ShenanigansFest aims to bring local and national talent to the rolling hills of Ozark County this fall and, depending on its success, in the years to come and at expanded venues. The Oct. 14 festival is an all-ages daylong event with camping, food trucks, a beer tent and children's activities. more

Thunderstorm winds overturned a camper on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the death of a person staying at Cloud 9 Ranch Club in Ozark County, according to a local storm report provided to the National Weather Service office in Springfield. more

Missouri 911 in Wright, Howell and Ozark counties has launched a tri-countywide geographic information system remediation project to update the 911 mapping to improve emergency services across the counties and the state of Missouri, officials announce. The project is funded by grants using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. more

The 63rd annual Hootin an Hollarin Festival will be held Thursday through Sept. 21 on the square in Gainesville.  more

Dakota R. Driskell, 19, West Plains, was the victim of a fatal crash that injured another West Plains teen at 1:42 a.m. Tuesday on KK Highway in Ozark County, 6 miles west of Pottersville, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

Dakota R. Driskell, 19, West Plains, was the victim of a fatal crash that injured another West Plains teen at 1:42 a.m. Tuesday on KK Highway in Ozark County, 6 miles west of Pottersville, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

A woman from Mtn. Home, Ark., drowned Saturday afternoon near Dawt Mill in Ozark County, reports the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

Two area women have been charged with child endangerment after separate vehicle crashes that put child passengers at risk of injury. In one case the suspect reportedly crashed her vehicle as she was being pursued by law enforcement. more

Republican State Rep. Travis Smith of Twin Bridges, 155th House District, has received the exclusive backing of the Missouri Fire Fighters Association in in his bid for 33rd State Senate, his campaign announced. more

An Ozark County woman first charged with second-degree domestic assault and leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in injury is now charged with murder after the person she allegedly hit with her vehicle died as the result of his injuries. more

Holly P. Cooke, 31, Norwood, suffered fatal injuries when her vehicle struck a cow at 9:58 p.m. Monday on Highway 5, 6.5 miles northwest of Gainesville in Ozark County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

Editor’s note: The following article describes multiple cases of alleged sexual abuse of children spanning decades. While care has been taken to report on these charges with sensitivity to survivors and readers, it may still be disturbing to read. See something, say something: If you suspect a child is being abused, call the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline, 800-392-3738. If you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, or if you’re a survivor of the same needing support, call Christos House’s hotline, 800-611-5853.
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The National Weather Service offices in Springfield and Little Rock, Ark., have confirmed seven tornadoes touched down Sunday in Howell and surrounding counties, including Baxter County, Ark. Of those, two registered damage associated with EF3-strength wind speeds of between 136-165 mph, NWS survey team reports show. more

Quincy L. Collins, 28, Dora, has added five felony charges to a list of multiple felonies already filed in Howell County, many related to domestic assault. more

A Pottersville man drowned after his vehicle was swept off of the Warren Bridge in flood waters, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

Two men have been charged in incidents that reportedly happened at almost the same time over the weekend at local businesses, each involving threats with a firearm. more

David R. Stecklein, 68, Theodosia, has been charged after allegedly stealing a neighbor's pet chicken, killing it and hanging it from a tree in his front yard. more

A narcotics search warrant served March 26 at a room at the Baymont Inn in West Plains has resulted in felony drug charges filed against four area residents. more