Ozark County kids delight in first snowfall

It was pure joy that Brantley McCullough experienced during this weekend’s snow event. Brantley is the son of Randy and Erica McCullough of Gainesville. More photos can be found on the Ozark County Times Facebook page.
The first snow of 2025 in Ozark County blew in last weekend, blanketing these rolling hills in 6 to 8 inches of snow. The white landscape provided a picture-perfect backdrop for kids across the county to make wonderful winter memories. Children crafted snow angels, built snowmen and engaged in spirited snowball fights. The snow transformed the county into a winter wonderland, its beauty enhanced by the snow weighing down boughs of trees and the rolling valleys blanketed in white.
While the snow brought joy to many, it also brought challenges, particularly on the area’s roads. The heavy snowfall covered highways and backroads alike, creating hazardous driving conditions. The sheriff’s report shows a number of calls from motorists as they struggled with slippery surfaces. MoDOT, the county road crew and city employees, worked throughout the weekend to clear the roads, but the sheer volume of snow slowed progress. Residents were advised to stay home if possible and to exercise extreme caution if travel was necessary.
For the children of Ozark County, however, the snowstorm was a magical experience. Schools declared snow days, allowing kids to spend their time outdoors, sledding down hills and constructing elaborate forts. Some parents bundled up to join the fun, creating cherished memories alongside their children. For a brief moment, the usual pace of life slowed, as families came together to embrace the fleeting beauty of the season.
The weather forecast for this coming weekend includes a chance of flurries Saturday morning as sharply colder temperatures make their way back. Temperatures are forecasted with highs in the teens and lows in single digits this weekend into early next week.
(More photos can be seen on the Ozark County Times Facebook page)