Rev. John Messenger Swatosh
Rev. John Messenger Swatosh, age 82, entered eternal rest on February 15, 2026, at 4:26 p.m., surrounded by his loving family. John was born in 1943 to Frank and Echo (Messenger) Swatosh in Minnesota, the ninth of ten children. By the age of 13, John endured the loss of both parents. He was welcomed into…
Read MoreMissouri Cattle Report: Feeder Prices Climb in South-Central Region
Cattle markets across south-central Missouri continued their upward trend during the week ending Feb. 23, with feeder cattle prices holding steady to higher and demand remaining strong as producers look ahead to spring grazing season. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Weekly Market Summary, feeder cattle sales in south-central Missouri markets, including West Plains…
Read MoreCity of Ava | Board of Alderman | Agenda for Tuesday, Feb. 2026
CITY OF AVA, MISSOURI THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA 404 S JEFFERSON ST AVA, MO 65608 February 24, 2026 5:00 PM Call to Order: Mayor Roll Call of aldermen: III. Approve or Amend Agenda: Approval of Minutes: February 10, 2026 Public address to the board: Scott Porterfield Order of Business: Unfinished Business: Dispatch proposal…
Read MoreCapitol Report | Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
Greetings Friends of the 155th District! Here in Jefferson City, we have quickly gone from a very slow-paced session to a fast-paced one. Typically, we do not move to double sessions until around April, but we have already begun doing so this week. With that in mind, I want to remind the constituents of…
Read MoreA God Moment in Sin City | True Grit: Why the West Still Matters
I was driving to Las Vegas to host an art show at the Sands Expo Convention Center. The year was around 1996. The drive was long and monotonous, leaving civilization behind and passing through desert towns whose names I no longer remember. Eventually, there was only dry, lonesome desert, mile after mile of nothing, sometimes…
Read MoreA Special Prom Night Begins with Community Care
DOCO, Inc., prom-goers are preparing for a night filled with confidence and sparkle, thanks to the generosity of MK’s Blooming Blessings & More and Impressions Floral, who have set up donation accounts to help provide dresses, suits, and tuxes. Community members wishing to give can donate directly through these businesses or contact the DOCO office…
Read MoreSmoke Call Upgraded to Fire on Sunday
Firefighters work the scene at a residence on Sunday evening after the Ava Rural Fire Department responded to reports of smoke inside the home. The residence sustained severe smoke and heat damage. The Ava Rural Fire Department responded to a report of smoke inside a residence on Sunday evening at approximately 8:05 p.m. According…
Read MoreLove in Action This Valentine’s Season
Members of the VFW Auxiliary 5993 distributed cupcakes Saturday morning to residents at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center and Ava Place as part of a Valentine’s Day outreach effort. Pictured from left to right are Christy Rawlins; Anita Holt, president; Lynda Meacham; and Gail Huffman, secretary/treasurer. Acts of service, remembrance, and neighborly care…
Read MoreFederal Search Conducted in Norwood at USPS
USPS intercepts illegal substances; multiple agencies assist Wright County operation A large law enforcement presence in Norwood on Friday, Feb. 13, was related to a federal investigation involving illegal controlled substances intercepted through the mail, according to a statement from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities reported that the United States Postal Service intercepted a…
Read MoreTwo Douglas County Men Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence on State Highway W in Dora on the night of Monday, Feb. 12, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs and multiple firearms. According to a probable cause statement filed by Sgt. Aaron Box, deputies and…
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