Hot off the Press: Herald opens doors at new Ava location

The Douglas County Herald held its grand opening on Thursday, June 18. The Herald had a great turnout and enjoyed seeing new and familiar faces. Top Photo: A ribbon cutting was held at 11 a.m. in conjunction with the Ava Chamber. Pictured left to right is Quinn Ziliak, Christie Degase, Dick Salgado, Harlin Hutchison, Crystal Cook, Judy Shields, Marcia Salgado and Katie West.

The Douglas County Herald celebrated its grand opening Thursday at its new location at 1308 Springfield Road in Ava, joined by the Ozark Horse Trader and KUKU Classic Country 100.3, which will operate satellite offices from within the Herald location.

The Ozark Horse Trader and KUKU will continue to maintain their main offices at 983 E. U.S. 160 in West Plains, but customers and community members may also conduct business with both through the Douglas County Herald office in Ava.

While an exact headcount was not available, the event saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Guests were welcomed with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks, along with drawings, music, fellowship and a chance to visit with staff and community members.

Harlin Hutchison deejayed the event for KUKU Classic Country 100.3, while Editor and General Manager Crystal Cook, Office Manager Christie Degase and Assistant Editor Quinn Ziliak were also on hand to greet visitors. Columnist Katie West also stopped by, along with Kay Hutchison, who has been part of the Douglas County Herald for just over 30 years, beginning in 1995.

The Ava Area Chamber of Commerce performed a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., marking the new shared location for the Douglas County Herald, Ozark Horse Trader and KUKU.

Food, fellowship and fun were shared throughout the event, which also included several giveaways made possible through local businesses and sponsors.

Rayonna Garner was the winner of a 50-piece tool set donated by O’Reilly Auto Parts in Ava. Garner had entered the drawing with her father, Daniel Garner. When she returned to pick up the prize, she shared that the tool set would be a Father’s Day gift for her dad.

Other public giveaway winners included J.D. East and Becky Crider, who each won a $25 gift certificate from El Tule Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant; Mary Kay Davidson, who won a $25 gift card from Town & Country Supermarket; and Liam Downs, who won a $25 gift certificate from Air2Ground Meats.

The Douglas County Herald also thanked the businesses and organizations that helped sponsor the grand opening, including Longdollar Furniture & Appliance, Jean’s Healthway, Air2Ground Meats, Whiddon’s Air & Electrical, LLC, Givans Furniture LLC, Douglas County Abstract & Title Co. Inc., State Farm of Ava with Agent David Coday, Douglas County Health Department, Appraisal Centre of the Ozarks, Shelter Insurance, Brian Adams Agency, LaTour Asset, MOOzarks Wellness Center and Bread of Life Giving and Sharing.