Press Release: The National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) is proud to announce Dr. H. Gearl Loden, Superintendent of Nixa Public Schools in Nixa, Missouri, as a finalist for its distinguished 2025 Superintendent of the Year award. Known for his collaborative leadership and ability to connect leaders across regions, Dr. Loden has built a career dedicated to fostering innovation, professional growth, and strong community engagement. more

Congratulations to our own Jaren Van Houden, who is now teaching in the Ag Department at Columbia University while working to extend his degree. We are so proud of another of our Chadwick graduates. more

New college freshmen parents grab the tissues and Ben Gay: Moving-in day is here or looming near. more

Roberto “Bob” Olivera, age 78, of Ozark, Mo., passed away on August 12, 2025. He was born October 25, 1946, in Manhattan, N.Y, to Angel and Ophelia Olivera. more

Gene Arlin Shanks more

James River Basin Partnership’s 9th annual Sunset Soiree is set for Friday, September 12, at Finley Farms in Ozark, Mo. This is James River Basin Partnership’s largest fundraising event, with all proceeds supporting their mission to improve and protect the James River watershed. These critical funds help support the Partnership’s education, community outreach, research, recreation, programming, and river cleanups. more

A Sparta man was taken into custody on Saturday, Aug. 9 after he allegedly threatened to kill two people. James Daniel Maloney, 45, faces one count of unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of first-degree harassment. All three charges are Class E felonies. more

Opal “Faye” Swearengin more

It’s my honor to join the Christian County Library. The first week has been a whirlwind of excitement and learning about the unique resources of our library district. It’s clear that library staff are dedicated to the community and have built a supportive atmosphere. As a result, it comes as no surprise that the people of Christian County truly love their libraries. more

The Nixa Police Department (NPD) and the Sparta Police Department (SPD) each held National Night Out celebrations on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The NPD held its celebration at the Nixa Aquatic Center, while the SPD held its event at Sparta Roller Park. In addition to officers from the respective police departments, other organizations were also represented at the celebrations. more

The Ozark School District has earned national recognition as a winner of the Smart Energy Decisions’ 2025 Innovation Award in the category of Onsite Renewable Energy for the project “Ozark Schools Lead the Way in Sustainability Through Solar Innovation.” This prestigious award highlights the district’s leadership in sustainability and innovative energy practices that directly benefit students, staff, and the community. more

If you’re interested in bringing a four-legged friend into your home, you might want to check out the dogs available for adoption at the Ozark City Pound. Currently, three dogs are waiting to become the newest members of a family. more

In the article titled “As Piccolo rebuilds, community shows support,” which appeared in the Aug. 6, 2025, edition of Christian County Headliner News, it was stated that Piccolo would reopen in March. This was incorrect; Steve D’Arpino, owner of Piccolo, said the restaurant is expected to open in August. The editor sincerely regrets the error. more

PRESS RELEASE: Jered Taylor, served as State Representative for eight years in Jefferson City, serving the people of the 139th House District as a Conservative Republican. more

Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Tuohy was reappointed in July by Gov. Mike Kehoe to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board (CANRB), Springfield Board F, where she has served since 2017. more

Ozark, Missouri — The Ozark Chamber of Commerce and the Ozark School District held their annual New Teacher Luncheon on Monday, August 4th, welcoming 66 incoming teachers and administrators for the 2025–2026 school year. Also, on hand to help welcome the new teachers as they entered the Ozark Schools Innovation Center were members of the Pride of Ozark Marching Band, Ozark Cheerleaders, High School JROTC Color Guard and members of the Ozark Football team. more

Happy Birthday to all you August folks. There seems to be a lot in my family. more

Donna Lee Bidgood more

Bodie Lyn Matthews more

Marjorie Ann Welch more

I once wanted to write Western fiction. more

I wish I had their energy. I wish I had many things kids have. I think I will officially give my resignation as an adult. I have decided I want to be a kid again. more

About a month after a car crashed into it, Piccolo, an Italian restaurant in Nixa, remains closed as repairs proceed on the building. However, while customers currently can’t eat in the restaurant, several of them are showing their love for the business and its staff by buying gift cards and contributing to a GoFundMe page set up to support Piccolo’s employees. more

Patrica Ann Gentry more

Carol Jean Lewis more