NIXA, Mo. (June 18, 2026) – The Arvest Foundation has donated $20,000 to Children’s Smile Center in Aurora and Nixa. more

OZARK, MO — Summer is here, and so is one of the community’s favorite programs designed to keep kids reading all season long! Participating McDonald’s restaurants across the region are excited to bring back the Happy McReaders Summer Program, once again partnering with local libraries to encourage literacy and reward young readers. more

NIXA, Mo. — The Nixa Fire Protection District Board of Directors has voted to place a one percent fire district sales tax question on the August 2026 ballot, responding directly to community feedback following the November 2025 property tax levy election. If approved, the measure would also require an annual rollback of the property tax levy — providing property tax relief mandated by state law. more

Marianne Bergeson more

Vaunda Noreene (Long) Gardner, 94, Springfield, Mo., passed away June 4, 2026, at Cox Hospital, surrounded by family. more

James “J.C.” Smith more

Mike Duane Stephenson more

In February, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced that Dalton Jones was a finalist in the competition for the National Merit scholarships to be awarded in 2026. Earlier this month, the NMSC made a new announcement; the recent Nixa High School graduate was awarded a National Merit scholarship to the University of Missouri-Columbia. more

The fourth annual One Read, One Nixa (ONOR), a community initiative designed to encourage everybody in Nixa to read a single book together, was kickstarted on Wednesday, May 27, with a block party at the Nixa branch of the Christian County Library. While three weeks have passed since this year’s ONOR has started, it’s not too late to take part in the event. Free copies of this year’s book, “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown, are available at the Nixa Library and Nixa City Hall, while supplies last. Limit one copy per family. more

Social media has become an addiction for many people. Too much time is spent every day scrolling through smartphones. It can affect your nervous system and sleep habits. Negative news on television can also be a problem. more

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jerry Lynn Lipe Michael, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who died on June 12, 2026 in Springfield, Mo.. more

He had no servants, yet they called Him Master. He had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives. The greatest man in history is Jesus. more

Michael Duane Stephenson more

Marvin, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, stepped out onto his porch. It was Flag Day, a day that held special significance to him. It always brought back memories. Some were good, some were bad. To him, the flag was an important part of his life. more

NIXA — The westward expansion of Nixa is officially underway. The Retreat is open. more

Just ahead of Memorial Day, Ozark and Nixa opened their municipal pools on Saturday, May 23. In Ozark, the Neal Grubaugh Municipal Pool, located at the Neal Grubaugh Park, while the Nixa Aquatics Center opened at the X Center (the Nixa Splash Pad opened on Friday, May 15). For information on the pools’ hours, cost of admission, or length of the summer season, go online to https://www.nixa.com or call (417) 725-5486 for the X Center. Go online to https://ozarkmissouri.com/640/Parks-Recreation or call (417) 581-7002 for information about the Neal Grubaugh Municipal Pool. more

The American Legion Post 434 led the 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony at the X Center in Nixa on Saturday, May 23 to honor veterans who died in service to their country. An estimated 60 people attended the event. more

Jimmy Dewayne Ballew more

Leonard “Douglas” Huff, age 79, of Nixa, passed away on May 24, 2026. Douglas was born on April 27, 1947, to Alvin and Emma Lou (Gimlin) Huff. more

For some of you, today’s technological world is both a blessing and a curse. Some of it is helpful and good, but much of it only adds stress to our lives. We have let it consume too much of our time. It is affecting the health of our minds and bodies. It is changing the lives of adults and kids, and not necessarily for the better. more

On Sunday, May 17, the Nixa High School Class of 2026 graduated. During the ceremony, 426 high school seniors received their diplomas. Except where otherwise noted, all photos by Joseph Giddens of Giddens & Co. Visuals. more

Thousands of people descended on Nixa during the 68th Annual Sucker Days festival, held on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. more

Sandra Pace more

Matthew Goodrich more

Christian County 4-H would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our Pie and Dessert Auction on April 30 at Victory Baptist Church in Nixa! From the delicious homemade desserts to the incredible community support, the evening was a huge success. We are so grateful to everyone who donated desserts, attended, bid, volunteered, and helped make this fundraiser possible. The generosity shown by our community means more than we can express. As part of 4-H, we are passionate about providing youth with opportunities to learn, lead, grow, and give back to their communities. Events like this help make future experiences possible for our members, and every dollar raised stays right here in Christian County to support local youth programs, activities, leadership opportunities, camps, and educational experiences through 4-H. We are incredibly thankful for the continued support of our community and for everyone who believes in investing in our youth. Your support truly helps our members grow into confident, capable leaders. We could not have done it without the amazing auctioneers at Melton Auction & Realty LLC and Christian County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Cole! Thank you for helping make the night so fun and successful. And a big shout out to Victory Baptist Church for hosting! Thank you again to everyone who helped make this event one to remember! more