Rhonda was 66 years of age when she passed away peacefully in her Centerview, Mo. home on Sunday, June 7, 2026. She was born on Sunday, May 29, 1960, the daughter of Ray and Evelyn (Smith) Daugherty, in Kansas City, Mo. Rhonda was baptized at the age of 9 at Ruskin Heights Baptist Church in Kansas City. Rhonda graduated from Ozark High School in 1978. On November 4, 1989, in Ozark, Mo. at Smyrna Baptist Church, Rhonda was united in marriage to Duanne Pearson, whom she shared 35 loving years with before his passing in May of 2025. Rhonda was full of joy and laughter when she walked in the room. If you ever needed a laugh, just call Rhonda and she would give you one of her wild stories or silly jokes. more

Dr. Herschel J. Chudomelka, age 99 of Ozark, died June 24, 2026. He was born May 9, 1927, in Dodge, Neb., the son of Stanley and Blazena (Dlouhy) Chudomelka. more

The CCCC Sertoma Club held their 25th Annual Duck Race Festival at Finley River Park from June 19-20. The milestone event included not only their signature Rubber Duck Race, but also a car show held by the Christian County Elks Club, a craft fair, live music, a carnival, a pie eating contest, a corn hole tournament, and more. Funds which were raised through the festival will benefit several children’s charities in Christian County. more

The Children's Smile Center held the 20th Annual Hot Air Balloon Glow at Finley River Park on Friday, June 19. Here are pictures from the event. All photos by Steve Chapman. more

On Saturday, June 6, Railroad Days was held at the Chadwick Community Center. Here are some pictures of the event. All photos by Steve Chapman. more

Wilber “Bill” Youngberg more

Jered Taylor, who served eight years as State Representative for Missouri’s 139th House District as a Conservative Republican, announced that he is running for Christian County Presiding Commissioner. The seat is currently held by fellow Republican and former State Representative Lynn Morris. more

The City of Nixa is happy to announce the hiring of a new Assistant City Administrator. more

James Dale Whitlock, age 81 of Cape Girardeau, passed away June 5, 2026. He was born July 23, 1944 in St. Charles, Mo., the son of Harold Leon and Lillian Frances (Graves) Whitlock. more

To the Editor, more

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Clever, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for one count each of conspiracy to traffic firearms, trafficking firearms, and unlawful possession of firearms. more

Sharon entered the loving embrace of Jesus on June 15, 2026. more

Tommy Joe Thompson, age 76, of Nixa, passed away on June 16, 2026. more

Katherine Sue Swearengin more

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

So sorry the computer and phone were both a mess last Sunday evening while I was trying to get news sent in. Computers are great when all goes good. They can sure confuse us sometimes. more

An Ozark teen won two awards when she took part in the Missouri Cadet Patrol Academy, held by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Jefferson City. Phoebe Cates, 16, won first place in the Women’s Physical Fitness test, and she also won the Ben Goodin Award, which she was given for displaying “overall character, excellence, and ethics” while at the academy. more

Barbara J. Jones more

As the celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday gets underway, my mind goes back 50 years to the Bicentennial celebrations of 1976. 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

Patrick Davis more