Letters to the Editor
By Linda Harlin, Gainesville
I don’t remember writing a “letter to the editor” before, but I felt compelled to do so after such a successful Hootin an Hollarin, even though it was the hottest weather we had ever experienced!
I have only missed one of the 65 celebrations and that was because of a...
Despite record high temperatures, Hootin an Hollarin 2026 was a huge success! It takes many people to make it happen, but this year we had more volunteers than ever.
First, thank you to the 20 committee members who have been attending meetings since April and planning and orgganizing their events...
Thank you to all who attended the recent commissioner’s meeting to oppose the brazen decision of our sheriff to install invasive and unwanted police spy cameras around our county. I think it is safe to say that the overwhelming majority of residents are opposed to the sheriff infringing on their...
I was so heartened to read your article on Aug. 11, 2026, covering “A flag returns to the Taylor bottoms.’ It’s a wonderful example of the hometown spirit and traditions that makes this community so special.
As the new Postmaster and a longtime resident of Ozark County, seeing that kind of local...
Our community works best when residents get involved. Come out to the Gainesville City Council meetings, held at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at City Hall (located on the Gainesville square) and learn more about what is happening in our city.
Whether you support a proposed change,...
Recently, while at a track meet in Cuba, Missouri, three Gainesville High School athletes were walking on Fair Stair, next to the track, when they saw our 89-year-old father fall backwards onto his concrete driveway. They rushed to help him and called their trainer over, who also assisted him. He...
The recent letter opposing Amendment 4 misrepresents both its purpose and effect.
First, Amendment 4 does not eliminate the initiative petition process. Missourians will still be able to gather signatures and place measures on the ballot. The only change is to require broader agreement before...
Our state representative, Matthew Overcast, claims to be an advocate for conservative government. His actions reflect otherwise.
This November, Missourians will vote on Amendment 4, a bill co-sponsored by Mr. Overcast. Amendment 4 seeks to destroy our right as voters to gather signatures to place...
Housing ICE is all fair and great on a temporary basis for any county, but they need to house their own inmates they arrest and detain.
They ship the Ozark County people they arrest for state crimes in the county and farm them out to other jails, and this causes a lot of problems - a lot of...
I want to thank all of the people who made Hootin an Hollarin successful.
First, thanks to the 20 Hootin an Hollarin committee members - all are volunteers who work year round to plan and organize all the vendors, contests, parade and various activities. Also, thanks to the many volunteers who set...