Arrest Made in Long-Term Child Abuse Investigation
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Edward A. Britt, 71, of Gainesville, MO. Britt was arrested on February 5, 2026, in connection with a sexual abuse investigation conducted by the Troop G Criminal Investigative Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. DDCC investigators were assisted…
Read MoreAuthorities Seize Meth, Firearms in Vera Cruz Search
Roger Wall Douglas County authorities say a weeks‑long covert narcotics investigation led to the service of a search warrant at the residence of Roger Wall near Vera Cruz early February 3. The Douglas County/Ava Multijurisdictional Task Force and the COMET Drug Task Force executed the warrant around 6 a.m. According to Sheriff Chris Degase, investigators…
Read MoreFrom Happy Meals to Helping Hands
From left: McDonald’s General Manager Whitney Dildine, Mayor Kirk Pueppke and Sarah Thurber pose following the mayor’s proclamation recognizing Feb. 9 through Feb. 15 as Ronald McDonald House Week in Ava, supporting the Share a Heart campaign benefiting local families. Valentine’s campaign connects Ava families with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks …
Read MoreA Valentine That Keeps Growing | The Green Thumb Chronicles
String of hearts, winter windowsills, and lessons in loving without overwatering Delicate vines dotted with tiny, heart-shaped leaves trail and twist as they grow, making string of hearts just as charming spilling from a basket as it is trained into shape. It is a plant that seems content to follow gravity, until it does not.…
Read MoreCourt Orders Conditional Release in Felony Case
A Mountain Grove man charged with multiple felony offenses involving a minor has been released from custody under court-ordered supervision, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.. David R. Felch, 29, was arrested Dec. 6, 2025, on a Douglas County warrant charging him with statutory rape in the second degree, sodomy in the second degree,…
Read MoreMan Re-Arrested After Court Release
A Douglas County man was arrested Jan. 30, on a warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm, one day after being released from custody on his own recognizance in multiple felony cases, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri Case.net records. Sean Michael Mason, 39, of Ava, was taken into custody on a…
Read MoreA Heartfelt Thank You To Ava Fire Department
This Valentine’s season, the City of Ava is sending a heartfelt note of appreciation to a group that proves love for community is shown through service, sacrifice and standing watch when others sleep. City officials recently recognized the dedicated members of the Ava Volunteer Fire Department for their tireless efforts during last week’s severe winter…
Read MoreWalking Trail Project Advances
A portion of the newly completed walking trail at Ava’s Lower Park is shown following the completion of the project’s first phase. The trail is currently accessible from the Lower Park pavilion and is part of a larger plan to eventually connect the park with the Missouri Ozarks Community Health campus. Despite winter temperatures that…
Read MoreKeeping the West Alive: One Painting At A Time | Art with Heart
Western artist Katie ❤ West is pictured with the late Jon Locke, whose partnership and encouragement played a pivotal role in her life and work. The collage surrounding them reflects West’s artistic journey and deep ties to the Western film world, featuring her fine art portraits of John Wayne, Sam Elliott, Butch and Sundance, and…
Read MoreA Woman of Great Faith | True Grit: Why the West Still Matters
It is with great pleasure today that I share with you the friends I have known. When I was 5 years old watching Roy Rogers on TV, I told myself I wanted to be just like Roy, saving people and have a “Trigger” of my own. I have been very blessed to personally know Roy…
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