A vehicle stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn was rear-ended on Highway 5 north of Ava last Friday night. Neither driver was seriously injured, but a passenger in one car was taken to the hospital by Cox Ambulance-Ava, with moderate injuries. Trooper Ronny Mast of the Missouri…
Jeremy Eden, executive director of Wright County Children’s Home, is scheduled to receive the training necessary to become an instructor in the C.A.L.M. crisis intervention method. The certification is good for two years and will enable Jeremy to train and certify the entire WCCH staff in the C.A.L.M. method at…
Keeping Critical Drug Trials in the State This week, I presented Senate Bill 284 in the Committee on Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee. The bill would exempt all drug products used in drug trials from certain state regulations. Since these pharmaceuticals are not distributed by retailers, they do…
The National Heritage Area program is causing quite a stir in the area, so much in fact that Douglas County has said it wants nothing to do with it. And Douglas County is not alone. Apparently several other neighboring counties have “opted out” of the program. Is that a good…
By Mindy Crandall Reminiscing is the act of enjoying fond memories whether it be among friends over a cup of coffee or in the silence of one’s own home. It is a look back in time, the mere existence of what was once today or the near future, now only…
Hello, hello, we’ve had another great week around here. You just never know when God is going to bless us here on our mountain. Donald preached Sunday about when you are not feeling as close to God as you once did, God never moves. He is always near. We are…
It was great to have our visitors; please come again. You are always welcome in our Lord’s house. We began with reading from Isaiah 2 followed by singing. We sang happy birthday to Rick Crum and Jim Harris. We sang happy anniversary to Judy Wilson. Prayer requests were given for…
Church started Sunday morning by singing. Ronnie Epps took over as superintindent and prayer was given by James Moore. Sunday school lesson was, The Close of Public Ministry, John 12:12-14 and 20-28 taught by Ronnie Epps. After a good Sunday school lesson we sang several songs then prayer by Sister…
Bonnie Phipps said she got out and went to church Sunday, but didn’t get out last week to do anything. Last Monday I received one and a half tenths of an inch of rain and on Wednesday I received another four-tenths of an inch of rain. On Thursday I had…
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment, ” Mark 12:30. Please pray for Mike Jones, Don Graham and Jr. Berry, Marvin Graham, Gene and Rheba…
Feb. 23 – Caney came together Wednesday evening by singing. Bro. Jeff Shipley took charge of the service taking prayer requests and praise reports. Sisl Charlotte Roberts led our hearts in prayer. Jeff read II Peter 2:1-4, I Peter 2:1-4, stay in the word don’t be led astray by false…
George and Donna Dale, Jean Daugherty, and Billy Fletcher drove to Lebanon for a visit with Ray and Janet Davis, Saturday. Carol Riggs, Doris Holman, Stanley Goodrich, and Billy Fletcher went to the home of Fred and Charlie Lindberg for Pizza, Sunday. Norma Stillings made her usual visits to the…
Carey and Jessica Hendricks and their twin daughters, Elle and Anne, were guests at Bethany Baptist Church, Sunday. Carey and Jessica are on deputation raising support so that they can go as missionaries to the Republic of Ireland. Carey started attending church when he was nine years old. His brother…
“Let there be light.” It’s right there in Genesis 1:3. It’s the first mention of light. Light and the desire for it has held center stage on this earth for centuries. Man’s quest to obtain it and have it is just as meaningful today as it was in the early…
Hello everyone. We had a little bit of scary weather lately, but prayers were again answered and we were protected from it all. Anyway, it is a beautiful, warm, calm day today. We should be thankful and honor our God who provided it for us. I am not only thankful…
That was quite a storm we had to come through late Sunday night, happy to hear no one had a tornado, but many felt the shake from the earthquake in Arkansas. I hope the sun keeps its promise and comes out this afternoon. In spite of this weather the daffodil…
Dick and I stopped to see Helen Dobbins one day last week. It was one of those cold, rainy days. She is doing pretty good, like the rest of us, waiting for warmer weather. We stopped to see Peggy at the nursing home to see how she was, but Randy…
Here we are going into March, which we hope will be a good month, all 31 days! Though we are getting spring fever we will have to postpone some early planting until weather is settled and the ground is warmer. Daffodils, forsythia and early bulbs can take colder weather, and…
Bible study on Wednesday night was very interesting, we are studying Peter. He played an important role in the early church and the spread of the gospel to the Samaritans and the Gentile. I think we will be with Peter for several weeks. Prayer request were for Tabitha – Wayne…
Everyone was glad to be in God’s house Sunday morning, it was a beautiful day. Our group was small for our 4th Sunday night singing, however we had good specials and great food, a good combination. Mae Cox’s company last week was Lisa Johnson and Jesse. Mae spoke to her…
Another week went by in what seems now like a whirlwind, another crowded week (probably mostly in my mind!) A doctor’s appointment informed me that a couple of bones are thinning, not osteoporosis yet. Oh well, my skin has been thinning, it is more and more difficult when I go…
This week we had seventeen people weigh in, with a total weight-loss of seven pounds. Boni was high-loser. Lou’s name was drawn to receive free dues for the month of March. Delores received ten dollars for being high-loser for the month of ebruary. Congratulations to these ladies! In the “Road to Success” year-long…
Wednesday night Bible study we are studying on the twelve disciples of Christ. This week we went over borthers Simon, Peter and Andrew. Sunday morning we had 17 attend services. We started out with taking our prayer requests to the Lord before dismissing to Sunday school. The children’s Sunday school…
We had a good singing and fellowship Saturday night. Those who were there received a blessing. Hope to see you at the singing in March. Sunday school opened with a song and a big hello from Bro. Marshall. We had prayer requests and there were many. Sister Mary led in…
“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the son, but the Father, ” Mark 13:32. I received word Monday that my aunt, Roxie Marie Clayton Roberts in Kennewick, Washington died at the age of 94. She was my…
Last weeks news -Things are about the same on Little Creek and I have very little news, but “no news is good news” so I’ve heard. Anyway, I’ll write as things progress and maybe someone will call or come by in addition to my family. They seem to comprise my…
Last weeks news – Donna Dodson and Macee Breeding were here on Monday. Macee stayed with me on Wednesday while Donna went to a meeting at work. John and Joe Stephens visited Lisa Hensley of Hartville Thursday. Donna, Macee an I went to town on Friday. I had blood work…
Church business elsewhere caused the pastor to be in services south of the border this last Lord’s Day (the Arkansas/Missouri borader that is), so Brother Ray Dobbs graciously came and brought a message from the story of the blind Bartimeus, at the end of the tenth chapter of Mark. Before…
The 4th Sunday Singing was held at Gentry Church February 27, 2011 from 2-4: pm. The welcome was given by Emcee, Sybil Gheer; Bro. Robert Grisham opened with prayer; song books were distributed by Freeman Porter. There were 65 present and 37 songs were shared. The next 4th Sunday Singing…
Febraury 21, 2011 – Hello from our home to your home. The residents have enjoyed the sunshine this week. A lot of our residents were out taking strolls around the parking lot. Thanks to all the staff members who took residents out in the sunshine. Everyone always feels better when…
Barb, Jack and Preston visited me on Monday and brought some wood in for me. Sunday I went to church with Bob, Linda and their friend, Christina. On Wednesday, I played music at the barbershop with the guys. I talked to Violet and Hugh by phone and they were doing…
It seems like we are having trouble getting spring to stay. Maybe when it finally gets here, it will stay. Joe Lafferty opened Sunday school reading the 75th Psalms. Clara Lafferty led the opening prayer. Lee Hampton taught the adult class lesson in the eleventh chapter of St. Mark, the…
Sunday, February 27 was sexagesima (Latin for 60th) or approximately 60 days before Easter, second in the three “gesima” Sundays in the ancient church tradition of a pre-lenten season. Altar and vestment colors continue to be dark blue in keeping with the solemnity of the season. Fr. Glen based his…
Sure signs of Spring in Champion include the emergence of many forgotten bulbs and the swelling of certain buds, and unsettled weather—hot, cold, windy, and wet—all in the space of a few hours. Robins and buzzards come home and watch the geese going farther North. There are subtle shifts in…
Opening prayer for the morning service was said by Joie Welker. After congregational singing, everyone went to their Sunday school class of which the lesson was “Coming Of The Son Of Man.” Our Lord Jesus has not left us without warnings of the things coming to pass. We need to…
Sunday morning service was opened with prayer requests and prayer. Brother Bill and Sister DeDe Arington and Brother Randy and Sister Venita Brummet led the praise songs and welcome service. Brother Roberts brought the morning message from Malachi 3:8-10, “Stewardship Of Our Money.” There were several people out with sickness…
So, how’s your prayer life? Bro. Oren’s messages all month have reminded us how important prayer is. This week’s scripture was from John 14: 1-14. Jesus’ words still speak to us today. Do not let your hearts be troubled but trust in God and trust in Jesus. The way to…
There is a hint of spring in the air, and someone mentioned the turkey buzzards are moving back. March came in like a lamb and I’m going to hope it goes out like a lamb. The church members of Dogwood Nazarene will continue the discussion of a name change this…
Things that happen each year, but they never fail to thrill me. Crocus blooming! One little bunch of crocus is blooming in my front yard. They are a bright yellow and look so cheery against the brown grass and leaves around them. This certain bunch has been here for at…
NEWS FROM FIRST GRADE We are doing fantastic in first grade. We have been reeding a lot and been pasing quezes. Our spellings words have long in in them. In math we have doubles plus one and shoping at our store. We lernd that if March came in like a…
Fundraising efforts are well underway for the Ava Community Playground Project. Donations are starting to pour in and several components to the playground have already been sponsored. Before we know it, we will have reached our projected budget goal. We appreciate all the individuals and businesses that have already made…
The Ava Area Animal Welfare League Junior met Tuesday February 22nd in Mrs. Karen Davis’ classroom on the Ava R-1 school campus. Members in attendance were: Mary Chipps, Judy Ross, Marilyn Alms, Albany Wallace, Sherry Wallace, Karen Davis, Alexis Beverlin, Ali Hall, Barbara Andrus, Paul McKee, Lynda Clouse, Erin Clouse,…
PUBLIC NOTICE We are now accepting bids on the following: Gasoline, Diesel, Oil, Tires, Grader Blades, Asphalt, Cement, Gravel and Culverts. Bids must be submitted by Monday, March 24, 2011 bids should be sent to: Douglas County Commissioners, PO Box 389, Ava, MO 65608. We reserve the right to reject…
This column is for fundraisers, benefits, or community functions for which a fee or membership dues are collected. Items will be printed in this column twice for a single fee of $5 for 20 words or less. ****** Benefit Singing for Bob Huskey for medical expenses, Friday, March 4, 7…
This column is provided to our readers free of charge to announce upcoming events that are free to the public. Publication of the same announcement will be limited to two insertions. * * * Ava Saddle Club meeting, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ava Saddle Club. 23-1t *…
Ava Elementary School Breakfast Menu Monday, March 7: Choice of Dry Cereal, Nutrigrain Bar, Choice of Juice and ½ pt. of Milk Tuesday, March 8: Breakfast Pizza, Apple, Choice of Juice and ½ pt. of Milk Wednesday, March 9: Super Bun, Cheese, Banana, Choice of Juice and ½ pt. of…
The Tri-County Master Gardeners together with Missouri State University will be having a free Spring Seminar “Growing Vegetables” on March 12. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program to begin at 9 o’clock. It will be held at the State Fruit Experiment Station in Mtn. Grove. This workshop will…
The Norwood R-1 School Board met Wednesday, Feb. 16, in regular session. The agenda was approved and the consent agenda items were approved. Superintendent Don Forrest reported on the budget, daycare and transportation funding. Elementary Principal Dana Webb reported on professional development and attendance. Marcella Swatosh, high school principal, reported…
The Skyline R-2 Board of Education met in regular session on Thursday, Feb. 17 with five members present. The consent agenda items were discussed and approved. Under old business the board continued discussions on next year’s budget and also discussed how this year’s budget is progressing. They talked about whether…
Greetings from your State Capitol! This has been another busy week. Bills are being filed at a more rapid rate. Committees are conducting hearings on selected bills everyday. Legislation is moving some of those bills out of committee and closer to debate on the floor. This week’s results of floor…
Ryan Ray Roberts, son of Mike and Connie Millsap Roberts was born Dec. 22, 1983, in Mansfield, Mo., and departed this life on Feb. 28, 2011, in his home near Mansfield, at the age of 27 years, 2 months and 6 days. He was preceded in death by a special…
James D. Rasch, 71, of Ava, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at his home near Ava. He was born March 17, 1939. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. All arrangements are under the care and direction of Ava Family Funeral Home.…
Ardith George Otteson, 86 years, 3 months, and 21 days old, passed to heaven on Feb. 26, 2011 at St. John’s Regional Health Center. Ardith was born Nov. 5, 1924 in the San Luis Valley of southeast Colorado, one of three children to George and Mamie (Hostetler) Otteson. Art served…
Virgil Edward Jackson, formerly of Maysville, was born Dec. 17, 1935 in St. Joseph, the son of Virgil and Oma Elizabeth (Griggs) Jackson, and passed away Feb. 27, 2011, at Chillicothe, Mo., at the age of 75 years. Virgil was a 1952 graduate of St. Joseph Central High School where…
Eddie D. Harlan, 68 years, passed away on Feb. 27, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. Eddie was born Feb. 7, 1943 in Kansas City, Mo., to David and Alta (Pepper) Harlan. Eddie was a resident of the Ava community since 1999 moving from Smithville, Mo.…
The Finley River is almost over its bridge on Z Highway as I write this report. Sounds like several communities were hit hard by this early spring storm. We are thankful that we came through everything alright. Sunday we celebrated my husband’s birthday with cake after church. We were joined…
February is almost gone and the third month of this year begins. No sunshine yet today, but no snow either, so guess we’re doing pretty good. The Macomb Sunshine Club met Wednesday at the Lion’s Den in Mansfield with five members present. They were Marilyn Wilson, Loretta Hall, Ruth Bradshaw,…
On this 8th Sunday after Epiphany we began with the Bible readings as follows: Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34. Our lector was Jerry Johnson. Pastor Wayne Strohschein’s sermon today was based on the lesson from Matthew 6:24-34 where Jesus tells us, “Don’t worry.” It seems…
The bridge over Spring Branch on Route 76 west of Bradleyville is scheduled to be closed Monday, March 14, and a new bridge built, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. The new Route 76 bridge over Spring Branch will be built and open to traffic by April 27. The bridge…
Three More Arrested in Case at Brushy Knob Officers with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department were busy last week, arresting a total of six people in two separate drug cases. Last Thursday morning, officers from the Sheriff’s Office responded to the 300 block of NE 13th Street in Ava for…
JEFFERSON CITY Mo – The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation recently approved a grant request from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for $35,000 towards the Department’s elk restoration plan. The grant was approved at the Foundation’s Feb. 25 board meeting and will help fund costs related to elk trapping, holding,…
Willoughby Hot Rods, of Ava, was pleased to showcase Devin Houston’s 1970 GTO SC/Tiger for the viewing pleasure of auto enthusiasts in Las Vegas recently. Gear Heads and Pontiac fans alike took in this Orbit Orange, Pro Charged SC/Tiger at the Legendary Auto Interiors booth during the 2010 SEMA (Specialty…
Dear Editor: I went to the library and read the “Feasibility Study” for the Ozark Highlands Heritage Area. It really didn’t say much about what they actually intend to do, but there were some hints. There was a map from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s document, Missouri Forest Resource Assessment…
Payton Lakey scored 22 points, pulled down 11 rebounds and had six blocked shots as the Ava Lady Bears defeated Licking 56-38 in first-round play of the Missouri Class 3, District 2 Tournament at Cabool last Saturday. Jorie Garrett had 10 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, and Emily Sterling…
Keiko A. Phouangsyvanith, 21, of California, Mo., was arrested last week by Douglas County deputies following a domestic disturbance. The Sheriff’s Office said Phouangsyvanith was charged with 2nd degree domestic assault, endangering the welfare of a child in the 1st degree, and armed criminal action. The first two charges are…
The South Central Solid Waste Management District will hold free collections of household hazardous waste items at various locations throughout the area this spring. Among the item to be accepted at the collection sites will be paint, including latex, oil based and aerosol cans; used motor oil and antifreeze; batteries…
A public information meeting concerning designation of a 13 county area in southern Missouri as a National Heritage Area will be held tonight (Thursday) in Mtn. View. Ozarks Property Rights Congress, host of the meeting, has invited West Plains Council on the Arts and Ozarks Preservation Inc. spokespersons Kathleen Morrissey,…
Leaders in Community Service Class presented their Friday Feast PowerPoint presentation at St. Leo’s Catholic Church parish during Sunday services on Feb. 20. A generous donation of $820 was collected and donated to the Friday Feast Fund. Friday Feast is Ava Schools’ program that supplies nutritious foods on Fridays to…
Members of the Ava High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter attended the 2011 Missouri District 14 Leadership Conference held on Feb. 18 at Missouri State University – West Plains. FBLA is a career and technical student organization for all high school students participating in business programs. More…
Past Matrons and Patrons Club of the 23rd District Order of Eastern Star will meet on March 12 at the Sunnyside Café in Mtn. Grove. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 o’clock. All past matrons and past patrons, as well as present worthy matrons and…
The Ava R-1 Schools will host the March luncheon meeting of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 8, in the Decker Library on the high school campus. Parking is available on the south side of the high school or…
The University of Missouri Douglas County Extension Office will be closed on Fridays until further notice due to budgetary constraints, it was announced this week. The Extension Office, located in the Douglas County Courthouse, will be open 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 12:30 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday each…
An Urgent Case for Energy Independence Year after year, Americans look forward to the end of winter and the beginning of spring – in all respects but one. As winter’s cold diminishes, the price of fuel invariably rises. Past springtime spikes in oil and gas prices have led to $4-per-gallon…
The Douglas County Health Department is participating in a program called the Early Childhood Asthma Initiative which provides asthma education services and materials for parents and caregivers of children up to 5 years of age, as well as environment assessments for child care centers. Under this program the Health Department…
As we wrap up our 7th week here in the house, 714 Bills have been filed in the Missouri House of Representatives. We have passed 12 of those bills out of the House, and sent them to the Senate. April 1st is the last day to file a Bill in…
Ava Kiwanis Club and Ava High School named Citizens of the Month last Thursday at the Highway House Cafe. The theme for February is “Diversity.” Citizens of the Month for February are Amber Henderson, daughter of Jane and Lazaro Hernandez, and Andrew Casey, son of Kim and Sam Rolling. Amber…
The Ava Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the John N. Dickison Award and the Will McFarlin Award, to be presented at the annual Membership Banquet on April 2. The John N. Dickison Award is given each year by the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of a…
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will accept blood donations at two locations in Ava on Tuesday, March 8. From 9 to 10:30 a.m., CBCO will be set up at Missouri Ozarks Community Health (MOCH), 504 NW 10th Ave., to accept blood donors. Then from 1 to 5 p.m., the…
The Ava Bears defeated Mtn. Grove in the first round of the Missouri Class 3, District 2 Tournament Tuesday night at Cabool, advancing to the semifinals game tonight (Thursday) at 7:30. Ava, entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed, won 67-39, with balanced scoring from four players in double…
Kiwanis Club of Ava is proud to announce that the club received the Distinguished Club Award at the Mid Winter Conference held in Springfield on Feb. 25-27. The award is in recognition of meeting the criteria from the district and is awarded for the Kiwanis year Oct. 1, 2009-Sept. 30,…
With the weather turning warmer, it’s nice to be able to get back into a regular routine of meetings. On Feb. 24, we welcomed February Citizens of the Month, some family members and Assistant Principal David Williams. We always look forward to our citizens meeting on the 4th week of…
James D. Cain, 47, of Mtn. Grove was arrested in Texas County on Friday, Feb. 25, on a Douglas County warrant for 1st degree felony burglary, 1st degree felony domestic assault and misdemeanor theft/stealing. The charges stemmed from an altercation that occurred in the Vanzant area of Douglas County on…
FOR SALE TELEVISIONS, REPAIR – BUY – sell – trade. Phone 417-924-3350 18-tf GOOD CLEAN USED furniture, appliances and misc. The Wishing Well 400 No. Hwy 5, Ava, Mo 417-683-8730. 40-tf HAY FOR SALE, locally grown, square bales; high quality alfalfa $5.50, 683-4956 or 543-0929. 47-tf HAY FOR SALE, 4×5…
The Ozarks Native Plant Society will hold their Tuesday, March 15 meeting at the Missouri Department of Conservation Ozarks Regional Office at 551 Joe Jones Blvd in West Plains. The meeting is open to residents of Howell, and surrounding counties including Arkansas. The group meets each third Tuesday during the…
The annual Intramural Basketball Tournament sponsored by Ava High School National Honor Society will begin Thursday, March 10, with games continuing March 11-12, and March 15. The third and fourth grade games will be played in the middle school gym beginning at 5:30 p.m. Fifth and sixth grade games will…
By River Stillwood I’m a dog person. Always have been. Don’t get me wrong, I like cats. I’ve even had one so near and dear to my heart that when he died, I wept for days. He came to me late one night during finals week my first year of…
Free Open Gym Night for Families is scheduled for Friday, March 11, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the MOCH Wellness Center. The event is being hosted for youth and their families; however, children 8-years-old and under, must be accompanied by an adult. The evening will be filled with various…
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The National Wild Turkey Federation has announced that Douglas County Conservation Agent Mark Henry was selected as the 2010 National Wild Turkey Federation Wildlife Officer of the year for the state of Missouri. “It’s a pleasure to see Mark receive this award,” said Larry Neal, the…
25 Years Ago February 27, 1986 John Mackey and Sonia Lansdown were crowned 1986 Ava High School Hoop King and Queen in ceremonies at the AHS gym last Friday night. The city of Ava took delivery Monday on the 1986 dump truck that was purchased recently from Zane Gray Chevrolet…
By Ethel McCallie Well, howdy doody, there, all of you nice lovely and friendly folks in good ole Ava, Missouri, which I consider my home state, and town. I just had to write and tell you about all the snow we have here in Oklahoma. It was 17 inches deep…
Dr. Norman C. Estes, of Peoria, Illinois, has been named to the Best Doctors List in America for 2011-12. Dr. Estes is a professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP). Estes has directed UICOMP’s Department of Surgery since…
By River Stillwood With the days lengthening and the weather warming, it’s time to start hardening off your seedlings and starts and prepare them for the garden. To do that, you’ll want to provide them with a protected environment in which they can safely adjust to outside temperatures. The best…
Douglas County Commissioners met last Thursday for a regular meeting, transacting business as usual; however, no decisions were made. Commissioners did meet with Heather Peugh, director of the West Plains District Office for Rep. Jo Ann Emerson; and Gene Oakley who is the deputy director for the MOBroadbandNow program in…
Douglas County Beaglers and Tri-County Beaglers of Mountain Grove will host the Missouri State Championship for Kids in Mansfield Saturday, May 28. The youth beagle hunt event takes place on the grounds of Top of the Ozarks Shooters Facility in Mansfield, Mo. The event which is sanctioned by the United…
