his customers became lifelong friends. Kenneth enjoyed playing golf at Twin Oaks Country Club and later at Fremont Hills Country Club, where he made many cherished friendships. Kenneth was a member of First Baptist Church of Nixa and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Tim Fitzpatrick, and his wife, Kim, of Nixa, and grandchildren, Kyle Fitzpatrick and Jenna Fitzpatrick; and his son, Mike Fitzpatrick, and wife Lisa of Joplin and grandchildren, Carlie Fitzpatrick and Maddie Fitzpatrick.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years on April 6, 2026, Billie "Joyce" Fitzpatrick, and his parents.

A funeral service in remembrance of Kenneth will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 29, at Adams Funeral Home in Nixa, officiated by Pastor Gordon Dawley, followed by burial at Payne Cemetery, located north of Nixa. Family and friends are invited to visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the same day, immediately before the service.

To honor Kenneth, please wear your favorite golf shirt and dress casually for the funeral service.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Nixa or The American Cancer Society.

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The Ozark R-IV School District held a Back-to-School bash at the Ozark Innovation Center on Saturday, Aug. 9. During the event, about 379 students from 164 families were given backpacks, school supplies, groceries, and more. The event also included a free lunch, face painting, games, and a petting zoo. Seventy-three volunteers helped out at the various stations during the Back-to-School Bash. more

Patty Kay King, age 61, of Boaz, Mo., passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 15, 1964, in Springfield, Mo., to Denny and Shelby Hicks. more

Wilma Dean Drewer more

The Ozark High School Alumni Association will be honoring the graduating classes of 1941 – 1978 at their annual reunion on Sept. 20. This year’s banquet will be held at the Ozark Innovation Center, 1600 W. Jackson St., Ozark. The doors will open at 3:30 p.m. for tours of the facility until 4:45 p.m. For those not wishing to take the tour, this will allow time for visiting with fellow classmates. Dinner seating will begin at 4:30 pm. Our meal, catered by Dining By Design, and our program will start at 5 p.m. Cost per person is $25, and reservations must be received by Sept. 6. more

Pete was a good friend of mine. He cooked for himself, did all his household chores, and drove his car. No nursing home for Pete. He still went dancing withthe ladies. He had more energy than men half his age. more

OTC revealed its new Technical Training Center (TTC), a $5 million, 19,600 square-foot facility, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The new building, located on OTC’s Richwood Valley Campus, located between Nixa and Ozark, will serve as the primary training center for the college’s agriculture and electrical distribution systems (EDS) programs. more

Thomas Eugene Smith, 79, of Parsons, Kans., lived a life that could never be summed up in just one chapter. Born to David and Phyllis Smith, Tom was a Parsons High School graduate, where he played tennis before earning his Associate of Arts degree from Parsons Junior College. He later pursued performance and management training at Pirelli Tire Company, but his life was always more melody than monotony. more

Most people know Susan Haralson as the Ozark Chamber of Commerce’s chairman of the board. However, Haralson is also a powerlifting champion; she won the silver medal in her age and weight class at the United States Powerlifting Association’s national competition in Las Vegas, held July 7 through July 11 (She won the gold last year). During the competition, she also set a powerlifting record for the State of Missouri in her age/weight class by squatting 82.5 kg (about 182 pounds). more

Press Release: The National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) is proud to announce Dr. H. Gearl Loden, Superintendent of Nixa Public Schools in Nixa, Missouri, as a finalist for its distinguished 2025 Superintendent of the Year award. Known for his collaborative leadership and ability to connect leaders across regions, Dr. Loden has built a career dedicated to fostering innovation, professional growth, and strong community engagement. more

Congratulations to our own Jaren Van Houden, who is now teaching in the Ag Department at Columbia University while working to extend his degree. We are so proud of another of our Chadwick graduates. more

Roberto “Bob” Olivera, age 78, of Ozark, Mo., passed away on August 12, 2025. He was born October 25, 1946, in Manhattan, N.Y, to Angel and Ophelia Olivera. more

Gene Arlin Shanks more

James River Basin Partnership’s 9th annual Sunset Soiree is set for Friday, September 12, at Finley Farms in Ozark, Mo. This is James River Basin Partnership’s largest fundraising event, with all proceeds supporting their mission to improve and protect the James River watershed. These critical funds help support the Partnership’s education, community outreach, research, recreation, programming, and river cleanups. more

I have spent many years enjoying all the outdoors has to offer anyone who seeks peace, adventure, quiet, solitude, and fun. I have fished, hunted, camped, and hiked all over America and have made several trips to Canada. more

Opal “Faye” Swearengin more

It’s my honor to join the Christian County Library. The first week has been a whirlwind of excitement and learning about the unique resources of our library district. It’s clear that library staff are dedicated to the community and have built a supportive atmosphere. As a result, it comes as no surprise that the people of Christian County truly love their libraries. more

The Nixa Police Department (NPD) and the Sparta Police Department (SPD) each held National Night Out celebrations on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The NPD held its celebration at the Nixa Aquatic Center, while the SPD held its event at Sparta Roller Park. In addition to officers from the respective police departments, other organizations were also represented at the celebrations. more

The Ozark School District has earned national recognition as a winner of the Smart Energy Decisions’ 2025 Innovation Award in the category of Onsite Renewable Energy for the project “Ozark Schools Lead the Way in Sustainability Through Solar Innovation.” This prestigious award highlights the district’s leadership in sustainability and innovative energy practices that directly benefit students, staff, and the community. more

If you’re interested in bringing a four-legged friend into your home, you might want to check out the dogs available for adoption at the Ozark City Pound. Currently, three dogs are waiting to become the newest members of a family. more