The O’Reilly Development Company, working in partnership with the Nixa and Springfield Area Chambers of Commerce, broke ground on The Meadows at Wicklow, a new housing development, on Thursday, Aug. 27. more

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is a public engagement initiative for school sustainability that is structured as a federal recognition award. By highlighting schools, districts, postsecondary institutions, and early learning centers’ cost-saving, health-promoting, and performance-enhancing sustainability practices, ED-GRS celebrates these institutions and brings more attention to their work. more

You already know that the library is a place for books, but this fall, it's also turning into a concert venue! Everyone is invited, so grab your lawn chairs and head to your nearest branch location for an evening filled with toe-tapping music and fun. more

By Larry Whiteley more

Darlene Blackmore more

Randy Lee Gilmore more

Nicholas James Miller, age 84, of Nixa, Missouri, entered into eternal rest on July 2, 2025. He was born on June 23, 1941, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and devotion to those he loved. more

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

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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Wilma Dean Drewer 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

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

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

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

In the article titled “As Piccolo rebuilds, community shows support,” which appeared in the Aug. 6, 2025, edition of Christian County Headliner News, it was stated that Piccolo would reopen in March. This was incorrect; Steve D’Arpino, owner of Piccolo, said the restaurant is expected to open in August. The editor sincerely regrets the error. more

Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Tuohy was reappointed in July by Gov. Mike Kehoe to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board (CANRB), Springfield Board F, where she has served since 2017. more

Marjorie Ann Welch more

I wish I had their energy. I wish I had many things kids have. I think I will officially give my resignation as an adult. I have decided I want to be a kid again. more

About a month after a car crashed into it, Piccolo, an Italian restaurant in Nixa, remains closed as repairs proceed on the building. However, while customers currently can’t eat in the restaurant, several of them are showing their love for the business and its staff by buying gift cards and contributing to a GoFundMe page set up to support Piccolo’s employees. more