January 7, 2010
Winter struck with a vengeance as 2010 began, as a powerful Arctic storm moved southward into the Midwest. The Ava area received snowfall of about 3 inches on Saturday night, Jan. 2 and through the day on Sunday, then temperatures plummeted to near zero early in the week. Afternoon high temperatures stayed well below freezing every day.
All area schools, including Ava R-1, were closed the entire week, extending the Christmas vacation by at least a full week.
It was announced that the Ava License Office was one of five in the state that would be rebid after it was determined the winning bidder, Alternative Opportunities, Inc., submitted incomplete information in the original bid.
An elderly Ava woman was rescued after spending around an hour outside in near-zero-degree temperatures on Monday.
The Ava Lady Bears lost to West Plains on Tuesday, Jan. 5, in non-conference basketball action.
January 14, 2010
Squires Fire Department responded in bitter cold temperatures to a structure fire that damaged Pentecostal Holiness Church on Highway 5 between Ava and Squires on Thursday morning, Jan. 7. The structure was saved with mostly heat and smoke damage.
The Ava Public School announced that a Public Opinion Forum would be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19. The board was interested in hearing how the public felt concerning building needs of the district, and a possible bond issue to support those needs.
Few candidates had filed for April city and school elections, with the deadline less than a week away.
University of Missouri Extension brought “Food Power” to Ava Elementary School. Students from Ava, Skyline, Plainview and Ava Victory Academy visited the two-day program that shows children where their food comes from, how to read packaging labels, and how food gives energy to grow.
The Ava Lady Bears defeated Forsyth and Liberty in basketball action during the past week. The Bears defeated Blue Eye and had one game postponed due to inclement weather.
The Ava City Council heard reports on the water improvement project and possible change in an ordinance concerning non-conforming lots.
January 21, 2010
The rural Ava home of Julie Holt was destroyed by fire on Friday, Jan. 15. The home on CR 107 off East Highway 76, was fully involved in fire when Ava Rural Fire Dept. got the call. Ava City Fire Dept. responded in mutual aid with Ava Rural.
Patrons of the Ava R-1 School District attended a community forum on Tuesday, Jan. 19, to participate in a discussion that centered largely around the district’s building needs.
Three individuals were charged with stealing guns from an estate sale following an investigation and the recovery of the guns by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Dept.
A rural Mansfield man was charged with possession of a meth lab in the Prairie Hollow area in Douglas County.
The Ava Bears defeated Cabool in overtime and lost to Reeds Spring in basketball action.
The Ava Lady Bears defeated Mtn. Grove in SCA action on Thursday, Jan. 21.
Jacob Key, age 8, began a community project to raise money for Haiti which was devastated by an earthquake on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The project started in the Ava Elementary School but expanded into the Ava community.
January 28, 2010
The Ava R-1 Board of Education voted in a special meeting Monday night to place a bond increase proposal on the April ballot for the purpose of building a new high school. The proposal would increase the current tax levy by 78 cents.
The Douglas County budget approved for 2010 would cut into the county reserves by $500,000, it was announced.
Doris Liniger of Ava was rescued from floodwaters after the Hummer she was driving washed off a low-water crossing on County Road 114 east of Ava on Sunday, Jan. 24.
Bradleyville School received a $10,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
The Ava Bears and Lady Bears each advanced in tournament play. The Bears defeated Cabool in the Mtn. Grove Tournament and the Ava girls beat Reeds Spring in the Reeds Spring tournament.
The Ava Junior Varsity Lady Bears won the championship in the Mtn. Grove JV Tournament.
Three people were arrested by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Dept. on drug charges.
February 4, 2010
Seven inches of snow fell on the Ava area Friday, closing Ava and other schools on Friday and Monday.
Ava High School Hoopcoming was scheduled for Friday, Feb. 5 when the Bears would host Mtn. Grove.
The rural Ava home of Garry DeVore was extensively damaged by fire on Thursday, Jan. 28. Goodhope Fire Dept. was assisted by Ava Rural Fire in battling the blaze that apparently started from the flue.
Ava and other area schools received Power Up grants from White River Valley Electric Co-Op.
The Lady Bears defeated Forsyth in the Reeds Spring tournament and Willow Springs in SCA action at home. The Lady Bears were playing for the championship of the Reeds Spring Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The finals were postponed on Saturday, Jan. 30 because of snow.
The Ava Bears defeated Salem in the Mtn. Grove tournament and Liberty at home in SCA action. Finals of the Mtn. Grove Tournament, postponed on Jan. 30, would be played on Feb. 13.
February 11, 2010
Ava Lions Club made official announcement of the walk/run to be held in Ava on May 8. The event would include a 1, 2, 5 and 10k walk and run, so anyone could participate.
More snow came to the Ava region during the week. Students were dismissed at noon Thursday, Feb. 4, as freezing rain, sleet and snow fell. Temperatures remained above freezing through the night, however, and students went to school on Friday.
Another storm struck late Sunday night and Monday morning, and continued through the day Monday forcing the cancellation of classes Monday through Wednesday at Ava.
The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association announced that a Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) championship show would be held at the MFTHBA showgrounds April 30 and May 1.
Ava Victory Academy student Anna Hailey was named winner of the Patriot’s Pen contest by the Ava VFW.
The Ava Bears won SCA contests over Mtn. Grove and Willow Springs to go 4-0 in the conference.
The Ava Lady Bears lost to West Plains in the finals of the Reeds Spring Tournament on Feb. 3, then defeated Norwood in non-conference action. The Lady Bears were 4-0 in the SCA and 14-6 overall.
February 18, 2010
Leo Journagan and family announced that the entire Douglas County family farm would be donated to Missouri State University’s School of Agriculture. The assets were said to be in excess of $7 million, making it the second largest donation ever made to MSU.
The Ava High School FFA Chapter would observe National FFA Week Feb. 20-27.
Cambria King and Justin Swirin were crowned Ava High School Hoopcoming queen and king at the basketball game on Feb. 5.
The Ava Bears defeated Mtn. Grove Saturday night, Feb. 13 to win the championship of the Mtn. Grove Tournament that was played the last week of January. Finals were postponed because of snow.
The Bears clinched the championship of the SCA by defeating Houston on Feb. 16. With a conference record of 6-0 the Bears still had Salem to play on Friday night, Feb. 19.
The Ava Lady Bears were also 6-0 in conference, but would have to beat Salem on Thursday to win the conference outright. Thayer’s only SCA loss was to Ava.
The Lady Bears defeated Blue Eye, Thayer and Houston during the past week. The Bears beat Thayer, Mtn. Grove and Houston during the same period.
February 25, 2010
Ava Middle School Principal Nathan Houk submitted his resignation to the Ava R-1 Board of Education at the February meeting, expressing a desire to return to the classroom.
The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association hosted a dinner at the Ava Lions Club on Feb. 19 for local governmental and business leaders. The dinner was in conjunction with a weekend meeting/retreat for the MFTHBA board here.
The Ava Bears and Ava Lady Bears both went undefeated in the SCA, claiming dual conference crowns. District play would begin in the coming week with both teams seeded first.
The Ava City Council heard a proposal for the city and county to work together for a grant to replace all law enforcement two-way radios.
Filing for the August primary election began Tuesday with several names already in the hat.
March 4, 2010
The Ava Bears and Lady Bears advanced in the first round of the District 10 basketball tournament at Cabool.
Architects with Sapp Design Associates discussed the new Ava High School proposal at a second community forum at the school on Tuesday, March 2.
The statewide tornado drill would be held on Tuesday, March 9.
It was announced that Alternative Opportunities Inc. of Springfield would remain the Ava License Office agent following a rebidding process ordered by the state.
The Ava Junior Varsity Lady Bears finished a very successful 18-4 basketball season.
A preliminary hearing was set for Dan Andrews, charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the stabbing deaths of his wife and baby. Andrews had been under psychological evaluation for several months before a hearing date was set.
March 11, 2010
Ava High School Renaissance awards were presented to students at an assembly on Feb. 25. These awards recognize attendance, improvement and academic successes of students.
Ava Place announced that June Grigg was named administrator of that facility effective March 1.
Both the Ava Bears and Ava Lady Bears won their district tournaments to advance into state basketball play at Missouri S&T, Rolla, on Wednesday night, March 10.
The statewide severe weather drill, scheduled for Tuesday, March 9, was postponed until Thursday, March 11, due to the threat of severe weather on Tuesday.
Daylight saving time would officially begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14.
The third in a series of community forums to answer questions about the Ava R-1 bond issue would be held Tuesday, March 16.
March 18, 2010
Ava Police Chief Larry Smith was abruptly fired by Mayor Leon Harris on Tuesday, March 16, with no explanation given. According to minutes of the previous City Council meeting, the firing took place without a vote of the aldermen.
The Ava Bears advanced from the Class 3 sectional game to the Missouri quarterfinals where they lost to Mt. Vernon on Saturday, March 13. The Lady Bears lost to Hermann on Wednesday, March 10, in Rolla. Both the Bears and Lady Bears played Hermann teams in the sectional games.
Seven members of the Bears and Lady Bears received all-conference recognition at the close of the basketball season. Kayla Dooms was named player of the year in the SCA and girls’ coach Mark Wendler and boys’ coach Cole Dishman were each named coach of the year in the SCA.
All-conference selections, in addition to Dooms, who was all-SCA first team, were Kayla Marrs, first team; and Kelli Bilyeu, honorable mention. All are seniors.
On the boys’ side, Pete Leonard, a junior, was named first team all-SCA, senior Josh Wendler, second team; and junior Brock Mitchell, honorable mention.
School officials revealed that a site near the athletic complex on Highway Y was the preferred location for a proposed new high school. Voters would be asked to approve a 78-cent levy increase on April 6 to fund the building project.
Skyline R-II District would ask voters to approve a waiver of the Proposition C roll-back on April 6. This would mean an increase of about 18 cents per $100 assessed valuation in the school’s levy.
March 25, 2010
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Dept. seized a large number of plants and an elaborate marijuana growing operation in the Sweden community on Saturday, March 20. One arrest was made and others were pending.
Don Haught was presented the John Dickison Award at the annual Membership Banquet of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce on March 20. Samantha Dobbs was presented the Will McFarlin Youth Award.
Ava High School would present “Tom Sawyer” Thursday through Sunday at the Ava Performing Arts Center.
Mark Wendler resigned as girls’ varsity basketball coach at the March meeting of the Ava R-1 School Board.
The Ava Bears lost to Thayer in the first game of the SCA baseball tournament.
April 1, 2010
Voters would decide a $13.5 million bond issue to construct a new Ava High School on April 6.
Benny Volner, 32, of Mtn. Grove, was found guilty of first degree murder and armed criminal action by a Texas County jury on March 30 in connection with the death of Dustin Skaggs, 20, of Ava, in February 2008.
Several races would be decided in the August primary as a result of filing which closed on March 30. The race for presiding commissioner would carry over to November, with Democrat Rufus (Bud) Clinkingbeard filed for that office.
The Ava Baseball Bears were 1-3 on the season.
The 4th annual Ava Alumni Basketball games were held Saturday, March 27.
Ava R-I Schools announced the employment of Cody Hirschi as new middle school principal for the 2010-11 school year.
April 8, 2010
Voters responded with a resounding, No, to a proposed school bond issue to build a new Ava High School. The vote was 1,658 no to 447 yes.
Douglas County Assessor Danny Gray announced he would resign his position effective April 16. Gray cited personal reasons for his resignation.
A rabid skunk was killed in Douglas County, according to the Douglas County Health Dept.
Ava R-1 Superintendent Andy Underwood submitted his resignation to the board of education, which was accepted on March 30.
A group of local volunteers met to construct a “hoop house” at the Healthy Harvest Community Garden at the Ava United Methodist Church. University of Missouri Extension spearheaded the effort.
April 15, 2010
Larry Silvey and Regina Porter were sworn in as newest members of the Ava R-I Board of Education. Jeff Davis was elected president of the board.
Tyler LeClear, of Ava Victory Academy, and Richelle Pettit, of Ava High School, along with Alexandra Johnson of Ozark High School, were selected to represent White River Valley Electric Co-op at the Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in the summer.
Clint Gazette was elevated to the position of head girls’ basketball coach at Ava High School for the 2010-11 school year. Gazette had been an assistant coach in the local program for several years.
The Douglas County Democratic Central Committee recommended to Gov. Jay Nixon that Alicia Miller be appointed to complete the term of Assessor Danny Gray, who resigned April 16.
The Ava High School and Ava Middle School bands received high honors at spring contests. The bands are under the direction of the husband and wife team of Chris and Sarah Sacco.
The Ava Baseball Bears won three games during the past week, two in SCA action, to boost their overall record to 6-4
April 22, 2010
A garage belonging to Wendell Wilke east of Ava was destroyed by fire around noon Tuesday, April 20. Wilke suffered burns to his arms, hands and face attempting to put the fire out before the Squires Fire Department arrived, and was taken to a Springfield hospital for treatment.
The Ava R-I Board of Education hired additional personnel in preparation for the 2010-11 school year at the regular April meeting. The board also discussed teacher salaries.
The Ava City Council hired Sherry Wallace as parks director and David Stout as full-time parks maintenance.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department made a number of arrests for burglary, drug traffic, and pornography.
Fern Erskine celebrated her 100th birthday at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center on April 16. State Representative Tony Dugger presented Mrs. Erskine with a house resolution acknowledging her milestone.
The Ava Baseball Bears won two games in SCA action, boosting their season record to 8-4 and their conference record to 4-1. The most recent wins came over Willow Springs and Thayer.
April 29, 2010
Five Ava teens escaped serious injury when the Jeep they were riding in ran off the road and flipped several times on Industrial Park Road in north Ava on April 23. All five were wearing seatbelts according to Ava Police.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Dept. and the Rural Crimes Investigative Unit recovered stolen property and a methamphetamine lab in Douglas County. One man was arrested on related charges, with more charges to be filed.
Former Missouri State Lady Bears coach Cheryl Burnett would participate in the 15th Bradleyville Scholarship Run on Saturday.
The Skyline R-II Board of Education met on April 15 and reorganized its board. Buzz Woods was elected president for the coming year. The board met again on April 27 in regular session.
The Ava PTO Carnival raised $4,000, it was reported.
National Honor Society inducted new members and announced recipients of the Tracy Murphy Scholarships for 2010.
The Ava Bears lost to Houston in baseball action on Thursday, April 22. Other games were rained out during the week.
Both the Ava men and women finished first in a track meet hosted by Ava on April 19.
May 6, 2010
Baccalaureate for the 2010 senior class would be held Sunday evening, May 9, at 6 p.m. in the Ava Performing Arts Center.
Ava High School announced that Deidre Quackenbush was valedictorian of the 2010 senior class and Alexandria Potts was salutatorian.
Asher Kyger, Ava High School graduate, was overall female winner of the Bradleyville Scholarship 5k run on May 1. Michael Pierce, of Bolivar, was overall winner and the first place male finisher.
The Ava Lions Club would sponsor its first walk/run in Ava on Saturday, May 8. The event would consist of a 1k and 2k walk in the Ava City Park and a 5k and 10k run through Ava.
The Ava Bears defeated Mansfield but lost to Forsyth in baseball action during the past week.
Ava senior Josh Wendler was named first team all-SCA in golf. Wendler also placed second in the district golf tournament, qualifying him for the state meet on May 17 and 18.
Mrs. Mona Decker was inducted into the Ava Alumni Hall of Fame at the annual Alumni Banquet on May 1.
May 13, 2010
The Ava R-I Board of Education announced the employment of Dr. Brian Wilson as superintendent of schools for the coming school year. Dr. Wilson, who was superintendent at Fordland since 2006, would succeed Dr. Andy Underwood who resigned to take a position with the Belton School District near Kansas City.
The Ava Lions Club’s first walk/run event was termed a huge success with nearly 400 participants taking part in either the 5K or 10K run or walking in the park.
Ava Victory Academy would present diplomas to six seniors on May 14. Graduation exercises would also be held for eighth graders at Skyline and Plainview schools.
The City of Ava presented the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association a “Key to the City” and a plaque of recognition for the associations contribution to the community for the past 62 years. In return, the city accepted a numbered print of an original oil painting of a Missouri Fox Trotter that hung in the office of the Missouri governor when the Fox Trotting horse was made the official horse of Missouri.
The Ava Baseball Bears won two games in the Ash Grove tournament.
A number of athletes received all-conference honors at the SCA track meet. The district meet would be held on Saturday.
May 20, 2010
Commencement for 101 Ava High School seniors was held Saturday, May 15, at 7 o’clock. The program was moved to the high school gym because of several days of rain that continued through Saturday.
The 2010 school year ended for Ava students on May 20.
Benny Volner, 32, of Mtn. Grove, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for his part in the murder of Dustin Skaggs. Volner also was sentenced to life for first degree robbery and 25 years for armed criminal action in connection with the same case from February 2008.
World War II veteran Lawrence Thompson, of Ava, participated in an Honor Flight tour of the WW II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, May 18.
The Ava Bears took first place in the Ash Grove baseball tournament then made it to the semifinals of the District 10 tournament before losing to Houston, to end the season.
Senior Josh Wendler was named all-state in golf after finishing 14th overall in the state tournament on May 18. The top 15 players are awarded medals and named all-state.
Ava sophomore Melody Kennedy and the men’s 4×800-meter relay team qualified for the state sectional track meet in Marshfield on Saturday. Kennedy qualified with a 4th place finish at the district meet in the open 400-meter dash. Members of the men’s relay team are Kyle Clinkingbeard, Spencer Breland, Zach Dixon and Jacob Schnieder. They also finished 4th at district.
May 27, 2010
Alicia Miller was appointed Douglas County Assessor by Gov. Jay Nixon. The appointment from the governor was received on Monday, May 24 and Miller was sworn in the same day by County Clerk Karry Davis. Miller replaced Danny Gray who resigned, and would serve until the November election.
Ava Summer School would begin June 1 and run through the month of June.
Calen VanNess, an Ava High School history teacher, was named assistant girls’ basketball coach. He would assist head coach Clint Gazette.
High school teacher Airin Roberts was given responsibilities of public relations coordinator for the school.
The Ava Fire Department extinguished a blaze at 515 SW 2nd St. on Thursday, May 20, in an unoccupied residence. Fire investigator John Matney determined the fire started in the floor of the structure and said it was not accidental.
Debbie Dry, 55, Ava, remained in ICU at a Joplin hospital from injuries sustained in a wreck May 7 in Oklahoma.
Ava sophomore Melody Kennedy ran her best time of the season at the state sectional track meet but failed to qualify for state in the 400-meter run.
June 3, 2010
A 3-year-old from Ohio died in a wreck in Ozark County, south of Dora, on May 27. Corbin Raver was one of five passengers, ages 3 to 19, in the car driven by Dawn Carroll, 39, of West Plains.
Reggie Johnson was appointed Ava Police Chief by the City Council on May 25.
The 3-Year-Old Futurity, Spring Show and Youth Seminar of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association would get under way Tuesday, June 8, at Ava.
Robert Sorensen was the guest speaker at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Ava Cemetery on Monday. The annual event is sponsored by the American Legion and VFW.
The Ava Art Guild named winners in its Spring Show held at the Art Gallery on East Washington Ave.
A number of Ava Bears were named to the all-SCA honors teams at the close of the 2010 baseball season. First team selections included senior infielder Matt Ritter; outfielder Trae Shelton, a junior; and catcher Zach Leonard, sophomore. Second team selections included Kody Kutz, Matt Jenkins, and Taylor Coonts. Receiving honorable mention were Garrett Baird and Pete Leonard.
Students from several area school participated in MASH Camp here, learning about careers in medical-related fields.
June 10, 2010
The 31st annual Spring Show and 3-Year-Old Futurity was under way at the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Assn. showgrounds north of Ava. The show included versatility events starting at 10 a.m. each day and the traditional Fox Trotting classes each evening in the main arena.
The Ava Swim Team placed third in the first meet of the year at Mtn. View on June 5.
A 2010 Toyota Camry driven by Ruby Sievert slammed into the front of the Signal Food Store on June 3. Mrs. Sievert said the car revved up unexpectedly and would not stop when she hit the brake.
An unusual cloud formation was seen Monday, June 7, in the western sky of the Ozarks. Some said it was the first new cloud formation to be recognized since 1951 and gave it the Latin name, Undulatus asperatus.
Ava Kiwanis Club hosted the June luncheon of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce.
June 17, 2010
A Hartville teen, Kodi M. Rust, 18, died in a crash south of Mtn. Grove in Douglas County on Wednesday, June 9. The crash occurred on Highway 95.
Downtown Sassy Brown won the open 3-Year-Old Futurity at the Spring Show of the Missouri Fox Trotters on June 12. The champion was ridden by Steve Dampier and is owned by Beth Tripp, of Castro Valley, Calif.
The first-degree murder trial of Elvis Volner, 23, was under way in Ava. Volner was charged with the murder of Dustin Skaggs, 20, in February 2008.
The Ava community was preparing for several Independence Day celebrations which would begin with the big event at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center on June 25.
The Ava Swim Team placed fourth at Seymour and would host a meet on Saturday, June 19.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that Capt. Billy Chadwick would retire effective July 1. Capt. Chadwick was commanding officer of Troop G, Willow Springs.
The City of Ava announced the employment of Roger Cross as wastewater treatment plant operator.
June 24, 2010
Willie Washam donated a copy of his book, L.D. Keller and the Promenaders, to the Douglas County Public Library. Wanda (Sallee) Carras, formerly of Ava, was an original member of the Promenaders. A copy of the book was also presented to the Douglas County Herald.
Elvis Volner, 23, of Cabool, was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action by a Douglas County jury on June 16. Volner was one of four charged in the death of Dustin Skaggs, 20, in February 2008.
The Douglas County Commission would present two separate ½-cent sales tax proposals to voters in November. One would be for the construction of a new jail and the other for general revenue.
Big Fourth of July celebrations were being planned in the area.
Highway Patrol Lt. Dwayne Isringhausen was promoted to captain and named commander of Troop G, Willow Springs, effective July 1.
The Ava R-1 School Board approved district-wide early release of students every Wednesday to allow faculty time for professional development. The board also raised the base salary of teachers to $29,296.
The Ava Swim Team placed fourth in a meet at Ava on June 19.
July 1, 2010
A light rain shower on Friday night, June 25, had little impact on the Independence Day celebration at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center. But a more severe storm on Sunday evening forced the cancellation of some activities at Celebrate America at Highway Church of the Nazarene.
Skydiver Terry Wendt made his arrival on schedule at Celebrate America, coming in just ahead of the storm.
The City of Ava was offering a $500 reward for information about vandalism at the Ava Cemetery. Several headstones were spray painted with vulgarities and graffiti.
Douglas County Coroner Mark Pearson announced his resignation from that position effective July 1.
Robert L. Thieman, 60, of Ava, was found guilty by a Douglas County jury of various assault charges which date back to 2005.
Two rural Ava homes were destroyed by fire during the past week. Casey McCoy lost a mobile home on County Road 456 west of Ava and the Buzz Woods home near Skyline School was destroyed by fire on June 25.
July 8, 2010
Tanji Dye, the former bad check clerk for the Douglas County Prosecutor, was sentenced on July 6 for stealing from the Prosecutor’s Office. The sentence was suspended and she was ordered to repay $4,459.
Filing was open for candidates to fill to vacancies in Douglas County created by resignations. Democrat, Libertarian and Constitution parties could each nominate a candidate for assessor to be on the November ballot, along with Republican Alicia Miller who was nominated by her party. Nomination was also open for appointment to the office of county coroner following the resignation of Mark Pearson. An appointment would be made by the governor to fill that position, and each party could also nominate a candidate for the November ballot.
The Squires Picnic was held July 3, wrapping up three major Fourth of July events in Douglas County. Other celebrations were held at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center on June 25 and Highway Church of the Nazarene on June 27.
K2, sold as incense and common known as fake pot, would become illegal on Aug. 28, following action by the Missouri legislature and the signature of Gov. Jay Nixon.
July 15, 2010
Federal marshals arrested Ricky Paul Hicks, 45, of Ava, on an outstanding federal warrant in Douglas County. The arrest was made while authorities were looking for a Greene County manslaughter suspect who was later arrested in Greene County.
Entry deadlines were approaching for the 2010 Douglas County Fair which would be held July 22-24.
The Ava City Council discussed refinancing sewer bonds that were originally bonded in 2003. Council voted to rebond the project if the savings would exceed 3 percent.
The Ava Police Department was investigating a series of burglaries that occurred during the past week.
It was announced that the Ozark Mountain Players would bring the Laura’s Memories musical to the Ava Performing Arts Center on July 31.
July 22, 2010
A Douglas County inmate, Stephen L. Thompson, 61, of Dora, died when the sheriff’s department car he was riding in was involved in a traffic crash in Texas County on July 15. The officer, Steven Zehner, was not seriously injured in the crash that involved six different vehicles.
Three men were arrested and charged with area burglaries in Douglas and Ozark counties. Authorities said Curtis Barton, Christopher Barton and Michael Woodell were responsible for five burglaries in Douglas County and four in Ozark County, and also face charges in Webster County where a car was stolen.
The Douglas County Herald and KKOZ radio hosted a candidates’ forum in Ava on Tuesday night, which was well-attended by candidates and the general public.
Heavy rainfall in isolated areas caused heavy flooding in the Squires and Whites Creek areas on Thursday, July 15. A lightning strike in west Ava also did damage to personal belongings.
The Douglas County Fair would open Thursday and run through Saturday night.
July 29, 2010
Specialist Jacob Evans, son of Bruce and Becky Evans, grandson of B.J. and Eunice Evans, and great-grandson of Irma Evans, all of Ava, was critically injured in a mine explosion in Afghanistan. Evans was recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.
The primary election campaign was in its final week, as voters would cast ballots on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Waylon T. Swalley, 40, of Republic, died of injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident east of Ava on Sunday, July 25.
Area schools would be enrolling new students during the first week of August in preparation for the start of the 2010-11 school year.
Miss Courtney Levan was crowned Douglas County Fair Queen on Thursday, July 22. Kayla Walker was named Fair Princess and Dallee Sheppard was crowned Petite Princess.
The Ozark Mountain Players of Mansfield would present Laura’s Memories at the Ava Performing Arts Center on Saturday, July 31, at 3 and 7:30 p.m.
Steve Hall drove the winning car in the Saturday Night Smash-Up demolition derby at the Douglas County Fair on July 24.
August 5, 2010
Tuesday’s election watch was interesting with a number of close races being decided with late returns in the Republican primary in Douglas County.
Larry Pueppke defeated incumbent Butch Linder and would face Democrat Bud Clinkingbeard in November.
Other county officeholders elected with no opposition in November included Kim Hathcock, re-elected circuit clerk; Tina Boyd, re-elected recorder; Theresa Miller elected to a first term as treasurer; and Roger Wall elected to a first term as prosecuting attorney. Associate Circuit Judge Craig Carter, County Clerk Karry Davis, and County Collector Laura Stillings were unopposed in the primary. All are Republicans.
Elvis Volner was sentenced to life without parole for the 2008 murder of Dustin Skaggs.
Practice for high school sports teams would begin Monday, Aug. 9. Most area schools would open during the coming week, including Ava R-1 on Thursday, Aug. 12.
August 12, 2010
Voyledean Bradshaw, 76, Ava, died on Aug. 10 following a wreck in Webster County. Mrs. Bradshaw was apparently in her car for several hours after the crash before being located, and died of medical conditions not directly related to the wreck, according to the Highway Patrol.
Kathy Bray, who lost the race for county recorder by 16 votes in the primary election, requested a recount of the ballots.
Skyline Fire Dept. would hold its annual picnic on Aug. 13 and 14.
The TriCounty Youth Horse Show would be held Aug. 14 at the showgrounds of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Assn. north of Ava.
Ava High School teams would scrimmage for the public in a Booster Club sponsored event on Friday, Aug. 13.
August 19, 2010
The Ava Bears would participate in the football Jamboree at Pierce City on Aug. 20. The softball Lady Bears would open at home on Aug. 23.
A recount of the ballots in the race for Douglas County Recorder revealed that the previous count was accurate. Incumbent Tina Boyd won the election by 17 votes over challenger Kathy Bray.
The Skyline R-2 School Board approved a Career Ladder plan at the Aug. 12 meeting.
The Ava High School FFA Chapter won the grand prize at the Ozark Empire Fair for its educational display booth.
The TriCounty Youth Horse Show was held in Ava at the showgrounds of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association on Aug. 14.
The Ozark Mountain Players presented excerpts from Laura’s Memories at the Douglas County Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 12.
August 26, 2010
The Douglas County Commissioners, Sheriff Chris Degase and architects announced plans for a town hall meeting on Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Ava Community Center to discuss the proposed new jail and justice center.
Assumption Abbey southeast of Ava was celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The Ava City Council signed an agreement with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources acknowledging that cities will stop discharges from lagoons.
The Fox Trotters were preparing for the 52nd Show and Celebration which would start in just over a week.
An outbuilding on the Bud Clinkingbeard farm west of Ava was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning. Ava Rural Fire Dept., assisted by the City of Ava Fire Dept., responded and protected adjoining structures threatened because of extremely dry conditions.
The Ava Lady Bears opened their softball season with wins over Springfield Glendale and Mtn. View-Liberty.
September 2, 2010
The Ava Bears opened the football season with an exciting 35-28 overtime win over Strafford at home on Aug. 27.
Sheriff Chris Degase, Douglas County commissioners, and architects with Goldberg, Sullivan and McCrerey, of St. Joseph, hosted a public forum on Thursday, Aug. 26, to discuss the proposed new judicial center and jail for Douglas County.
Ava Supt. Brian Wilson announced that Ava Schools would need to add one day to the 2010-11 school calendar due to a one-day shortage the previous school year. The miscalculation came in the 2-for-1 make-up days due to snow.
Ava’s new water storage tank was taking shape in south Ava. Located on Highway 76 just south of town, the tank would be connected to a new well in that area and was part of a water improvement project partially funded by the Department of Natural Resources.
The Ava Lady Bears opened the volleyball season at home with a victory over Springfield Catholic on Aug. 31.
The Lady Bears softball team fell on hard times, winning one of three games in the Morrisville Tournament. The girls rebounded to beat Salem in conference play, however.
September 9, 2010
The 52nd annual Show and Celebration of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association was under way at Ava. The show began on Saturday, Sept. 4, and would run through Sept. 11.
Gov. Jay Nixon announced the appointment of Richard L. (Rick) Miller as Douglas County Coroner to succeed Mark Pearson who resigned. Miller is a local paramedic with Cox Health System.
Red Bud Village celebrated a major renovation project costing over $400,000. First Home Savings Bank of Ava secured the Affordable Housing Program grant for the Douglas County Senior Citizens Housing Association through the Federal Land Bank of Des Moines.
The Ava Bears lost to Willow Springs 10-8 on Friday, Sept. 3, in SCA football action.
The Ava Lady Bears volleyball team defeated Spokane and Reeds Spring to remain undefeated. The girls softball team defeated Springfield Parkview and Morrisville.
The Dean Downs family was the Douglas County Farm Family at the Missouri State Fair on Aug. 16.
September 16, 2010
April Dawn Quick, 32, and Aimee Lynne Herring, 29, both of Mtn. Home, Ark., were charged with the murder of Phillip A. Taylor, 43, of Macomb, at the Roadside Park north of Ava on Friday, Sept. 10.
A digger truck caught fire and burned inside the White River Valley Electric Co-op building on Thursday night, Sept. 9. The building’s sprinkler system prevented the fire from spreading to other vehicles or from causing damage to the building. The truck was still on fire when the Ava Volunteer Fire Dept. arrived, and the truck itself sustained heavy damage.
Ava High School Homecoming candidates were announced, with coronation to be held at Friday night’s football game. Queen candidates were Abby Dean, Emily Petty and Nikki Rieken. King candidates were Garrett Baird, Pete Leonard and Brock Mitchell. All candidates are seniors.
Grand Central won the title of World Grand Champion Missouri Fox Trotter in the closing class of the 2010 Show and Celebration. The champion was ridden by Thomas J. Williams for Vic and Alice Rowden, of Buffalo.
The Ava Bears defeated Cabool 37-13 in SCA football action at home.
The Ava Lady Bears volleyball team won the Forsyth Tournament and advanced their season record to 8-1. The softball Lady Bears defeated Fordland at home on Sept. 13.
September 23, 2010
Murder suspects, April Dawn Quick and Aimee Lynne Herring, both of Mtn. Home, Ark., signed waivers of extradition and would be returned to Douglas County for arraignment. The two were charged in Douglas County with the Sept. 10 murder of Phillip Taylor, of Macomb.
The Ava High School FFA Chapter would observe its 75th anniversary on Nov. 5.
Ava High School seniors Abby Dean and Brock Mitchell were crowned Homecoming queen and king on Sept. 17.
The Ava R-1 School calendar was revised to add one day necessary to correct a mistake made last year. The extra day needed was added to the end of the current school year.
Local veterans, as well as servicemen listed as prisoners of war or missing in action were recognized with a Silent Walk from the Ava square to the Ava Cemetery on Sept. 18.
A second town hall meeting was scheduled for Sept. 23 to discuss the new proposed jail and justice center.
The Ava Bears defeated Houston 46-0 in football on Sept. 17.
The Ava Lady Bears defeated Salem in the first SCA volleyball contest of the year.
The Softball Lady Bears played six games in four days, including four in the Branson tournament. The team split with three wins and three losses, but defeated Mtn. Grove in conference play to remain undefeated in the SCA.
September 30, 2010
A very informative town hall meeting was held at the Douglas County Courthouse on Thursday, Sept. 23, explaining the proposed new jail and justice center for Douglas County.
At the regular Ava City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 28, it was announced the city had applied for several grants for various projects. At that meeting the aldermen also discussed a skate park for the city.
Oct. 6 would be the last day citizens could register to vote in the Nov. 2 general election.
The Ava Bears defeated Thayer, 30-16, and the Ava Lady Bears softball team clinched another SCA title, going undefeated in conference play.
The varsity volleyball girls lost to Cabool in conference play, and defeated Hollister in non-conference action.
The JV Lady Bears would host a junior varsity volleyball tournament here on Saturday.
October 7, 2010
The Douglas County Herald had the unique opportunity to accompany Missouri Department of Conservation personnel to a farm in northern Douglas County where biologists had trapped a black bear. The trapping was part of a study to determine Missouri’s bear population and other factors regarding bears in Missouri.
Sheriff Chris Degase would hold an open house at the Douglas County Jail on Saturday afternoon to give citizens an opportunity to see the jail conditions.
Aimee Herring, 29, of Mtn. Home, Ark., waived her preliminary hearing and was bound over to circuit court on murder charges on Oct. 5.
The Ava Bears lost to Salem, 14-6, in SCA action Oct. 1.
The Lady Bears softball team would host the Class 3, District 10 tournament starting Oct. 6.
October 14, 2010
The Ava Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, would present the 50th annual Glade Top Trail on Sunday, Oct. 17.
A town hall meeting would be held at Squires on Oct. 19 to discuss the proposed new jail and justice center that would be on the Nov. 2 ballot.
The Ava Art Guild’s Fall Art Show was under way at the Art Gallery on East Washington Ave.
Students of the Month from Ava Victory Academy and Ava High School were presented at the October meeting of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Ava Bears lost to Mtn. View Liberty 20-13 in SCA football action on Oct. 8. The loss dropped the Bears to 4-3 overall and 3-3 in conference.
The Ava softball season ended in the semifinals of the district tournament when the Lady Bears fell to Mtn. View Liberty. Reeds Spring then defeated Liberty to take the district championship.
The Ava Lady Bears defeated Willow Springs in SCA volleyball action Tuesday, Oct. 12, improving their conference record to 2-3.
October 21, 2010
At its October meeting, the Ava R-1 Board of Education accepted resignations from three teachers who represent 93 total years of teaching. Gina Clinkingbeard, Suzette Litwiller and Darlene Davis would retire at the end of the school year.
Beautiful weather graced the 2010 Glade Top Trail on Sunday, Oct. 17.
The local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) heard an interesting presentation by Jackie Warfel on the Trail of Tears. Some 13,000 Cherokee Indians passed through the Ozarks in the 1830s when the government relocated them to the Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma.
The Ava Lions Club announced it would provide for one more EPA certification class for dealing with lead paint. The class would be held on Oct. 30.
The Ava Bears defeated Buffalo, 38-14 on Oct. 15 in the first round of district play. This wrapped up the Bears’ road season and ended four consecutive road trips. The Bears would be home against Rogersville on Oct. 22.
The Ava Lady Bears volleyball team defeated Houston at home on Oct. 19 in the girls’ final home game of the season. Senior players recognized were Lindsey Armour, Abby Dean, Kristen Hastings, Samantha Martin, Emily Petty and Cheyanne Russ.
October 28, 2010
MOCH Wellness Center would open on Monday, Nov. 1. An open house and grand opening would be held on Saturday, Oct. 30.
Several key issues would be decided at the Nov. 2 general election, including two county sales tax proposals for law enforcement. Douglas County voters would also elect a new presiding commissioner as the incumbent was eliminated at the primary election in August.
The final town hall meeting to discuss the construction of a new jail and justice center in Douglas County would be held Thursday, Oct. 28 at the courthouse.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced the recovery of a large list of stolen property and several arrests in the Howell County area.
Ava Lions Club would hold its 69th annual Halloween Costume Contest on Saturday night, Oct. 30.
Senior Sierra Sharp and junior Payton Lakey were named to the district all-tournament first team following the Class 3, District 10 softball tournament at Ava.
Ava boys and girls won their team events at the cross country meet in Ava on Oct. 25. Melody Kennedy and Zach Dixon each placed second in their respective races.
The Ava Bears lost to Rogersville, 19-14, here on Oct. 22 and would host Mtn. Grove in the final regular season game on Oct. 29.
November 4, 2010
The Ava Bears defeated Mtn. Grove, 14-7, in the final game of the regular season, which allowed the Bears to move into the first round of the state playoffs on Wednesday, Nov. 3, where they would play Springfield Catholic.
Daniel Harris and Amanda Hoyt were in custody after fleeing from Wright and Douglas county authorities, allegedly shooting at officers, and burning a car they had stolen in Marshfield.
Larry Pueppke was elected presiding commissioner of Douglas County over Democrat Bud Clinkingbeard at the general election on Nov. 2.
Two sales tax measures for the construction of a new jail and justice center and for the operation of the jail, were defeated at the general election.
Judy Shields was named executive director of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce. She would replace Mandy Mackey who resigned to move out of the community with her husband.
The Ava High School FFA would celebrate the 75th anniversary of the organizations charter on Nov. 5.
November 11, 2010
Ava’s football season ended at Springfield Catholic on Wednesday, Nov. 3, with a 21-0 loss in the first round of state play.
Ava’s boys’ and girls’ cross country teams competed at the state meet at Jefferson City on Nov 6. Boys competing in the Class 2 event were Zach Dixon, Dakota Renner, James Ferguson, Chase Dixon, Spencer Breland, Kody Kutz and Phillip Eubanks. Ava girls competing were Christina Shortt, Melody Kennedy, Nikki Rieken, Ashley Rieken, and Destany Russell.
More than 200 former members, family and friends attended the 75th anniversary celebration of the Ava High School FFA on Nov. 5.
The fall Renaissance Assembly and awards program was held at Ava High School on Monday, Nov. 8.
Brittany S. Fountain, 21, of Pineville, Ark., was seriously injured in a wreck on Highway 14 west of Ava on Nov. 8.
November 18, 2010
Ava was well represented in all-conference balloting at the close of the fall seasons that included football, volleyball, softball and cross country. A total of nine players were first team, all-SCA picks including Charles Bruton, Dillon Adams Pete Leonard and Garrett Baird in football, Zach Dixon in cross country, Jorie Garrett and Emily Petty in volleyball, and Ashlyn Mitchell and Sierra Sharp in softball.
Veterans Day was observed on Nov. 11 with assemblies at the Ava schools and a ceremony in the Ava Cemetery at 11 a.m.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that Brittney S. Fountain, 21, of Pineville, Ark., died on Nov. 9, one day after she was injured in a wreck on Highway 14 in the west end of Douglas County.
A group of citizens in the Rainbow Ridge subdivision petitioned the Ava City Council to slow down traffic in their neighborhood by installing more stop signs.
The City Council was also petitioned to allow citizens to walk in the former Rawlings building once again.
Basketball season at Ava High School would begin on Monday, Nov. 22, with scrimmages by the high school teams. The varsity boys would begin competition on Nov. 30 vs. Spokane and the varsity girls would open at home against Seymour on Dec. 2.
November 25, 2010
Veteran girls basketball coach and physical education and health teacher Mark Wendler announced his retirement at the close of the current school year.
A Buffalo man was in critical condition in a Springfield hospital after being shot by a companion hunter in Douglas County on Saturday, Nov. 20.
Thirteen Ava R-1 teachers reported perfect attendance for parent-teacher conferences this fall.
Voting was still open through Nov. 30 for the Ava Community Playground project. Ava was seeking a $250,000 grant from Pepsi to fund the project.
The Ava Middle School basketball teams opened their season at home against West Plains on Nov. 16. The 7th grade lost and the 8th grade team won their game.
December 2, 2010
The Ava Bears opened their basketball season Tuesday night with a win over Spokane. Play was halted temporarily in the second quarter to recognize Pete Leonard’s 1,000th career point.
The Ava City Council adopted an ordinance reducing the speed limit to 15 mph on NW 13th Street in the Rainbow Ridge subdivision. The reduced speed limit is effective from Highway 14 to NW 3rd Ave.
Squires Volunteer Fire Dept. invited Walnut Grove community residents to a public meeting on Nov. 23 to discuss Walnut Grove forming its own fire department. It was an information-only meeting with no official business conducted.
Entries were being accepted for the Ava Christmas Parade to be held Saturday, Dec. 11. The parade would be preceded by the annual Friday Night Frolic on Dec. 10.
December 9, 2010
Ava Drug honored World War II veterans on Tuesday, Dec. 7, with a Pearl Harbor Day observance.
The Ava Bears advanced in the Mansfield Tournament and the Ava Lady Bears advanced in the Cabool Tournament. Semifinals for both tournaments would be held on Thursday night and championships would be held on Saturday night at both locations.
Nineteen girls would compete for the title of Miss Merry Christmas at the annual pageant sponsored by Anchor Club on Saturday night, Dec. 11.
Ava Bears received district recognition from football coaches of the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association.
December 16, 2010
The Ava Volunteer Fire Department answered two fire calls at the same residence on Wednesday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 11. Fires were in different locations in the house, on the corner of SE 3rd St. and 6th Ave., prompting the request for an investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The structure is owned by Jalanna Cobb, of Ava.
The Ava City Council received a “clean” report from auditors, and Mayor Leon Harris announced that the Rawlings building would be reopened for walking.
When filing opened for the April 5 elections, three people filed for Ava mayor. Incumbent Leon Harris filed, as did Larry Morrison and Rick “Moose” Allen.
An Ava woman, Bonita Stafford, was seriously injured in a crash at the intersection of Highways 5 and 14 in Ava on Thursday, Dec. 9.
Bethany Baptist Church won the grand prize in the Ava Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 11.
The Ava R-1 School Board held a work session on Dec. 8. Topics of discussion were the superintendent’s evaluation and a study of the athletic facility by Sapp Design Associates.
The Ava Bears defeated Gainesville to win first place in the Mansfield basketball tournament on Saturday night, Dec. 11. The Lady Bears lost to Seymour to take second place in the Cabool girls’ tournament the same night.
December 23, 2010
Offices and businesses would adjust their schedules for the Christmas and New Years holidays, many closing on both Friday and Saturday.
Kathleen Potter, treasurer of Douglas County for over 32 years, was cleaning out her office at the end of the year. Potter did not seek reelection in 2010.
It was announced that Missouri would lose a congressional seat as a result of the 2010 census data.
Candidates were filing for school board and city council elections coming up in April. Bobby Shebiel joined Larry Morrison and Rick “Moose” Allen in challenging Mayor Leon Harris for his seat at City Hall. Dr. Dan Williams joined incumbents Jeff Davis and Randy Spurlock in filing for the Ava R-1 School Board.
The Ava Bears suffered their first loss of the season, falling to Rogersville on Tuesday night.
The Ava Lady Bears defeated Salem in the first SCA game of the season on Monday night, Dec. 20.
The Ava Public Schools Foundation was presented a $10,000 Community Foundation of the Ozarks grant.
Ava Schools was accepted as part of the eMINTS program which will provide technology such as laptop computers and Smartboards for classrooms.
December 30, 2010
The Ava Bears advanced to the semifinals of the Blue and Gold Tournament in Springfield. Ava defeated Springfield Greenwood, then Strafford to advance.
The Ava Lady Bears won their first-round game in the Lebanon Central Bank Holiday Tournament, but lost to top-seed Springfield Central in the second round.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of two local men and the recovery of thousands of dollars worth of stolen items. Sheriff Chris Degase said the conclusion of this investigation solved crimes in several area counties.
Sign-up was under way for intramural basketball for boys and girls in grades 3-6. A Bear Cub basketball program would also be held for 1st and 2nd grade students.
Army Specialist Jacob Evans who was injured in Afghanistan in July would be honored at a welcome home reception at the VFW Hall in Ava on Dec. 30. Evans is the son of Bruce and Becky Evans, of Ava. His grandparents are B.J. and Eunice Evans, and his great-grandmother is Irma Evans, all of Ava.
