Local News
At its July 21 regular Gainesville City Council meeting, new hours were set for City Hall.
Mayor Gail Reich told the council that the city employees have been holding a meeting each mornings, and adjusting the opening time from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. would allow them to have their meeting uninterrupted...
Ozark County Sheriff Cass Martin informed those in attendance at the regular Monday morning Ozark County Commissioners’ meeting that the demo for the highly controversial Verkada cameras is now over, and he is waiting for the company to come take the cameras back.
This week, several Ozark County...
On each month’s two distribution days at the Ozark County Food Pantry, vehicles start lining up as much as five hours before the 9 a.m. start. The food pantry is currently serving about 400 Ozark County families each month.
The Ozark County Food Pantry needs help.
Twice a month, this beloved and greatly appreciated local organization distributes nutritious food to Ozark Countians in need of food assistance. Most of the food boxes given out on distribution days contain 30 or more pounds of nutritious groceries,...
Queen pageant 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 17 Open to Ozark County girls age 14-18
From little ones taking their first turn at the microphone to grown-ups hollaring like hillbillies, the Main stage at Hootin an Hollarin will be busy Sept. 17-19 with contests and activities for folks of all ages. The beloved festival celebrating Ozark County’s history and culture is held on the...
A new Gainesville city ordinance adopted Aug. 11 aims to keep vendors who have not paid the required fees for Hootin an Hollarin from setting up independently and reaping the benefits of the large crowds the festival brings to town without contributing to the festival, as all the other booths do. ...
At its Aug. 11 regular meeting, the Gainesville City Council again discussed a proposal brought forth by Mike Gardner asking the council to change a city ordinance that currently prohibits utility terrain vehicles (side by sides), golf carts and other similar vehicles from operating on city streets...
Crystal Hand
Gainesville has a familiar face behind the counter at the local post office, as Crystal Hand has officially taken over as postmaster, replacing longtime postmaster Jeff Elliott, who recently retired.
Hand, who grew up in Ozark County, said she is happy to be back serving the community where she...
Gainesville resident Mike Gardner set forth a proposal during the July Gainesville City Council meeting to change an ordinance that would allow the use of side by sides and UTVs on city streets. The council voted Aug. 11 to proceed with having the city attorney craft an ordinance with input from local law enforcement that the council will vote on at a later date.
At its Aug. 11 regular meeting, the Gainesville City Council again discussed a proposal brought forth by Mike Gardner asking the council to change a city ordinance that currently prohibits utility terrain vehicles (side by sides), golf carts and other similar vehicles from operating on city streets...
About 50 people attended Monday morning’s Ozark County commissioners meeting, cramming into the tiny meeting room (with many spilling out into the hallway) to voice concern and opposition against two license plate-reading cameras that were recently installed in Gainesville and Hardenville on a trial basis.
Last week, several county residents were at the Ozark County Commissioners meeting in favor of the controversial Verkada cameras installed by the sheriff’s department, but this week told a very different story. Around 50 people filled the upstairs meeting room, spilling out the door and down the...
Banners honoring Ozark County veterans who died in combat are being displayed on the Gainesville square in honor of America's 250 birthday. Those entering the square from the southwest corner are met with this banner honoring Audie Luna, who died in 1945 during World War II. The back of each banner expresses thanks to all Ozark County veterans and credits those who helped make the project possible.
By Janet Taber
Ozark County Historium volunteer
In honor of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, a plan was recently enacted to honor Ozark County veterans who gave their lives in service to this country. Thanks to the efforts of Bo Friese of Bargain Bin (who also is the caretaker of the...