Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Franklin, AR

Franklin Favorite · Franklin, AR

County discusses long-term funding roadmap for future park projects

The Franklin-Simpson Parks Board presented the next stage of a development plan to the Simpson County Fiscal Court during its Nov. 3 meeting, prompting a discussion on transitioning from long-term planning to active development.At the center of the discussion was the Franklin-Simpson 2023 Master Parks Plan, a 30-year roadmap shaped by community input. While the parks board has already completed several smaller projects, including a dog park, pickleball courts, and a fitness court, county officials focused on how to begin tackling larger amenities, specifically a splash pad and a new community center.Parks Director Lisa Deavers emphasized that future development must anticipate long-term community growth, noting that Franklin-Simpson's local parks serve as a major source of quality of life and community pride. "We have a lot of amenities and they serve our community well," said Deavers.

Area Wide News · Salem, AR

Nearby: Salem, AR

NOEL “DICK” WAYBORN LEWIS

Nov 3, 2026 Noel “Dick” Wayborn Lewis, 89, of Warsaw, MO, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Gaines- ville, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, AR.

Baxter Bulletin · Viola, AR

Nearby: Viola, AR

Viola’s Richardson signs with Sarah Lawrence College

Viola’s Taylor Richardson signed Wednesday a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. Richardson, who is averaging 20.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game so far this season through five games, has been an all-conference performer every season since eighth grade and currently holds a 4.1 GPA. Richardson, a 5-11 senior guard/forward, was an all-state tournament pick last season, plus was named all-conference after totaling 11 double-doubles and averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in leading the Lady Longhorns to the Class 1A State semifinals. As a sophomore, Richardson was named all-conference, averaging a team-high 17.2 points, plus 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game for Viola. She also made 123 free throws. Richardson also is a two-time member of the Baxter Bulletin All-Area Team. Richardson chose Sarah Lawrence College after receiving 27 collegiate offers.

Baxter Bulletin · Mountain Home, AR

Nearby: Mountain Home, AR

Coulter Celebration of Lights returns Nov. 22

One of the Twin Lakes area’s favorite holiday traditions is returning as Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) and the City of Mountain Home prepare for another season of the Coulter Celebration of Lights. The festivities will officially begin Sunday, Nov. 22, with a special lighting ceremony from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to help welcome the holidays as the campus lights up for the first time this season. The highlight of the evening is set for 5:30 p.m., when ASUMH Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace, Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams, ASUMH Founding Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Ed and Lucretia Coulter and Santa Claus join together to flip the switch and illuminate the campus. Guests are encouraged to arrive early so they don’t miss the special moment. Following the lighting, families can enjoy a screening of the holiday favorite The Santa Clause, holiday snacks from Rooted Soul Bakes and opportunities for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Baxter Bulletin · Mountain Home, AR

Nearby: Mountain Home, AR

Mountain Home Council to revisit electrical code

The Mountain Home City Council will revisit a proposed ordinance updating the city’s electrical code during its Nov. 19 meeting after reading the proposal a second time earlier this month. The ordinance was initially introduced during the council’s Oct. 15 meeting and revisited Nov. 5. However, no action was taken to adopt the ordinance that night because not enough council members were present to suspend the rules and advance to a final reading. The proposed ordinance would adopt the 2026 National Electrical Code with Arkansas-specific amendments, replacing regulations established through ordinances adopted in 1997 and 2005. One of these contains what inspectors suggest might be a point of contention among new build homeowners. “One of the primary concerns among local contractors involves the installation of electrical receptacles in kitchen islands,” Mountain Home Building Inspector Clay Strain clarified at the meeting.

Mountain Echo · Mountain Home, AR

Nearby: Mountain Home, AR

Roberta Burks of Bull Shoals

Roberta “Robbie” Rae Burks, 57, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away on November 6, 2026, at Hospice of the Ozarks in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born on December 6, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Berel Ray Sparks and Frances Jane (Kimball) Sparks.

Mountain Echo · Mountain Home, AR

Nearby: Mountain Home, AR

Mary Wever of Flippin

Arrangements for 66-year-old Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wever, of Flippin, Arkansas, are pending at Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Mrs. Wever passed away on… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for access Sign Up Now Close

Baxter Bulletin · Mountain Home, AR

Nearby: Mountain Home, AR

Area pays tribute to the veterans and the nation on Veteran’s Day

The First Security Bank Veteran’s Plaza in downtown Mountain Home served as a timeless backdrop Wednesday to honor the community’s veterans and join the rest of the nation in recognizing and honoring the legacy, sacrifices and achievements of its servicemembers. Sponsored by the North Central Arkansas Veterans Council and hosted by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30, the ceremony brought together representatives of several military organizations, local officials and members of the community to recognize the sacrifices made by generations of American service members. Greg Hartman, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ozark Post 3246 commander, served as master of ceremonies, opening the observance with the introduction of Dr. George Wolford, DAV Chapter 30 senior vice commander, who delivered the invocation. “(The) Rev.

Baxter Bulletin · Mountain Home, AR

Nearby: Mountain Home, AR

City of Mountain Home to consider economical ordinance preservation transition

The Mountain Home City Council will transition to a more economical method of preserving municipal ordinances beginning Jan. 1, 2027, as the city’s traditional metal-bound ordinance books become increasingly expensive and difficult to maintain. City Clerk Scott Liles suggested the proposed change during the council’s Nov. 5, meeting, explaining the city is facing a hardship of acquiring supplies that consists of specialized archival paper and limited options for replacing the custom-made books. “The city’s existing ordinance books consist of large, metal-bound volumes containing legal-size archival paper,” Liles explained.

Area Wide News · Gassville, AR

Nearby: Gassville, AR

FRANCES MAY (KYNER) TALBURT

Oct 4, 1940 – Nov 12, 2026 Frances May (Kyner) Talburt, 86, of Henderson, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Frances was born on October 4, 1940, in Gassville, Arkansas to John Wylie and Reble Marie (Fout) Kyner. Frances was united in marriage to Junior Talburt on August 9th, 1957, in Wheeling, Arkansas. She worked side-by-side with her husband on their dairy farm in the Cumi area for 39 years. Frances was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, homemaker and grandmother who enjoyed gardening and reading in her spare time. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of her eye and gave her great joy. She loved to send cards and letters to friends and family for all occasions, and she never failed to send a handwritten thank you note for gifts and kindnesses that she received from others. She was an excellent cook and loved to prepare meals for her family and the community.

West Plains Daily Quill · West Plains, MO

Nearby: West Plains, MO

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by 9 a.m. Wednesdays to [email protected] with “CALENDAR” in the subject line. Three sentence maximum must include event description, date, time, location, cost and source for more information. Weekly events will be printed for no more than a month at a time unless renewed by the host. Call the Quill, 417-256-9191 with questions. Unless otherwise noted, events are in West Plains. ONGOING Through Dec. 1: The Willow Springs Arts Council invites crafters and creatives to pick up a wreath to decorate from the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs. Finished wreaths for the council’s fourth annual Wreath Decorating Contest must be returned to the building by Dec. 1. They will be sold during Grinch Fest as a fundraiser for the arts council. TODAY Nov.

West Plains Daily Quill · West Plains, MO

Nearby: West Plains, MO

Bradfute, Kerley state-bound

West Plains Zizzers varsity diver Chance Bradfute placed sixth at the Class 1 District 4 competition on Saturday at North Kansas City High School. The finish advances him to this weekend’s state championships, according to West Plains Head Coach Ryan Smith. In addition, Smith said Rhys Kerley was named a state qualifier in the 500 freestyle on Sunday and will also compete this weekend. The Class 1 state championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. Diving events begin at 9 a.m., followed by swimming events at 3 p.m.

West Plains Daily Quill · West Plains, MO

Nearby: West Plains, MO

Police identify victim in fatal Stewart Street shooting

The West Plains Police Department has identified 29-year-old Paul R. Maschmeyer as the man killed in an Oct. 30 shooting on Stewart Street. Police said Maschmeyer’s next of kin have been notified. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. The shooting occurred on the 1500 block of Stewart Street, where officers were initially dispatched following a report of a domestic disturbance, according to previous reports. While responding to the call, officers were alerted that a man involved in the disturbance had walked onto a neighboring property and confronted a resident. Police reported the neighbor discharged a firearm in self-defense during the confrontation. Upon arrival, responding officers found Maschmeyer with fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Howell County Coroner Tim Cherry.