On Tuesday, July 8, Imogene Pruitt marked a milestone that few people ever see. The Nixa woman celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family at Castlewood Senior Living, where she makes her home. more

When they are nine years old, most kids are involved in sports, learning to play a musical instrument, or are involved in a club of some sort. When he was nine, Austin Novik decided to start up his own business. more

The City of Billings celebrated Independence Day on Saturday, June 28 with their Annual Sparks in the Park festival. The event included a cake walk, food trucks, live music, a wading pool for kids to cool of in, and more.. The evening concluded with a fireworks display. more

Thousands of people descended onto the field outside of Clever High School for the city's Freedom Celebration on Saturday, June 28. Sound the Alarm, a 2000's rock-n-roll cover band from Springfield, provided live music during the evening, while attendees milled about to see what area vendors had for them or spend time in the Free Kids Zone. The evening concluded with a major fireworks display. more

Sparta celebrated the nation's freedom with their annual Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4. The event included emergency vehicles, hot rods, motorcycles, appearances from local businesses, a special appearance by Mo.  Rep. Burt Whaley, horses from Reasons Rescue Ranch, and lots of candy thrown to young spectators. Afterwards, attendees were invited to go to Sparta Middle School for a pie and ice cream social. more

A Nixa man was recently arrested on charges that he allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 17. Nicholas Hill, 36, is charged with second-degree statutory rape, first-degree harassment, and violation of an order of protection. more

I got a new baby quilt finished for a friend of mine. Now, it put me in the mood for being creative, even though there are too many projects going on around me. more

Jason Madura more

Joseph Robert Gawel, age 89 of Ozark, passed away on July 11, 2025. He was born April 18, 1936, in Chicago, the son of Frank and Victoria (Pindora) Gawel. more

No matter how broken you feel, how far you have wandered, or how long it has been, healing is still possible. There is hope for you. more

Ozark and Nixa combined have eight 2025 grads, four apiece, who are going to extend their athletic careers at the NCAA D-I level. more

There was no end to the fun during the Sertoma Duck Race Festival, held June 19-20 at Finley River Park. Thousands came to the event, which included the Duck Waddle 5K, a craft fair, live music and a cornhole tournament. Spectators gathered along the Finley to watch the festival’s signature event, the Duck Race, after which they returned to the center stage to watch a pie-eating contest. more