Area News
Ava Rural Fire reports busy stretch of calls, training
Photo/archives of the Douglas County Herald: Ava Rural Fire Department responds to a scene in February 2026. The Ava Rural Fire Department reported a busy stretch of calls and training over the past few weeks, including four motor vehicle accidents since April 22 and two reports of unknown fires that were later determined to be…
Read MoreSpring Fest to Aid Options Pregnancy Center Growth
As demand for services continues to grow, Options Pregnancy Center is preparing for its annual Spring Fest fundraiser, an event organizers say plays a key role in sustaining and expanding support for families across Douglas County and the surrounding area. This year’s Spring Fest is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. at Ava…
Read MoreAssault, Drug Probe Leads to Mansfield Arrest
A domestic assault investigation in Wright County led to the arrest of a Mansfield man and the discovery of suspected illegal drugs, according to authorities. Deputies with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office responded March 18 to a reported domestic assault north of Mansfield. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a female victim who displayed visible…
Read MoreScarlett Mania brings wrestling, community together
What started as a phone call has grown into something much bigger than a night of professional wrestling. On April 18, New Breed Wrestling will bring “Scarlett Mania” to Ava High School, a fundraising event organized to support Scarlett Hall and her family as she continues her recovery following a serious accident. For organizer Gary…
Read MoreShe Didn’t Plan to Show a Bull, Then Came “King”
Eden Uhing, Ava, right, won the Open and Junior Show Bull of the Year award with MSF Ing Pin 3056. She is pictured accepting her award at the 2026 Missouri Angus Association Annual Banquet, Feb. 21 in Columbia, Mo. Pictured presenting the award is Roger Behlmann, Missouri Angus Association president, left. Photo by Lauren Brown.…
Read MoreCommunity members discuss future of Ava Senior Center at Town Hall
Community members gathered for a town hall meeting in Ava to discuss the future of the senior center as the facility’s lease agreement approaches its June 30 expiration date. Community members gathered for a town hall meeting to discuss the future of the Ava Senior Center as the facility’s lease agreement approaches its June 30…
Read MoreBaker Creek Spring Flower Festival Set
Photo by Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. / rareseeds.com Visitors gather for the Spring Flower Festival at Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company in this 2024 file photo. The annual event draws crowds for live music, vendors, garden tours and family-friendly activities in Mansfield. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company will welcome visitors from across the region…
Read MoreWright County Traffic Stop Reveals Methamphetamine and a Firearm
Seymour man is facing multiple felony charges after a midnight traffic stop in Mountain Grove led to the discovery of methamphetamine and a firearm. According to a probable cause statement filed in Wright County, Master Patrolman Brandon Meacham stopped a vehicle just after midnight on March 26 for having no license‑plate lights. The driver, identified…
Read MoreCabool Man Charged with Stealing a Motor Vehicle
A Cabool man is facing a felony charge after deputies say he stole a maroon GMC pickup from a residence on March 26. According to a probable cause statement filed by the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle’s owner reported his truck and the keys missing from inside his home around 10 a.m. The owner…
Read MoreAva Summer Baseball, Softball Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the Ava Summer Baseball and Softball program, offering youth in the community an opportunity to participate in summer athletics. The program is open to boys ages 3 through 12 and girls ages 3 through 13. The deadline to register is Friday, April 10. There will be no late registration week…
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