by Stephanie Baker As Johnson County sees an increase in winter temperatures and precipitation, it is important to take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe in these extreme conditions. “Be sure to check on folks who may be struggling to stay warm, especially in the event of a power outage,” says Deputy Director…

UofO News Bureau University of the Ozarks has been awarded a $700,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., to help fund the university’s new $10.75 million Wilson Athletic Complex. In order to receive the challenge grant funds, the university must raise an additional $3,278,329 by Oct. 10. The university…

by Janice Penix A proposal from Mayor David Rieder to purchase a lift for the city’s mountain bike trails at Lake Ludwig was tabled Monday after Clarksville City Council members expressed concerns over the number of incomplete projects. Rieder told aldermen the lift was similar to a ski lift and would transport bikers from the…

Lamar third grade gifted and talented students recently visited the state Capitol building. The students toured the Capitol and the treasury vault and learned about state government. Attending the tour were (front row, from left) Aubrey Dutton, Lakyn Burkett, Callie Miranda, Brynn Kenner, Lily Milligan, Jalyn Rhine, Willa Ashlock; (back row) Weston Ritchie, Tyler Ratliff,…

by Stephanie Baker Just blocks away from downtown Clarksville stands a castle, the Bunch-Walton Post No. 22 American Legion Hut. Built in 1934 by World War I veterans, it serves as the home of the American Legion, an organization founded by veterans to help other veterans return to civilian life. As Post Commander, Kevin Loeffler…

The Board of Directors of Arkansas Imagination Library voted unanimously to honor Eddie Lee Herndon as a Founding Emeritus Board member. Herndon was instrumental in creating Arkansas Imagination Library in 2017 and served two consecutive terms as a founding board member for the nonprofit organization. Dr. Charlotte Parham, executive director, stated, “We are grateful to…

The city of Clarksville celebrated the completion of one of its largest parks and recreation investments on Dec. 16 as the Red Lick MTB mountain bike trail system near Lake Ludwig was officially opened by Mayor David Rieder.   The trails were funded through the Vision 21 bond initiative approved by voters in 2021. The…

Arkansas State Police Senior Corporal David Smothers of Johnson County and Special Agent Matt Foster of Pope County were honored as the 2023 Arkansas Law Enforcement Officers of the Year at a luncheon hosted by Attorney General Tim Griffin on Dec. 12. “The Officer of the Year Awards honor the bravery, service and unwavering commitment…

An inflatable gingerbread man greets two children during the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office’s Christmas event for area families on Saturday, Dec. 9. Over 60 volunteers from the JCSO, along with their families and other first responders, were ready for more than 400 children who eagerly waited in approximately 160 cars. Cpl. Nancy Patton and her…

by Stephanie Baker Johnson County Public Library Branch Manager Jimmy Ritchie shares his love of learning with the community both inside and outside of the library. “I’m an avid reader. It’s a passion of mine, with information seeking and helping others,” said Ritchie. Ritchie graduated from Clarksville High School in 2009 and then attended Arkansas…