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Wall That Heals Honors Ceremony Held Saturday

The bleachers were overflowing with spectators when the Wall That Heals Honors Ceremony began on Saturday with prayer and the National Anthem sung by Rachael Wendell.  Leon Combs of Bradleyville gave an introductory welcome to the crowd as he introduced Dr. Jerry Davis, president of College of the Ozarks.  Combs recognized Davis and C of…

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2018 Homecoming King and Queen Candidates

Ava R-I homecoming festivities which includes the parade and king and queen coronation ceremony, are on Friday, Sept. 28 when the varsity Ava Bears take on the Houston Tigers.  The candidates shown above are, from left to right, standing, Taylor George, Ashton Bewley and Becca Elliott, and seated, Waylin Moon, Caleb Johnson and Stephen Copeland. …

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Local Reflections on The Wall That Heals

In Memory of John Edward Ray June 17, 1932 – May 13, 1969 By Lee Ray It’s been so many years now Edd since you were taken away    From the ones who truly love you To this very day.    Betrayed by our own country, With no will to see the war through,   …

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Stillings Gear Up for Molasses Making

Tony and Linda Stillings have welcomed visitors to their annual Molasses Making festival for decades. Above Tony demonstrates how the old sorghum press from Lawrence, Kansas Iron Works presses the juice from the cane. The juice is then cooked down to make molasses. The festival is Saturday from 9-3 on the Stillings Farm, two miles…

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Herald Celebrates 133 Years in Publication

The Douglas County Herald is celebrating a birthday anniversary this week, because with this issue, the Herald rolls over into its 133rd year of publication.  To acknowledge this milestone, we are presenting a brief overview of the business history as well as paying tribute to individuals who have been instrumental in the success of our…

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Wall That Heals Arrives in Ava

The Wall That Heals arrived in Ava Tuesday with an escort comprised of 600 motorcyclists, law enforcement agencies, volunteer fire departments, emergency personnel, and car club members. The entourage was led by City of Ava Police Chief Reggie Johnson.  As the procession entered the City of Ava the visual impact of the processional paying tribute…

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Annual Fox Trotter World Show and Celebration Runs Sept. 2-8

Local horse enthusiasts may be interested in joining the trail rides, especially the Bud Hutchison Memorial Ride to be held on Monday, Sept. 3.  AVA, Mo. –– Hundreds of beautiful Missouri Fox Trotting Horses and thousands of their fans will arrive in Ava, Mo., from Sunday, September 2 through Saturday, September 8 for the 60th…

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Final Preparations Being Made for the Arrival of the The Wall That Heals

Bagpipes will play while the Governor is here. By Larry Morrison This is the final week before The Wall That Heals arrives in Ava.  The Douglas County Veterans Memorial Association members and volunteers have been extremely busy preparing for this event. The Douglas County Veterans Memorial Association (DCVMA) received notification last December they were selected…

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Fox Trotter Lady Antebellum Takes Top Honor

Lady Antebellum was named the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association Open 5 Year & Older World Grand Champion Sunday night at the 60th World Celebration and Show. The Fox Trotters were on display all week as the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association celebrated the 60th World Show and Celebration here in Ava.  …

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POW/MIA Recognition During September

Members of the VFW Russell T. Scott Post 5993 along with the Ladies Auxiliary were host to a Table Ceremony at Ava City Hall Thursday, Sept. 6.  The Table Ceremony is a symbolic observance honoring the military service of prisoners of war and those missing in action.  The ceremony recognizes their sacrifice by acknowledging they…

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