St. Patrick’s Day Is For Potatoes
Planning Potatoes for the Long Haul There’s a bit of old gardening wisdom that floats around every spring, and like most good advice, it’s stuck around because it works: Plant your potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day. With March 17 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to talk potatoes before the day slips by…
Read MoreAva Police Warn of IRS Mail Scam
The Ava Police Department is warning residents about a new mail scam involving letters that appear to come from the Internal Revenue Service. The letter, which looks official and even includes a QR code, is not from the IRS. Police say scammers are using these codes to direct people to fraudulent websites designed to steal…
Read MoreTwo Arrested After Warrant Service Turns Into Standoff
Edward Bowman Matthias Penn Two Ava residents were arrested following a March 4 law enforcement incident on DD Highway that began when deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant and later involved a second individual entering the active scene. According to information released by…
Read MoreCapitol Report | Wednesday, March 11
Greetings Friends of the 155th District! This was yet another busy, but productive week. I’m pleased to report that HB 1855 and HB 1641 were heard in the Rules Committee and have successfully advanced. Both bills are now expected to be scheduled for debate on the House floor in the coming weeks. HB 1855’s progress…
Read MoreAva Man Re-Arrested After Alleged Bond Violation
Kevin Hansen, 55, of Ava, was originally arrested in January after Douglas County deputies and Ava police served a narcotics search warrant at an apartment on East Grand Avenue, where methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were reportedly seized. Court records show Hansen was released on February 5, 2026, under court-ordered supervision. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office…
Read MoreAva Aldermen Tackle Dispatch, Fire Needs, Electric Infrastructure
The City of Ava Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Ava City Hall, approving ordinances and resolutions, receiving departmental and financial reports, and formally responding to a proposal from the Douglas County Sheriff regarding city dispatching services. Mayor Kirk Pueppke presided over the meeting. Those present included Suzanne Welsh, city clerk; Larry Tyrell,…
Read MoreSixty-Three Attend Local Weather Training
A total of 63 people attended a storm spotter training class hosted by the Ava Rural Fire Department on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Copeland Cafeteria in Ava. The session, presented by the U.S. National Weather Service Springfield Missouri, provided instruction on how to safely identify and report severe weather conditions. Organizers said the training…
Read MoreScarlett Hall Continues Steady Recovery Following Summer Swimming Accident
Family shares update as March marks Brain Injury Awareness Month Scarlett Hall continues to make steady progress in her recovery following a serious accident last summer, her parents say. It is progress they once were not sure would be possible. The accident occurred June 20, 2025, when Scarlett was critically injured at a swimming…
Read MoreSpring Forward Safely: Change Your Batteries
As clocks move forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 8, residents are reminded to take a few extra minutes to check the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Fire safety officials recommend replacing detector batteries at least once a year, and the time change serves as an easy…
Read MoreCommunity Dollars at Work: Foundation Grant Supports CHART
The Douglas County Community Foundation presented a grant check to Douglas County C.H.A.R.T. (Community Health Assistance Resources Team) on Thursday, Feb. 26, supporting the organization’s continued work to strengthen families and improve quality of life in the county. Receiving the check on behalf of C.H.A.R.T. was Kayla Premer, joined by representatives of both organizations. The…
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