Jan. 28, 2026: TIMES PAST compiled by Sue Ann Jones

Ozark County News

Feb. 5, 1891

Lick Creek items – Mr. Reynolds of Big North Fork is teaching a writing school at the Campground. There will be eight more days of the school after today. 

They say Mr. Blythe is getting right pert and is trying to work. Some think he will finally get stout again. We are glad to hear of his success.

Ozark County Times

Jan. 26, 1906

The Gainesville and West Plains mail and stage line has changed hands again and is now conducted by E. A. Comer and Arno Carter. . . . The entire route is now in the hands of careful, efficient businessmen and we will no doubt have a good passenger and mail service from this time on. 

Sid Frazier of Marion township, who was tried in Squire Norris' court last week for disturbing religious worship, was convicted, and in default of payment of fine was sent to the county jail for thirty days. 

Another young man who was tried and convicted at the same time for the same offense paid for the [can't read] and went on his way. It is time something was done to put a stop to these disturbances at churches. 

We are informed by good authority that Squire Norris' court is almost equal to federal court, and when the boys "bump up" against that court, they will get what's comin’ to them. Stay after them, Abner, the people are with you. 

Jan. 24, 1946

All schools and individuals are asked to cooperate in the drive for clothing for the War Victims who are dying from lack of food and clothing in foreign countries

Bring your contribution to the Bank of Gainesville on or before January 29. There the clothing will be boxes and sent to the Shrine Mosque in Springfield for shipment to headquarters of the War Relief Organization in St. Louis. 

Jan. 26, 1956

The snowstorm that dipped into the Ozarks Monday relaxed its grip Wednesday after dumping between 6 to 8 inches of snow, with a moisture content of .45 inch. 

Concealing a glaze of ice, the snow stalled countless cars and trucks on county and state highways throughout the county. The Gainesville School dismissed at noon on Monday, as were most of Ozark county's schools. . . . Much happiness came with this snow as the moisture was badly needed, and the children had a chance to use their sleds. However, on Tuesday night, the children were overruled by the grown-ups and a bobsled as they took over the Harlin Hill. 

Jan. 2, 1996

Progress is being made once again on the new Ozark County Jail. After two postponements, the six modular jail cells finally arrived at the new jail site by semi trucks from Minden, La., on Thursday morning. 

The new cells are of pre-cast concrete and steel, weighed 46,000 pounds each and had to be lifted from the semi trucks by a 100-ton crane belonging to Professional Equipment Movers from Springfield. The six new jail cells cost a total of $289,000 in addition to the construction costs. . . . The new jail cells will be able to accommodate a total of 24 prisoners, four of which can be women. The original date set for completion of the new Ozark County Jail was May 18. . . . Construction costs alone for the new Jail are $735,191.