On Thursday, Sept. 10, political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. On Sunday, Sept. 14, people filled the square in Ozark for a vigil held to honor his memory. Josh Troester, lead pastor of Live Church in Republic, spoke during the event, while Count the Cost Ministry provided live music. more

Shirley Rice Jensen more

Linda Louise Schilter more

Kindergarten is a whole new experience for kindergarten students and parents. But this year at West Elementary, it was also a new experience for the kindergarten teachers. more

Metta Jean Scott more

Ozark Guns and Hoses held Ozark’s National Night Out at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 6. The event included drone demonstrations, a detective zone for kids, a tour of the city’s firetrucks, a junior firefighter course, and more. Inflatable buildings, food trucks, and an appearance by Whataguy, Whataburger’s mascot, added to the evening’s enjoyment. Capping off the night’s festivities was the Second Annual Guns and Hoses Softball game between the Ozark Police Department and the Ozark Fire Protection District. Ultimately, the Ozark Fire Protection District won the game, 28-19. more

Impact 100 Ozark awarded $54,000 in grants during a meeting held at the Fremont Hill Country Club on Thursday, Sept. 4. The 60-plus women who made up the civic group listened to representatives from six area organizations each deliver a five-minute speech, requesting funding. Afterwards, they voted on which of the organizations would receive the grants. more

Christian County celebrated the opening of its new employee health clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The new 3,000-square-foot clinic will provide medical services exclusively to Christian County employees and their families. more

Nixa and Ozark Parks and Recreation departments closed out by allowing dogs to come and play in their city pools before they closed for the year. On Monday, Sept. 1, Nixa Parks and Rec held the Doggie Dive In, sponsored by Seven Hills Veterinary Clinic. About 75 dogs and 80 people attended the event. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Neal Grubaugh Municipal Pool in Ozark hosted Paws in the Pool, which saw 30 dogs and 40 people in attendance. more

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry David Melton, age 62, of Ozark, on Aug. 28, 2025. more

A Springfield resident was recently convicted on a single charge of first-degree statutory sodomy in Christian County. more

Vanessa Swearengin, age 67, of Ozark, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Portland, Ore. Vanessa was born to Jerry R. Huff and Edna Yvonne Hamilton on June 7, 1958, in Lubbock, Texas. She was raised in Sparta, Mo., and graduated from Sparta High School in 1976. She was united in marriage to Kevin Swearengin on April 18, 1987, in Rogersville, Missouri. Kevin and Vanessa shared 38 beautiful years together and were blessed with three children. more

Vera Jane Kennon, age 92, of Ozark, Mo., formerly Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on Aug. 25, 2025, at Magnolia Square Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. Vera was born the seventh of nine children, five girls and four boys, to William Hugh Kerby and Vera Grace (Singleton) Kerby, on March 17, 1933, in Madison County, Tenn. She was raised in Malesus, Tenn., and graduated from J.B. Young High School in 1952. Vera was united in marriage to Dwayne B. Kennon on April 12, 1952, in Corinth, Mississippi. Dwayne and Vera shared 70 years of marriage before Dwayne’s untimely passing on April 19, 2022. The couple were blessed with four children: Brad, Greg, Murray, and Chris. more

Whether wood, precious metal, or neon, the battle over the cross is not a new one. Join Vic as he fights the elements, local government, and his own family to build a giant neon cross on a mountain ridge in the desert of Arizona -- a cross to stand as a beacon in the night, pointing travelers to Jesus. more

The Clever Band Boosters held their 19th annual car show at Clever High School on Saturday, Aug. 23. The event, which was free and open to the public, drew an estimated 800 spectators. About 260 vehicles, including trucks, modern and classic cars, and more, were on display at the event. There was also a model car display, during which spectators could vote on their favorite with cash donations, as well as a silent auction, in which people were able to bid on $4,000 worth of donated items. All proceeds from the car show will go to support the Clever High School Marching Band. more

Enoch John Pyle more

Warner Dale Roaseau 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

Nancy Ann Keegan more

Ozark School District held its Fifth Annual OZcar Awards ceremony Aug. 12, kicking off the 2025-26 school year with a districtwide meeting. Five district winners received awards. They are: more

The Ozark Community Center gave Ozark kids a chance to wind down summer with a Taylor Swift-themed pool party at the Neal Grubaugh Municipal Pool on Friday, Aug. 15. About 60 people attended the party. more

Carol Jean Lewis more

Shannon Stephens, a victim advocate in the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, was recently appointed to a Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board (CANRB) by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe. Her appointment was announced on Friday, Aug. 1. more

Barbara Faye Castleberry more

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