The sun is beginning to peek through the forested hills. Annie is at the trout park, waiting with rod in hand. She is visiting with the men on both sides of her. It’s a cool morning. The fishermen and one fisherwoman talk about the weather. more

James Ray Forsythe, formerly of Ozark and Bismarck, Mo., passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Feb. 20, 2026, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Tullahoma, Tenn., at the age of 87. more

One of the first star patterns that is learned is Ursa Major. It is commonly called the Big Dipper, which comes from its shape. It has been used throughout time as a navigational device and a starting point to locate other constellations. more

Marie Ann Sowards more

The weather has been nice for a few days. Sunday evening we had a shower like I like, a slow drizzle that soaks into the ground and doesn't cause flash floods. If you live across a creek you always think of that when you have some place to go. We have been promised rain each day this week. more

Michael James Hislope, age 40, passed away on Feb. 24, 2026. He was born on Feb. 17, 1986, to Pamela Hislope and Darrell Hislope. Michael graduated from Ozark High School in 2004 and went on to live a life defined by service, strength, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. more

Gabriel Ernest Lee Ramirez, 30, of Ozark, Mo., passed away on Feb. 23, 2026. He was born on April 28, 1995, in Visalia, Calif. more

Carol Todd more

Anthony Oriaku more

Melissa (Missy) Anne Bisno more

Editor’s note: This article was first published on the Christian County Headliner website on Thursday, Feb. 26. It has since been updated to include events that have transpired since that time. more

The Ozark High School Cheerleading teams attained a new level of success at the Universal Cheerleaders Association’s (UCA) High School Nationals competition in Orlando, Fla., held from Feb. 6 through Feb. 8. Megan Adams, varsity cheer assistant coach at Ozark High School, described the competition as a “major milestone” for the program. more

I personally believe there is a God and that He created the outdoors for all of us to enjoy, and for us to introduce kids and other adults to the beauty and wonder of it all. It’s a great way to escape from worries and frustrations caused by the news media and social media. more

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation is helping build future leaders by encouraging youth to explore careers at MoDOT. The department invites students across Missouri to apply for the 2026 Youth Transportation Conference (YTC) in Jefferson City. Each year, MoDOT sponsors this event to give students the opportunity to apply STEM concepts learned in school to real-world transportation challenges. more

Jenna Sweeney has held many roles during her career in banking. She has been the retail location manager at Liberty Bank, a vice-president at Ozark Bank, and she is currently the Chief Operating Officer at TelComm Credit Union, but next month she takes on yet another role: She will become a member of the Missouri Credit Union Commission. more

Students from Clever High School took part in a speech and debate competition at Reeds Spring High School on Saturday, Feb. 7. Seven of the students placed within the top 12 of their categories. Junior Hadley Dillard won first place in the Radio Speaking competition. On Friday, March 6, the students will compete in the MSHAAA tournament, and on Friday, March 13 , and Saturday, March 14, the students will compete in the NSDA District Events, in a bid to move onto state-level competition. Congrats to the CHS Speech and Debate students. more

The Nixa High School Future Business Leaders of America attended the FBLA District 18 Leadership Conference at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. on Wednesday, Feb. 4. During competition held at the event, 21 students advanced to state-level competition. more

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is warning the public about a growing number of cryptocurrency fraud cases reported across the state. Investigators have seen a considerable increase in scams often targeting older adults and other members of the public, resulting in significant financial losses. more

A bug has finally caught up again for several of my family members, including me. Hope it just lasts a couple of days. more

David L. VanHoose more

A man who was apprehended with a four-year-old boy in Ozark on Saturday, Jan. 31, is facing multiple felony charges in relation to his alleged abduction of the child in Texas. Raymond Issac Carmona, 20, of Mansfield, Tex., is charged with murder, aggravated kidnapping, and theft of property (motor vehicle). more

I drove past Potter’s Ford last Wednesday and stopped at the old catfishing hole. more

Gabriel Lea Scurlock more

David Roy Todd more

Have you ever wondered what your student will do when they finish high school? What job, what career, what are the employment options? Is college or technical school an option? Will they live with others? Will they need support or will they live independently? more