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Library Announces 2021 Summer Reading Program
Join us at the Douglas County Public Library as we present “Tails and Tales,” our 2021 summer reading program. Children from ages 3 to 12 can join us for storytime with take-home crafts and weekly prize drawings. Registration and face masks are required. Schedule: Ages 3 to 5 Mondays, 10:00 to 10:30 AM June 7,…
Read MoreSquires Firefighters Receive FEMA-Funded Training
by Doug Berger The Squires Volunteer Fire Department is currently conducting training sessions with Assistance for Firefighters grant funds received through FEMA. As part of the grant, the department also received funding for 10 self-contained breathing apparatus. “The grant was a huge thing for us, because those packs (breathing apparatus) are about $5,000 to $8,000…
Read More89 Seniors Graduate from Ava R-I
by Doug Berger The 2021 Ava High School commencement ceremonies were moved to the high school gymnasium Saturday evening due to inclement weather. The ceremonies were also presented on the screen at the Ava Performing Arts Center. Eighty-nine graduates received their diplomas during the ceremonies which featured presentations by the Ava High School band and…
Read MoreSquare Meal
Locals Graduate from MSU-WP
Associate of Arts in Child & Family Development Vanzant: Carolyn Riley Pool Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering Wasola: Dustin Wade Evans Holloway Associate of Science in Nursing Ava: Erica Rae Anne Reese Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling Dora: Shereen Pettit Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, Marketing & Sales Dora: Zoey E. Hambelton…
Read MoreAva Seniors Announce Post-HS Plans
Jadyn Smith (above left) was accepted to Missouri State University – West Plains where she plans to pursue a degree in Psychology. Jadyn’s plan is to one day do mental health counseling and become a private counselor while earning her LPC. Jadyn is the daughter of Garry and Pepper Smith. Devin Rowe (right) was accepted…
Read MoreEmersons Awarded Missouri Tree Farm of the Year
The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) recognized Marvin and David Emersons’ Douglas County Tree Farm with the 2020-2021 Missouri Tree Farmer of the Year Award. The American Tree Farm System is a program sponsored nationally by the American Forest Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting the sustainable management of forests through education and outreach to private…
Read MoreAmanda Morgan: DoCo Employee of the Month
Amanda Morgan is the Douglas County Sheltered Workshop (DOCO) Employee of the Month. DOCO says “ When Amanda first came to us, she was super shy and very introverted. She had difficulties with production as well as fitting in. Now, over two years later, she’s one of our most consistent performers. She’s formed relationships and…
Read MoreTornado Touches Down
Johnson Retires After Nearly 30 Years With Ava PD
by Doug Berger When Ava Police Chief Reggie Johnson retires from the department on May 31, he will have served 29.6 years with the department. Johnson started his service with the police department in January, 1992. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1998; Lieutenant, 2003; and Police Chief in 2010. “I was actually hired by…
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