Local News Brought to You by News Team 7

• Ava Man Kevin Hansen Re-Arrested After January Drug Case March 7, 2026
  Kevin Hansen, 55, of Ava, was originally arrested in January after Douglas County deputies and Ava police served a narcotics search warrant at an apartment on East Grand Avenue, where methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were reportedly seized. Court records show Hansen was released on February 5, 2026, under court-ordered supervision. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office […]
  Quinn Ziliak
• Jason Smith Capitol Report March 7, 2026
  Under President Trump, America is Leading from a Position of Strength March 6, 2026   President Trump promised Missourians that his foreign policy would make America respected on the world stage again, rebuild our military, and act decisively to address threats confronting our nation — but also a foreign policy that would prevent us from […]
  James Hurtt
• State Releases February 2026 General Revenue Report March 7, 2026
  JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –State Budget Director Dan Haug announced today that net general revenue collections for February 2026 decreased 2.5 percent compared to those for February 2025, from $879.1 million last year to $856.9 million this year. Net general revenue collections for 2026 fiscal year-to-date increased 1.0 percent compared to February 2025, from $8.30 billion […]
  James Hurtt
• MSU-WP Career Fair Brings Together 35 Employers and Nearly 100 Job Seekers March 7, 2026
  West Plains, MO – The Missouri State University–West Plains Office of Career Services hosted a Career Fair Feb. 26 that connected community members with employers from across the region.  The event featured 35 employers representing industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, education, public service, banking, agriculture, criminal justice, technology and many more. Nearly 100 job seekers […]
  James Hurtt
• Enjoy Craft Drinks and Comedy This Weekend March 7, 2026
  West Plains, MO. – This afternoon, two events are planned to take place in West Plains in the Downtown area, featuring craft drinks and comedy. In this week’s update from the West Plains Arts Alliance and Explore West Plains, Terry Hampton tells us more: First, Brewfest will be taking place at the West Plains Civic Center, […]
  Daniel Williams
• Matthew Overcast Capitol Report March 7, 2026
  Greetings Friends of the 155th District! This was yet another busy, but productive week. I’m pleased to report that HB 1855 and HB 1641 were heard in the Rules Committee and have successfully advanced. Both bills are now expected to be scheduled for debate on the House floor in the coming weeks. HB 1855’s progress […]
  James Hurtt
• TINY HOMES PROJECT REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE AS FIRST SIX HOMES ARRIVE March 7, 2026
  After nine months of fundraising, organizers of the Christos House local Tiny Homes project say the effort has reached a major milestone. Six of the planned 14 homes were delivered over the past three days, marking the first visible step toward creating a safer, more stable environment for survivors of abuse and sexual violence. Project […]
  James Hurtt
• Governor Kehoe Announces Seven Gubernatorial Appointments March 7, 2026
  JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced seven gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions. T Mark Elliott, of Joplin, was reappointed to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors. Mr. Elliott currently serves as an agency sales manager at Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance in Webb City and has been a licensed […]
  James Hurtt
• A Second Man Arrested From Wednesday Nights Arrest in Douglas County March 6, 2026
  From Douglas County Sheriff’s Department: In connection with the March 4, 2026, Officer Involved Shooting on DD Highway, Matthias Penn, age 33 of Ava, was arrested at the active scene.   Penn had contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office while Law Enforcement was actively engaged in gunfire and a barricaded subject. Penn advised the Douglas […]
  James Hurtt
• Featured Pet of The Day- Meeny March 6, 2026
  FEATURED PET OF THE DAY- Meet Meeny! A 4 month old, Domestic-Long Hair & Tabby Mix, available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. Despite the name, Meeny is anything but mean. As a young kitty, he dreams of a lap to curl up on and plenty of playtime. While he has […]
  Dylan Groves