The Graphic, 1877-2024: An Update
by Megan Wylie One year ago, we printed the headline and editorial titled “Johnson County Graphic: 1877-2024?” That same issue featured a provocative, confusing and arresting front page. A blank one. One without news. One without public information. One without any proclamation, pronouncement or celebration of the culture and fabric of our community. We also…
Read MoreLady Panthers Beat Ozark
SHOOTS—Clarksville sophomore Addison Williams shoots a basket in the Lady Panthers’ game against Waldron on Jan. 21. Williams scored five points for CHS against the Lady Bulldogs. –Photo courtesy Shelley Freeman The Clarksville Lady Panthers earned a win over Ozark but fell to Mena, Waldron and Dardanelle in recent conference action. Clarksville traveled to Ozark…
Read MoreOzark’s Superintendent Contract Extended 3 Years
BOARD MEMBER RECOGNITION—Ozark School Board members who were recognized Jan. 21, during the monthly Board meeting, included (from left) David Kendrick, Garrett Shepherd, Rick Cline, Todd Durning and Caren Nichols. Certificates were presented in honor of National School Board Recognition Month. by Vernon McDaniel Zane Vanderpool, who is in his second year as superintendent of…
Read MoreOzark Basketball Homecoming Royalty Named
Ozark High School homecoming court includes (from left) Lilly Powell, sophomore; Tori Ross, junior; Serenity Tucker, senior; Izzy Taff, senior; Jerrica White, senior; Zoella Yoakem, senior, Kadynce Williams, junior; and Sutida Ratnaransy, sophomore. The homecoming queen will be crowned in ceremonies slated for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, followed by the senior boys basketball game…
Read MoreLady Warriors Remain Unbeaten In Conference
The Lamar Lady Warriors earned wins last week over three opponents, Cossatot River, Charleston and Paris, to move to 6-0 in 3A-4 conference play. Cossatot River Lamar hosted the Cossatot River Lady Eagles on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and defeated the visitors 62-13. The Lady Warriors jumped out to a 25-5 lead in the opening quarter…
Read MoreAhrens Couple Named To AFMA Hall Of Fame
The late Herman and Kathy Ahrens were inducted into the Arkansas Fair Managers Association (AFMA) Hall of Fame at the 2025 AFMA Convention on Jan. 18. The Ahrens met at the county fair and were active members of the Johnson County Fair for over 40 years. The fair became a family affair as all three…
Read MoreClarksville-Johnson County Chamber Director Arrested: Embezzlement Charges Filed In Oklahoma
Nikki Smith, executive director of the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, was arrested on Thursday on an Oklahoma warrant for embezzlement. According to a statement from Brett Wood, Chamber Board president, Smith has been suspended without pay, pending the outcome of the charges. “Early this morning, it came to our attention that arrest warrants had…
Read MoreBond Set In Insurance Fraud Case
A $10,000 bond was set last week for Larenda Vick, who is charged with felony theft of property for fraudulent insurance claims she filed following a fire in 2023. A bond hearing was held before Circuit Judge Jay Patterson on Thursday, Jan. 16, with Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Phillips representing the state and Vick represented by…
Read MoreOzark Trash Transfer Station Seeks Rate Hike
by Vernon McDaniel CARDS, the trash service operating the transfer station in Ozark, told the City Council on Jan. 13 it needs to raise rates 100-300 percent because it is currently losing money on the operation. Council members protested the rate increase was too much, but later admitted rates should have gradually increased over the…
Read MoreState Commission Denies Sheriff’s Request To Decertify Former Deputies
The state commission that oversees the certification of law enforcement officers voted unanimously last week to deny requests by Johnson County Sheriff Tom Hughes to decertify three former deputies. Hughes had petitioned the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) to strip five former deputies of their certifications. At the Commission’s meeting Tuesday,…
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