Local News
During the March 10, Gainesville City Council meeting, a new housing ordinance was passed, replacing the city’s former one. The new ordinance requires homes within the Gainesville city limits to be at least 900 square feet on the main level, replacing the former language that stated the square...
The Gainesville Fire Department is hosting a “Handling LP Gas Emergencies” class from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 17-18, at Gainesville fire house building. The course is a state certified class that earns college credit. “LP gas is a potential hazard present in most communities and a complete understanding...
Current Eastern District Commissioner Jim Britt has signed up to run for presiding commissioner, a move that came when current Presiding Commissioner Terry Newton made the decision to let his term expire at the end of 2026.
Newton announced his decision early Monday morning.
“It is with deep...
A 58-year-old Mountain View, Missouri, man was transported to Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains March 13 after sustaining moderate injuries in a semi rollover crash on Highway 101, three miles south of Bakersfield.
The man was driving a 1998 Peterbuilt semi truck with a trailer load of road asphalt...
Times photo/Jenny Yarger Wes and Catie Wood brought their daughters along Friday for the closing of their purchase of Theodosia Marina Resort from the Cook family. From left: Catie and Wes Wood with their daughters Clara, left, and Cora. Middle: Buyer's agent Joey Peglar of Peglar Real Estate and seller's agent Debra Schilling Smith of West Plains United Country Missouri Ozarks Realty stand next to Bret and Melanie Cook, Nadine Cook, and LaTasha and Mitch Cook.
Another Ozark County landmark has changed owners.
On Friday, March 13, Nadine Cook and her family closed on the sale of Theodosia Marina Resort to Mountain Home, Arkansas, residents Wes and Catie Wood, marking the end of the Cook family's 74-year ownership of the business the late L. B. and Polly...
The April 7 General Municipal Election is approaching, and the Ozark County Times will publish a special local Ozark County voter’s guide in its April 1 edition to help residents learn what will be on their ballots before heading to the polls.
That edition will feature a detailed explanation of...
Exactly one month after the tiny town of Bakersfield held a benefit auction and chili supper for local resident Natasha Crites, who is battling cancer, the community gathered again to do the same for another beloved neighbor, Caulfield resident Kenneth Kuk Sr.
The benefit for Kuk was held March 7...
The Harlin House, a grand, three-story home that has stood for 114 years as a beloved Gainesville landmark, is about to begin its next chapter of “life.” On Feb. 20, Mike and Heather Gardner bought the old mansion from the Harlin family, represented by Chris Harlin, Century Bank of the Ozarks CEO...
When Hootin an Hollarin Committee Chairperson Paula Rose first saw a video of Hannah Harper’s audition for the ABC hit television show “American Idol,” her heart skipped a beat.
“How perfect would she be for Hootin an Hollarin?” she remembered thinking.
Clad in a handmade dress made of quilt...

The first congregation at Bridges Creek Baptist Church on Baptist Hill northwest of Bakersfield met in the Bridges Creek log schoolhouse beginning in 1874. The first frame structure was built in 1892 and burned in 1914. The current building, shown here, was built in 1916 using lumber that was planed from locally grown trees. It has had several improvements and additions since then.
Devoted Christians have been gathering to worship at Bridges Creek Church since a handful of early Ozark Countians organized a Missionary Baptist congregation there 152 years ago. All these years later, the little church on V Highway at Elijah, northwest of Bakersfield, continues each week to...







