“When Kids Feel Safe, They Bloom”: Local Efforts Aim to Raise Awareness During Child Abuse Prevention Month
Mayor Kirk Pueppke has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Ava. Accepting the proclamation on behalf of CHART is Norma Stillings, joined by representatives from Bikers Against Child Abuse, Ava R-1 Schools, the Ava Police Department, the Missouri Children’s Division, and the Douglas County Health Department. Community leaders emphasized the…
Read MoreAva Summer Baseball, Softball Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the Ava Summer Baseball and Softball program, offering youth in the community an opportunity to participate in summer athletics. The program is open to boys ages 3 through 12 and girls ages 3 through 13. The deadline to register is Friday, April 10. There will be no late registration week…
Read MoreDeputies respond to Squires incident; Drug, Firearm Charges Filed
A Squires man faces multiple felony charges following a March 27 incident involving a reported domestic disturbance, controlled substances, and firearms, according to a probable cause statement and court records. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 7 p.m. to a residence along South State Highway 5 in Squires after…
Read MoreLeadership Class Gives Back
Members of the Ava R-1 Leadership Class gather at the Ava Cemetery following a cleanup effort last week. Front row: Kyle Pitts, Thomas Ellison, Thomas Brown, Bella Ratzlaff-Hart, Kenley Fleetwood and Mae Henry. Back row: Abi Dalton, Ben Stewart, Tess Dobrovits and Briella Pueppke. Not pictured: Gunner Evans and Avery Barlow. Students in the Ava…
Read MoreBusy Weekend for ARFD Includes Grass, Vehicle and Wildland Fires Across County
The Ava Rural Fire Department responded to multiple incidents over the weekend, including grass fires, a vehicle fire and a large wildland fire, as crews worked extended hours across Douglas County and surrounding areas. According to a department update posted March 30, firefighters handled several calls between March 28 and March 29, with assistance from…
Read MoreDouglas County Sheriff’s Office named as a Missouri Blue Shield County
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026, according to a Friday, March 27 announcement. The designation, issued through the Missouri Department of Public Safety, recognizes communities and agencies that demonstrate a strong commitment to public safety, law enforcement support, and partnerships with residents. The Missouri Blue Shield…
Read MoreLocal Contract Ends for Ava Community Center; City Officials Plan Changes
The City of Ava made an announcement on Wednesday, March 25, stating that they will not be renewing the contract with a local organization involved with the Ava Community Center. The full announcement can be read below. To our valued residents, After careful consideration and extensive discussion, the Board of Aldermen has decided not…
Read MoreSt. Leo’s Church Hosts St. Patrick’s Day Dinner in Ava
The annual gathering celebrates a holiday steeped in history, legend and Irish tradition dating back more than 1,500 years. Each March 17, people across the United States celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with green clothing, Irish-themed meals and festive gatherings. But the history behind the holiday is far older and more surprising than many realize.…
Read MoreMan Arrested Hours After Release for Alleged Order Violation
Douglas County authorities arrested a Mansfield man last Tuesday after he allegedly violated a court‑ordered no‑contact order just hours after being released from jail. According to a probable cause statement filed by Sgt. Aaron Box, 45‑year‑old Jessie Dee Doherty went to a real estate office in Ava around 4 p.m. on March 3, where he…
Read MoreFundraiser launched to equip Douglas County deputies with night vision; thermal imaging
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is launching a series of raffles and fundraising efforts to raise money for night vision and thermal imaging equipment for deputies, technology Sheriff Chris Degase says has become increasingly critical during recent armed incidents in the region. Degase said the need for upgraded equipment became especially clear during a recent…
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