Featured Story
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…
Read MoreCircuit 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.…
Read MoreAssociate 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…
Read MoreSafety 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…
Read MoreOzarks 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.…
Read MoreHeart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center to host 40th annual 4th of July Celebration
Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center will host its 40th annual Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, June 26, beginning at 6 p.m. at 2004 Crestview Drive in Ava. The annual event is known as one of the largest fireworks displays in Douglas County, drawing families from across the area for an evening of food,…
Read MoreLead 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.…
Read MorePublic input sought on data center moratorium
The Ava Board of Aldermen delayed final action Tuesday, June 9, on a proposed data center moratorium, giving residents another opportunity to comment before the ordinance returns to the board. The proposed data center moratorium is expected to come back before aldermen at the next regular meeting, set for Tuesday, June 23, at 5 p.m.…
Read MoreCheyney Auction Company Auction Set for Saturday, June 20
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…
Read More