Local News
We have a long list of military veterans to thank this Friday on Veterans Day, a patriotic time when we honor everyone who served in our country’s armed forces whether during war or peace. One of Ozark County’s most famous and highly-decorated veterans was Gainesville High School graduate and 30-...
Ozark County voters have passed an additional half-cent sales tax to benefit the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department, bringing the total amount of sales tax revenue into the department to 1 cent for every $1 spent inside Ozark County.
The measure was passed by a vote of 2,398 (65.45 percent) yes to...
Ozark County voters will go to the polls on Nov. 8 to vote on a half-cent sales tax proposal to fund law enforcement in Ozark County.
The proposal would add to a half-cent sales tax that is already in place for law enforcement, making the sales tax rate in Ozark County for law enforcement one full...
Not so long ago Ozark County was full of thriving little towns named after early settlers and the hills, streams, animals and lifestyle they experienced here. Some of these places are still going strong. Mother Nature is busy reclaiming the others. Stray iris patches and broken buildings signal...
The Nov. 8 General Election is Tuesday, and Ozark County Clerk Brian Wise and Deputy Clerk Wilma Watson explain some changes that voters will see with this election’s procedures.
Photo ID needed
The biggest change involves the need for voters to bring a photo identification of themselves with...

The Dora JAG students have undertaken a service project to provide hygiene kits and products in school bathrooms for fellow students to use and take as needed. JAG students are pictured here with a donation of personal hygiene and feminine products donated by Sam and Kayla Miller of Roy’s Store in Dora. Students, pictured from left, are Kaitlynn Brown, Shauna Lake, Loghan Bruce and Lauren Martin.
We wanted to bring you an update about the Dora Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. Out chapter is part of a national program that is dedicated to helping teach students skills to be successful citizens, students and productive workers when they enter the workforce.
This is Dora's second...
The elevator in the Ozark County Courthouse is starting to show its age. Installed in the 1990s, officials say parts for the elevator are impossible to find. Inspectors recently noted the elevator was in good and operable shape, but also stated that if electronic problems with the elevator were to arise, the elevator probably could not be fixed. Times photo/Bruce Roberts.
The Ozark County Commissioners met Monday morning and heard, among other things, a report that the courthouse elevator is becoming obsolete and that if something serious was to go wrong with it, there are no parts to repair it any longer.
County Clerk Brian Wise told commissioners John Turner, Gary...

The International Lineman’s Rodeo was held in Overland Park, Kansas, Oct. 12-15. Events include a “hurtman rescue,” a pole climb and two mystery events. Apprentices have their own division in the rodeo, which includes the same events and a written test. Below: Gainesville WRVEC’s linemen who participated include Tyler Headrick, left in the above right photo, along with teammate Steve Martin, right. Their third teammate, Brandon Sullivan of Ozark, is behind the pole in this photo. Photos courtesy of Renee Schmucker.
White River Valley Electric Cooperative linemen recently showcased their skills at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas. They competed with the best of the best, putting their training to the test. The competition consists of four events: “hurtman rescue,” speed climb and two mystery events...

The Dora Lady Falcons made school history when they took third place at the Class 1 District 1 cross country meet held at Arcadia Valley High school in Ironton on Saturday, Oct. 29. Their performance advances them to Saturday’s state meet - a first for a Dora girls’ cross country team. Members of the team are, from left, sophomore Chloe Barton, sophomore Kayden Jones, senior Autumn Nold, senior Cally DePriest, sophomore Emma Martin and junior Mia Gray.
Ozark County runners from Bakersfield, Dora and Gainesville High Schools made the trip to Ironton to compete in district meets held at Arcadia High School Saturday, Oct. 29. Some of those runners are advancing to the Class 1 State Cross Country Championship meet at Gans Creek Cross Country Course...
Monday is Halloween, and a lot of fun, spooky and festive events are being held to celebrate the holiday. We’ve listed the Ozark County trunk-or-treat and other Halloween events in this article.
Thursday, Oct. 27
Lutie School Fall Carnival, Theodosia: The Lutie School Fall Carnival will be held...