The City of Ava is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for vandalism to headstones in the Ava Cemetery last week. Ten headstones were spray painted, some with vulgar wording, and have since been cleaned up. Most of…
A light rain shower that passed through the area Friday night had little impact on the big Independence Day Celebration at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center in Ava. But the more intense thunderstorm that came through on Sunday evening created a little more concern for folks at the Celebrate…
The Squires Volunteer Fire Department started in 1982. In that year, Ava Rural Fire Department was the closest fire department to Squires. Seeing the need for a closer fire department, several citizens, with the cooperation from Ava Rural and the local Missouri conservation department, organized the volunteer department. The very…
The Ava Swim Team went to Lebanon last Saturday for swim meet competition and came away with third place overall. At left, Josh Gillies (left) was high point winner in the Ages 9 & 10 category and Jacob Gillies was high point winner in the 8 & Under division. There…
With the Fourth of July holiday falling on Sunday this year, government offices and many businesses will observe the holiday on Monday, July 5. City, county, state and federal offices will observe the holiday on Monday, which means there will be no rural mail service on Monday. For that reason,…
The Douglas County Commission recently announced it would place two ½-cent sales tax proposals on the ballot in November. Since that time, the Herald has received conflicting information from Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase and the County Commission as to exactly what the money would be earmarked for and how…
Ava High School varsity football coach Dan Swofford announced this week that varsity camp will be held beginning Monday, July 12, at 5 p.m. This camp is for all high school football players, grades 9-12. Coach Swofford said the team’s Night of Champions will also be held on Friday, July…
Robert L. Thieman, 60, of Ava was found guilty of several charges in a jury trial this week. Thieman was convicted of first degree assault, armed criminal action and shooting a firearm at or from a vehicle or shooting at a person, motor vehicle or building. The charges stem from…
A 16-year-old Ava driver suffered serious injuries in a wreck west of Ava last Saturday, and his teenage passenger received minor injuries. The Highway Patrol said Nathaniel Harris was driving a 1997 Chevrolet west on Highway Y, two miles west of Ava, when the wreck occurred. Sgt. Keith Jones, of…
The Ava City Council promoted Trent Murray to lieutenant in the police department by a vote a 4-0 during the closed session of their June 22 meeting. The council also voted to hire Randy Kauffman to work as a wastewater treatment plant operator. However, Kauffman declined the offer, saying that…
Two rural Douglas County homes were destroyed by fire during the past week despite gallant efforts by rural fire departments that fought the fires in sweltering summer heat. Ava Rural Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the Casey McCoy residence west of Ava on County Road 546…
- Activity Report - From The Ava Police Dept. Reggie Johnson, Chief — Phone 417-683-2931 — Answered 24 Hours a Day June 14, 12:30 a.m., NE 13th Ave., received information about missing person. June 14, 5:21 a.m., assisted Highway Patrol by holding individual in city jail. June 14, 11:24 a.m.…
Douglas County Coroner Mark Pearson has submitted his resignation, effective today, July 1. County Clerk Karry Davis has been contacted by the office of Gov. Jay Nixon in regard to the procedure to be followed to fill the vacancy. Anyone wishing to apply for the office of Douglas County Coroner…
It’s been many months in the making, and has taken a great deal of time, but we now have the Douglas County Herald website back online today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. Our new look is still a work in progress; however, the site is now a platform from which we…
Voter Registration Deadline Is Next Wednesday County Clerk Karry Davis said absentee ballots are now available for the August primary election. Anyone needing to vote an absentee ballot may contact the County Clerk’s Office. Davis also said next Wednesday, July 7, is the last day a person may register to…
The walking area at the Ava Police Station will be off limits beginning Friday, July 2, by order of the Douglas County Health Department. Area residents who use that area for exercise will be notified when the area is reopened for public use. Police Chief Reggie Johnson said the area…
Dear EarthTalk: I’m told that, despite improvements in recent years, pesticides in flea collars are still harmful to pets and humans. Are there ways to minimize fleas without resorting to chemical concoctions? And is anything being done to ban these dangerous products from store shelves? – Nancy Trouffant, Lancaster, PA…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The day-use area at Lewis and Clark State Park near Rushville reopened Wednesday, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The campground will remain closed through July 5 as a precaution because of potential flooding. The park was closed June 24 because of a potential…
7-8 Boys Rookie League Thursday, July 1 (Make-Up from June 11) (Will Play at HS Girls Softball Field) 6:30 Cooper Lumber vs. Highway House 7:30 Heath & Son vs. Collins Body Shop Friday, July 2 6:30 Cooper Lumber vs. Highway House 7:30 Heath & Son vs. Collins Body Shop 9-10…
Ava Summer Baseball/Softball – Standings – As of June 28 Won/Loss 11-12 Major League Boys Emerson Climate Tech 9 1 National TV 5 5 Sonic 5 5 O’Reilly Automotive 1 9 9-10 Minor League Boys Watson Welding 8 2 City of Ava 6 4 Danny Cutbirth Logging 4 6 Town…
Ava Summer Baseball/Softball – Results – Thursday, June 24 9-10 Minor League Boys Watson Welding & Pipe 13 Town & Country Bank 2 Danny Cutbirth Logging won City of Ava forfeit 11-12 Major League Boys Sonic forfeit O’Reilly Automotive won National TV 7 Emerson Climate Tech. 13 10-12 Girls…
For default in the payment of debt secured by a deed of trust executed by Richard A. and Peggy Jo Duncan, husband and wife, dated May 11, 2007, and recorded May 16, 2007, in Book 465, at Page 413-416, Office of Recorder of Deeds, Douglas County, Missouri, the undersigned successor…
Date: July 20, 2010 Place: Ava City Hall 127 SW 2nd Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Present zoning: B-2 Central Business District Proposed zoning: B-3 General Business District Street location: corner lot SE 4th Avenue and S. Jefferson Property Owners: Don Sallee and Wanda Lou Carras Legal description: An undivided ½…
Date: July 20, 2010 Place: Ava City Hall 127 SW 2nd Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Present zoning: B-2 Central Business District Proposed zoning: B-3 General Business District Street location: 405 S. Jefferson Property Owners: David and Dorothy Norman Legal description: The S ½ Lots #2, #3, #4, all in Miller…
Date: July 20, 2010 Place: Ava City Hall 127 SW 2nd Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Present zoning: B-2 Central Business Proposed zoning: B-3 General Business Street location: 105 SW 4th Avenue Property Owners: John Warren Gunter and Tammy Lynn Gunter Legal description: The N ½ of Lot #2, Block #2,…
Date: July 20, 2010 Place: Ava City Hall 127 SW 2nd Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Present zoning: B-2 Central Business Proposed zoning: B-3 General Business Street location: 111 SW 4th Avenue Property Owners: John Warren Gunter and Tammy Lynn Gunter Legal description: The N ½ of Lot #2, Block #2,…
Date: July 20, 2010 Place: Ava City Hall 127 SW 2nd Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Present zoning: B-2 Central Business Proposed zoning: B-3 General Business Street location: 404 SW 2nd Street Property Owners: John Warren Gunter and Tammy Lynn Gunter Legal description: The S ½ of Lot #1, Block #2,…
Date: July 20, 2010 Place: Ava City Hall 127 SW 2nd Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. Present zoning: R-2 2- Family Residential District Proposed zoning: B-4 Highway Business District Street location: 909 NW 12th Avenue, Ava, MO 65608 Property Owners: Action Land & Cattle, Inc. President, John Sutton Legal description: All…
SEALED BIDS The City of Ava will be receiving sealed bids on a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. Sealed bids can be dropped off at city hall and must include proposed price of the vehicle as well as contact information of bidder. Bids will be accepted until July 12. The bids will…
Your car has been running fine. Suddenly, it’s hard to start, bucks or knocks for no apparent reason. Then it dawns on you. You just filled up your tank. Could it be bad gas? Fortunately, this scenario has become rare in Missouri. Thanks to a little-known program of the Missouri…
Greetings once again from your state capitol. The state legislature is back in session this last week of June 2010 at the request of Governor Jay Nixon. This special session was called to consider two proposals. One proposition is to give tax breaks to large manufacturers who bring a new…
JULY 01 Blood pressure and blood sugar screening: Redbud 8-9 a.m. Blood pressure and blood sugar screening: Community Center 9:30-10:30 a.m. 02 WIC (by appointment): 8:15-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:45 p.m. 05 Office Closed – 4th of July holiday Observed 06 Office Closed: 8-10 a.m. Immunizations (by appoint-ment): 1-3:45 p.m. 07 …
“Tar Spot? Not a Problem! This year we have been seeing what looks like drops of tar on maple and some other trees. What we are finding is “tar spot” – a common fungal leaf spot disease that is not pretty to look at but is only a cosmetic problem.…
There are approximately 500,000 people in the United States that have Parkinson’s disease and almost 50,000 new cases are reported annually. This disease usually affects people that are between 50 to 60 years of age, but it has also been diagnosed in people in their 40′s, 70′s and 80′s. Parkinson’s…
We are missing some “regulars” that are on vacation this week. On Friday night, several came out to help in the booth as we made funnel cakes at Heart of the Ozarks Nursing Home Fireworks. We had enough help that we rotated which helped. Thanks to John and Chad for…
Loretta Burgin of the Community Garden Program will be meeting with Kiwanis members on July 1 at noon. Our club has been considering getting involved with that program and we have asked her to come so that we can get some more information. The public is invited to attend this…
Deb Brown will be celebrated on July 1 for five years of dedicated work as administrative administrator at the Wright County Children’s Home. She is greatly appreciated and is the day to day go-to person for all the needs of the children and the staff. She is involved with every…
The Ava High School Class of 1965 met for a 45-year reunion on Saturday, June 19, at the Ava Lions Club. The class members present were from left front row: Phyllis (Gray) Swofford, Ava; Rodney Alms, Ava; Barton Monger, Decatur, Texas; Larry Adams, Battlefield, Mo.; Delano Stewart, Ozark, Mo.; Row…
Beryl Franklin Smith, 67 years, passed away on June 22, 2010 at his home in Ava. Beryl was born Feb. 28, 1943 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Beryl W. and Virginia B. (Fetters) Smith/ Patterson. Beryl was raised in Des Moines until he moved to Mesa, Ariz. with Mr. and…
Opal Modena Johnson, 87 years and 37 days old, passed to heaven on June 28, 2010 at home. Opal was born May 22, 1923 in Ava, Mo., to Hersell and Ellen (Wilson) Prine. Opal was a housewife, and a lifelong resident of Ava. She was united in marriage to Bill…
May B. Guinn, 93 years and 45 days old, passed to heaven on June 25, 2010 at Gainesville Healthcare Center, Gainesville, Mo. May was born May 11, 1917 in Hercules, Mo., to Elisha and Martha (Ford) Brumfield. May was the tenth of 11 children. May was a homemaker and a…
Dear Editor: Not that we don’t know or have not heard of the subject matter, but the purpose of this letter is to refresh our memory of the great event which occurred July 4, 1776. If it had not been for the events which occurred, this document or the other…
Dr. Nancy Lawler, assistant administrator at Ava R-I Schools, said Wednesday that the school has received approval for a grant that will allow for nine additional days of summer school. The additional days of summer school have been tentatively set for July 6-16, funded through a grant from Community Partnership…
Richelle Pettit, a candidate from Ava High School, attended Missouri Girls State at Central Missouri University in Warrensburg, the week of June 20 to June 25. Richelle is the daughter of Bruce and Pam Pettit, of Ava. Girls State is a program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary providing young…
Air Force Airman Brandon L. Mills graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic…
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Houston, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a mail fraud scheme in which she embezzled from her father’s business bank accounts. Shirley Ann Scheets, 50, of Houston, Mo., was sentenced…
JEFFERSON CITY – Another round of sampling of private drinking water wells west and southwest of Rogersville by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has found trichloroethylene, or TCE, in one additional well. The department sampled 58 wells June 15 and 16 as part of the continued environmental inquiry. This…
In Loving Memory of Gene Chandler Over the past three years, events and news items from the Prior and Vanzant communities have been provided by correspondent Gene Chandler. Last month, following a sudden illness, Gene, age 72, passed away. Born July 21, 1937, Gene was raised in the Hartville and…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Wright County Public Water Supply District No. 1 grants totaling more than $1 million for sewer system improvements. The department awarded the district a $145,600 rural sewer grant and an $876,135 state 40-percent grant to use toward the construction…
How many times a day do you drive or walk past an American flag? If you take a moment to think about it, you may do this more than you think. Do you stop and think about what our grand nation’s streamer of red, white and blue really stands for?…
Revival, Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, Monday, July 5, 7 p.m. Everyone welcome, special singing. Call Marvin Loftin for more info. at 683-5150. 40-2t * * * Vacation Bible School, ages 3- teen, Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 9, 6:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., adults, Wednesday – Friday, Bethany…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The window of opportunity is closing soon for Missouri consumers to receive appliance rebates under the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program. Beginning July 1, consumers will no longer be able to reserve rebates directly online or through a toll-free number. The remaining rebates will be available…
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO) has announced that it is now accepting applications for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP). Created by the Affordable Care Act as a bridge to the new health insurance marketplace established by the Exchanges in…
The regular 4th Sunday singing was held at Gentry Church June 27th from 2:00-4:00 pm. The welcome was given by Emcee, Sybil Sheer; songbooks provided by Freeman Porter. Sis. Violet Lakey opened with prayer and the Singing began with instrumental music followed by congregational singing and special music. There were…
Members of Mary Whitney Phelps Tent No. 22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865, led by president, Fran Black, conducted their second annual Civil War ancestor grave memorial on June 19 to honor the grandfathers of Jane Hartley Napier—Robert Hartley and James Henry Jackson—at Timber Ridge Cemetery…
JEFFERSON CITY – With warmer weather comes the urge to tackle those home improvement projects. And while reputable contracting companies are the rule not the exception, the Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding you to be on the lookout for traveling dealers pitching driveway paving offers that are too good…
JEFFERSON CITY – Splat! The sight and sound of a paintball hitting a highway sign may make teens’ adrenaline flow, but it makes highway officials’ blood boil. Vandals “tagging” signs with spray paint is costly for taxpayers and unsafe for motorists, so the Missouri Department of Transportation is fighting back.…
The State Historical Society of Missouri is pleased to make past issues of the Missouri Historical Review, from 1906-2001, available online: http://shs.umsystem.edu This award-winning scholarly journal is published quarterly and has been the cornerstone of the Society’s publication division for over one hundred years. Richly illustrated and featuring contemporary scholarship…
The Rachel Donelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 22, with a pot-luck luncheon at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield. Many members wore period clothing, and a skit was performed reenacting the first meeting when the State Regent Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver,…
To High E. Coli Levels JEFFERSON CITY– Swimming beaches at four Missouri state parks will be closed this weekend due to E. coli levels higher than the standard set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Water samples drawn Monday from the public beaches at Finger Lakes, Thousand Hills, Long…
Dear EarthTalk: I am a bartender in Sacramento and I would love to be able to use some sort of locally made or sustainable version of sugar. What’s out there? – Ryan Seng, via e-mail It sure would be nice if we could obtain all of our food and drink items…
Dear EarthTalk: I heard about a supposed dangerous chemical called “triclosan” that is in many personal care and other consumer products. Can you enlighten? Carl Stoneman, Richland, WA Triclosan is a synthetic chemical compound added to many personal and household care products to inhibit illness by preventing bacterial infection. It…
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today reiterated her support for the recognition of Agent Orange as a cause for benefits claims by American veterans. The effort also has the support of national veterans organizations. “So many Americans served our country and were exposed to toxic substances used…
JEFFERSON CITY – As flood-waters eventually recede in areas of Missouri inundated by heavy spring rains and swollen rivers, residents throughout the flood-affected areas will have to deal with water-damaged homes, compromised wells and a list of other challenges that flowed in with the water. The Missouri Department of Natural…
JEFFERSON CITY – Mid-Missouri highways got a great spring cleaning this year, as a result of the annual No MOre Trash! Bash event held in April. The Missouri Department of Transportation recently released statistics for across the state, showing over 128,000 bags of litter collected statewide and over 16,000 bags…
SEDALIA–As Missourians reflect on independence this week, the Missouri State Fair announced its plans to honor military and their families on a new day and in a bigger way with Sprint Homegrown Heroes Day Sunday, Aug. 15. Active military, veterans and delayed entry recruits will receive free admission on Aug.…
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – While the Show Me State has not battled its own oil spill, it has had its share of waterway problems – most notably with E coli at the Lake of the Ozarks and Jacks Fork River. Zach Crow with Friends of Ozark Riverways says Missouri falls…
JEFFERSON CITY – Independence Day is fun for everyone to celebrate, but if you take it too far and drive impaired, you’ll be risking your own independence, reminds the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. Besides the real possibility of ending up in jail, impaired drivers risk injuring or killing themselves…
Fireworks are very popular around the Fourth of July and New Years Eve. Unfortunately, every year thousands of people are seen in emergency rooms throughout the United States with firework related injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 out of every 3 people injured from fireworks are less…
JEFFERSON CITY-Missourians have one week to register to vote in time to participate in the August 3, 2010, Primary Election. In order to vote in the upcoming election, eligible Missourians must be registered to vote no later than Wednesday, July 7, 2010. For information about voting in Missouri, visit the…
This past weekend, the Missouri State Water Patrol participated in “Operation Dry Water,” a national campaign to discourage the operation of boats by intoxicated operators. The June campaign encouraged states to increase their presence on waterways by using check points and saturation patrols to reduce drug and alcohol impairment on…
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) has joined an effort in the U.S. House of Representatives to prevent Department of Defense medical facilities from being used to conduct abortions unless the life of the mother is at risk or in cases of rape or incest. “We must protect…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In advance of the July 4th holiday weekend, State Fire Marshal Randy Cole is reminding Missourians that public fireworks displays put on by professionals offer the most spectacular sights and are the safest option for the public. “Too often during the July 4th holiday, someone playing…
ALEXANDRIA, Va., – An estimated 32 million people across the U.S. plan to host parties or gatherings near water this summer, according to new research by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, yet they may not be aware of all the risks or prepared in…
Join community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads in a nationwide campaign to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity. Obesity threatens the healthy future of one third of all American children. Obesity rates have tripled in the past 30 years. We spend $150 billion every year to treat obesity-related…
The Goss Reunion was held on Sunday, June 13 at the Lion’s Club. It was well attended with 59 present. There was lots of delicious food and visiting was the highlight of the day with Justis Holt singing, Wings Of An Angel. He is only seven years old, but does…
On Tuesday night members of the Douglas County Farm Bureau met with Estil Fretwell, director of public affairs with Missouri Farm Bureau. The meeting was SWAT (Spokespersons Working for Agriculture Together) training. Estil taught the members how to explain to the public what farmers really do and how well they…
Amy Lynn Jakusz, daughter of Mitch and Nancy Jakusz, of Theodosia, has been named to the Spring 2010 Dean’s List at Evangel University, Springfield. During the spring semester, Jakusz was a senior with a major in special education. Full-time students who have earned a grade point average of 3.6 or…
Mark Twain National Forest Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District will close the Day Use section of North Fork Recreation Area for one day only on Tuesday, July 13. Ranger district staff will be removing hazard trees within the Day Use area, which will be closed to ensure public safety. If you…
The Phipps-Cunningham Reunion held their 40th annual event on Sunday, June 6, at the Ava Lion’s Club. A potluck lunch was enjoyed at noon with visiting, music and picture taking in the afternoon. Prizes were given to CloElla Leverenz-oldest woman, Jim Crowell-oldest man, and Alexis Swearengin-youngest child. Bill Hodges was…
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) has joined a legislative effort by Rep. Candice Miller in the U.S. House of Representatives to reverse a regulation of the Environmental Protection Agency on the dairy industry which treats milk as an environmental hazard because it contains animal fat, causing it…
JEFFERSON CITY — Want to know all about the water you’re drinking? Read your water system’s annual drinking water quality report. The reports, called Consumer Confidence Reports, are required to be distributed to consumers by their public water supply no later than July 1. The report provides consumers with detailed…
JEFFERSON CITY – Twenty-six years after David’s Poenicke’s death due to an impaired driver, a sign was installed today on Interstate 270 in Florissant in his honor. The drunk-driving victim memorial sign is the first to be installed under the new “David’s Law,” legislation named after Poenicke that allows families…
