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Cindy Heath honored for 20 years on board at DOCO, Inc.
DOCO Sheltered Workshop honored Cindy Heath on Sunday, June 7, as she begins retirement after more than 20 years of dedicated service on DOCO’s board of directors. Heath served as board president and was recognized for her leadership, commitment and support of DOCO’s mission.
Read MoreAva Fine Arts Gallery & Guild Spring Show
Ava Fine Arts Gallery & Guild held their Spring Show from Wednesday, May 26, through Saturday, May 30. Pictured are the adult and youth winners from People’s Choice and President’s Pick categories. Pictured above is President’s Pick – Adult winner – Jim Davis with his bugling elk President’s Pick – Youth winner – The…
Read MoreLaverne Karen Farris | Ava, Missouri
Laverne Karen Farris, 79 years, 11 months, 11 days old, passed away on June 4, 2026, at Springfield Villa with her family by her side. Karen was born June 24, 1946 in Douglas County, Missouri to Clifton Dale and Lela Lynn (Shinpaugh) Davis. Karen attended Ava schools. After her education she met and married Jim…
Read MoreChristie Jean Lee Vauter | Ava, Missouri
Christie Vauter, 45 years, 5 months, and 23 days old, passed away on, June 6, 2026, at Hospice of the Ozarks in Mtn. Home, Arkansas. Christie was born December 14, 1980, in Wibaux, Montana to Michael Lee and Anna Lucille (Satterfield) Jones. Christie was a Christian. Christie and Jack Vauter were united in marriage on…
Read MoreSeymour woman remanded to custody in Douglas County case
Janice L. Blackledge, 65, of Seymour, was remanded to custody May 26 when she appeared in Douglas County court. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Blackledge tested positive for methamphetamine and ecstasy when she arrived at court. Blackledge was originally arrested Jan. 14 on a Douglas County grand jury indictment for possession of methamphetamine.…
Read MoreWoman arrested after multiple fires reported at ex-boyfriend’s residence
A Mountain Grove woman is being held without bond after police say she returned to an ex‑boyfriend’s residence early Sunday morning and set fires in both a vehicle and the home. According to a probable cause statement, officers first responded to the residence around 10:47 p.m. Saturday after the reporting party said Melissa Prestage was…
Read MoreAva woman indicted for failing to register as sex offender
Patricia Hurt, 28, of Ava, was arrested May 28 after a Douglas County grand jury indictment for failure to register as a sex offender. Hurt was arrested by Douglas County Deputy Shane Hardin. Bond was set at $1,500. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the indictment followed a joint investigation between the sheriff’s office…
Read MoreDomestic assault indictment leads to Republic man’s arrest
Adam Besson, 41, of Republic, was remanded to custody May 20 when he appeared in Douglas County court. Besson was indicted by a Douglas County grand jury Jan. 9 for third degree domestic assault. The original offense occurred in the Vanzant area of Douglas County. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Besson was gone…
Read MoreSpringfield man arrested on Douglas County child molestation indictment
Jared Allen Young, 34, of Springfield, was arrested May 27 on a Douglas County grand jury indictment for first degree child molestation. Bond was set at $150,000 cash only. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the case was investigated by Detective Nathan Long with assistance from the Child Advocacy Center of West Plains. Young…
Read MoreWright County Deputies Assisted in a Situation Caused by Alleged Influence of Psychedelic Mushrooms
From the Wright County Sheriff’s Department: Deputies responded to a report involving two floaters who became separated north of Burney Ford “Grease Rack” on the Gasconade River. The investigation revealed the two individuals had reportedly consumed psychedelic mushrooms while camping near the river. During the evening hours of Saturday, June 6, one male reportedly…
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