Local News

Edited from story written by Ivie Macy, Ozarks First Ozarks Healthcare out of West Plains is working to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics at local businesses in south central Missouri. Businesses in six counties including Ozarks County with at least 40 employees are eligible to request a clinic. “Now having completed several mass vaccination events, we …

Ozark County Businesses Among Those Eligible for Mobile COVID Vaccine Clinics Read More »

by: Jacob Blount, Ozarks First Branson High School has featured master classes every spring for their seniors as part of their English curriculum. In a typical year, students would take field trips to local businesses to learn practical skills from professionals and write a short composition for classwork. Well, the masterclasses this spring have been …

Branson High School Expands Master Classes Read More »

From: KTLO Mark S. Belleville of Harrison was arrested the night of Friday, April 2, after allegedly shooting at a moving car and hitting a woman in the leg. Harrison Assistant Police Chief J.R. Cagle said a man and a woman, ages 64 and 63, respectively, told police they were driving on state Highway 7 …

Harrison Man Arrested for Shooting at Moving Car Read More »

by: Scott McCaulley Two rounds of Thunderstorms moved through the Lakes Region on Friday and while little damage has been reported, weather observers did note some extreme conditions. Fire Department personnel in Eureka Springs reports to the National Weather Service that a wind gust of 60 MPH was recorded when the first wave of thunderstorms …

Storms Roar Through Lakes Region Friday Read More »

From: Ozarks First/Nexstar A recent study has found that more people report side effects after receiving a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine than the Pfizer vaccine. Published Monday in the journal JAMA Insights, the study shines light on the many mild side effects of both vaccines — including headache, fever, chills and pain or swelling at …

Side Effects Reported More With Modurna Than Pfizer Vaccine Read More »

by: JonChristopher Collins Harrison Police Department Lieutenant Michael Toland said the usage of drones is increasing. They are used for search and rescue as well as surveillance. He also discussed upcoming events. “Our community donated money for us to get it [the new drone],” Toland said. On April 15 at 6 p.m. Toland said a …

Harrison Police Talk Drone Use, Other Programs Read More »

by: JonChristopher Collins The U.S. Coast Guard is implementing a new law passed by Congress on April 1, 2021; the new law is a regulation pertaining to boating, and according to uscgboating.org it requires “operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length” to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and the associated ECOS …

New Boating Law Implemented by Coast Guard Requires Engine Cut-Off Switch Read More »

by: Collin Lingo, Ozarks First The emergency mask order for the City of Nixa will end on the final day of April, according to an announcement made by the city’s Mayor, Brian Steele. The following is from a statement from Mayor Steele, sent to Ozarks First: I am now confident that by April 30, a …

Nixa Mask Ordinance to End April 30 Read More »

by: Scott McCaulley Updated information from the National Weather Service indicates an increased chance of Severe Weather in the Lakes Region today. Forecasters expect the thunderstorms to move through the region in two waves, the first being mid-afternoon with the second round in the early evening.  Large hail, damaging winds, and a possible tornado could …

Severe Weather Chances Increase Today Read More »

by: Scott McCaulley Arkansas Senator John Boozman visits Northern Arkansas Thursday to take part in “Eggs and Issues” Breakfast at North Arkansas College to hear about issues involving those in Agriculture. Boozman said one of the things that was brought up was the importance of Broadband Access and the importance of what he termed “Precision …

Boozman Continues to Push Importance of Broadband in Rural Areas Read More »