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There were 60 to 70 dirt bike riders from across the U.S. who gathered at Rocky Top Campground and Cabins in Tecumseh last Wednesday in preparation for the start of “Adventure Palooza Missouri,” an adventure race in which competitors on dirt bikes use GPS coordinates to follow an off-the-beaten path trek across the state, looking for specific checkpoints. There are four different starting points, and the south track begins in Tecumseh.
If you noticed a few more dirt bike riders than usual zooming around Ozark County last week, you likely got a glimpse at some of the brave souls that took on this year’s “Adventure Palooza,” a one-of-a-kind dirt bike adventure across Missouri.
Described as an “epic back roads journey across the...
Cheyenne Clinton and baby Jonah were all decked out in costumes inspired by the Monsters Inc. movie while handing out candy at the 2024 Gainesville trunk or treat event.
It’s that time of year when pumpkins, apple cider and crisp fall air set a festive tone in the Ozarks. Listed here are Halloween and fall events that residents can visit or attend in the coming weeks. Those organizing a local fall or Halloween-themed event can contact Editor Jessi Dreckman at 417-...
A traditional teepee was on display behind the Hootin an Hollarin Main stage all three days. Those attending the festival Friday were also able to speak with MDC’s Kevin Smith, who dressed in traditional attire and had a variety of primitive weaponry, animal pelts and other interesting items on display.
From spinning wheels to glass art, fiddles to rope making, the Hootin an Hollarin demonstrations once again gave festival-goers a chance to slow down, learn about old-time crafts and take home a little slice of tradition.
Demonstration chairman Barb Luna said she was thrilled with the turnout of...
2025 Hootin an Hollarin queen Isabelle Workman
This year’s Hootin an Hollarin queen pageant was held last Thursday night, Sept. 18, on the Gainesville square with 22 Ozark County young lady contestants ages 14 to 18 entering the competition. That number is significantly more than the contest has seen in several years.
The girls entertain the...
Times’ staffers Jessi Dreckman, left with back to camera, and Regina Mozingo, are shown here live streaming and taking photos of contestants in the Lil Cedar Pete and Lil Miss Addie Lee contest last Friday afternoon. Contestant Brynlee Johnson is on stage answering questions by event emcee April Luna.
If you enjoyed following along with the Ozark County Times’ coverage of this year’s Hootin an Hollarin festival, we’d love to invite you to consider subscribing to your hometown newspaper.
The Times’ small staff was on the Gainesville square from the moment the National Anthem was sung Thursday...
ALL HOOT AN HOLLARED OUT - There ain’t no tired like Hootin an Hollarin tired. Sweet McKinley Thomas was all tuckered out at Hootin an Hollarin last Friday night. Her Nana, Wasola resident Ann Thomas, told the Times, “She ran and ran all day and had a blast. Then around 7, she came and sat down by me - and this is what happened.” We think there are many festival goers who can relate. McKinley is the daughter of Markus and Ashley Thomas, also of Wasola.
The 64th Hootin an Hollarin will be remembered as one of the best ones yet. Held last Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18-20 on the Gainesville square, the festival drew large crowds each day, filling the town with music, laughter, food and the sound of fiddles and square-dance calls long into the...
Below: When Hootin an Hollarin bed-race organizer Paula Rose learned that 94-year-old Dale Ledford had “always wanted to be in the bed races,” she made it happen Friday. Dale happily took an honorary ride down the track with a volunteer team of pushers. Above: Espy Denton, 2, may be the first hog-calling trophy winner who’s still in diapers. She’s shown delivering her crowd-pleasing performance while holding 1-year-old cousin Mac Butler’s hand for encouragement.
Longtime Hootin an Hollarin Committee chairperson Nancy Walker, now retired as chair, has always said our annual hillbilly festival is fun for all ages, "from 1 to 101."
That age range came close to reality in this year's edition when 94-year-old Dale Ledford enjoyed a ride in the bed races on...
During her first appointment at Michelle's Shear Artistry Salon in Gainesville, Theodosia part-time resident Terry Easley was stunned to learn that she and shop owner Michelle Anderson have a family connection. Terry grew up in Illinois; Michelle grew up in California after being adopted from Korea as a toddler.
Well-known Gainesville hairstylist Michelle Anderson doesn't know exactly when or where she was born or who her birth parents were. When she was a toddler, she was found wandering the streets of a Korean city – she doesn't know which one. She's been told that a police officer picked her up and...
The Ozark County Times took several awards in the 2025 Missouri Press Better Newspaper contest, a statewide competition held each year. Times staffers, pictured from left, are: Feature writer Sue Ann Jones, Circulation Manager and Graphic Designer Regina Mozingo, Editor Jessi Dreckman, Owner Norene Prososki, Delivery Driver Lorene Loftis and Advertising Manager Jenny Yarger.
The Ozark County Times brought home a big honor this year, earning the 2025 Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest coveted first place award in the “general excellence” category, along with 11 other first and second place plaques.
“We’re just so humbled and proud to be recognized in...
This defibrillator, located in the Ozark County courthouse, was used Saturday morning after a woman collapsed and her heart stopped in the alley by the Times.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Saturday at Hootin an Hollarin, a "village" of amazing people worked together to save a life.
Late Saturday morning, in the alley between the Ozark County Times and Ozarks Healthcare Pharmacy buildings, a woman collapsed onto the pavement. (We're not...