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Authorities 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 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 MoreTeen Harvest Ranch Brings Message of Hope
A candid moment during the Ava Chamber meeting as Bruce and Joy Duncan introduce themselves, while Teen Harvest Ranch founders Paul and Linda Neighbours listen in the background. The Ava Area Chamber of Commerce met on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 12 noon at the Ava Lion’s Club with Chamber President Judy Shields presiding. The…
Read MoreCity Council Addresses Needs, Honors Service
Mayor Kirk Pueppke (front) is shown with members of the Carl Neiman Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the G.L. Adrian Owen Post 5993 Ladies Auxiliary following a proclamation recognizing their efforts to identify and document 585 veterans’ graves throughout Ava Cemetery ahead of the Wreaths Across America event. From…
Read MoreDCCF Opens Spring 2026 Grant Applications
The Douglas County Community Foundation recently presented a grant check to Ava High School for its 3D Printer Project. The DCCF is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 community grant round. All applications are due by March 31, 2026. The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 community…
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