By Jim Hamilton more

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

By Larry Whiteley 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

Bill Swearengin, a faithful servant of God, received his crown of life on Aug. 25, 2025, just in time to celebrate his sweetie’s birthday with her on August 26th in heaven! 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

Jacqué Breedlove-Harness, director of Development and Community Relations at Least of These, Inc., was the guest speaker at the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20. In her presentation, she spoke about the organization’s efforts to end food insecurity in Christian County. more

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

By Gwen Rockwood 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

A quality used car can be a good investment but watch out for sketchy sellers and predatory loans. more

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Clever, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing seven firearms. more

By Gwen Rockwood more

I’ve owned 17 pickup trucks in my lifetime, seven of them brand-new. I may someday buy another new one, but it’s not likely. more

Enoch John Pyle more

Arthur Franklin Burkett, Sr. more

Warner Dale Roaseau more

It’s the 8th Annual Ranch Rodeo & Bull Ride Weekend at the Stone County Event Center Arena, and for three days, the hills and hollers in Galena will be filled with rodeo action. 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

Nancy Ann Keegan more