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Douglas County

Service on Display

Herald launches spotlight series honoring local veterans featured on Military Tribute Banners As the Douglas County Herald begins a weekly series highlighting the stories behind the city’s Military Tribute Banners, Mayor Kirk Pueppke is a fitting place to begin. Pueppke has spent much of his life in service, first in the United States Navy, then…

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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…

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Circuit Law Day includes 62 cases, three felony guilty pleas

During Circuit Law Day on June 17, 2026, the Honorable Craig Carter sentenced the following defendants: Lauren A. Thatch, 31, Hartville, was sentenced to 3 years in prison for the class D felony of Possession of Controlled Substance.  The offense occurred in April of 2025 and was investigated by the Ava Police Department. David J.…

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Associate Court docket includes 40 criminal cases

During Judge Elizabeth Bock’s Associate Court docket on June 18, 2026, there were 40 criminal cases on the docket.  There were 4 felony cases, 32  misdemeanor cases and 4 infractions.    There were 6 misdemeanor and/or infraction guilty pleas entered and 6 failure to appear warrants were issued.    Four defendants were set for preliminary…

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Safety first as fireworks season begins

As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, safety officials are reminding residents that fireworks can bring excitement to summer gatherings, but they can also cause serious injuries, fires and property damage when handled carelessly. June is widely recognized as National Fireworks Safety Month, with safety reminders beginning ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Some…

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Ozarks communities plan Independence Day celebrations

Several area communities will mark Independence Day with fireworks, food, parades, games and family friendly activities beginning Friday, June 26, and continuing through Saturday, July 4. Friday, June 26 AVA, Mo. — Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center will host its 40th annual Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, June 26, beginning at 6 p.m.…

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Ava Board of Aldermen Agenda | June 23, 2026

CITY OF AVA, MISSOURI THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN AGENDA 404 S JEFFERSON ST AVA, MO 65608 June 23, 2026 5:00 PM I.       Call to Order: Mayor II.      Roll Call of aldermen: III.    Approve or Amend Agenda: IV.    Approval of Minutes: June 9, 2026 V.     Public address…

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Lead with Kindness: DOCO stacks up work, dignity, and kindess

At DOCO Inc. Sheltered Workshop located at 1306 Prince St. in Ava, work can look like building pallets, snapping Easter eggs, washing trays, destroying outdated beverages for recycling, printing shirts, folding towels, cleaning offices, shredding paper or serving ice cream. But to Executive Director Dawn Cox, the work is also something more. It is dignity.…

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Woman arrested after missed court date in drug case

Jennie Gardner, 46, was arrested June 3 on a Douglas County warrant for failure to appear in a possession of a controlled substance case. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Gardner failed to appear in court on April 1, 2026. The original case was investigated May 9, 2023, by Sgt. Box after methamphetamine was…

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