Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Branson, MO

Branson Tri-Lakes News · Branson, MO

Branson Teacher Named 2026 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator

Branson Junior High SpecialServices teacher, Brad Bacon Courtesy of Branson School District A special education teacher with the Branson School District received an honor for his dedication to his students.Branson Junior High Special Service teacher, Brad Bacon, was recently named a 2026 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator by Branson area McDonald’s owners and operators, Andy and Jennifer Ruprecht.According to a press release from the Branson Public School District, Bacon was nominated by a student. Bacon has been a part of the Branson School District staff for over 16 years and has been teaching special education for the ;last decade.“I am so honored to be chosen as a 2026 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator,” said Bacon. “I have the privilege everyday to work with an amazing group of educators and students. To be able to make a difference in someone’s life is one of the greatest rewards of being a teacher. I’ve been part of Branson Schools for 16 years now.

Branson Tri-Lakes News · Branson, MO

Kimberling Area Library receives grant

A new project to get families reading, moving and exploring together at the Kimberling Area Library (KAL) received funding from a grant.The StoryWalk + Move Project at the KAL recently was given a grant from the Skaggs Foundation. The project aims to take reading outside of the library.“Kimberling Area Library Association is excited to announce that it has received a grant from the Skaggs Foundation to support its new StoryWalk +Move Project, an initiative designed to bring literacy and physical activity together for children and families,” stated the library in a press release. “StoryWalk +Move will take reading beyond the library walls, giving families an opportunity to enjoy a children’s story while moving along an outdoor route.

Marshfield Mail · Point Lookout, MO

Nearby: Point Lookout, MO

College of the Ozarks Honors Veterans with Special Tributes

College of the Ozarks honored Veterans and their families during a week of ceremonies Nov. 5–12, highlighted by the dedication of a new POW/MIA Memorial, a Veterans Day sunrise service and a tribute to Missouri service members killed during the Vietnam War. The observances at the Point Lookout campus brought together Veterans, students and community members to recognize military service and sacrifice. One of the week’s highlights came Nov. 5 with the dedication of the college’s new POW/MIA Memorial at Patriots Park. The memorial honored American prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. The ceremony included unveiling the memorial, lighting an eternal flame, placing a wreath, and playing “Taps.” A public reception followed at The Keeter Center. The following morning, the POW/MIA Network hosted a remembrance service at The Keeter Center, recognizing those who endured captivity and remembering the American service members who never returned home.

Harrison Daily Times · Harrison, AR

Nearby: Harrison, AR

Top Drawer gives back to Fire Dept.

Local furniture store Top Drawer Furniture made a special donation to the Harrison Fire Department. They donated a heap of food, provided by Hillbilly Slim’s. They also donated a photo showcasing different fire engines that have helped countless citizens throughout the years

Harrison Daily Times · Harrison, AR

Nearby: Harrison, AR

Harrison’s defense propels Goblins to playoffs

The Harrison Golden Goblins are in the playoffs and the team can thank its defense. Friday night’s game with Morrilton determined the last spot for the Class 5A State Football Playoffs from the conference. That spot went to Harrison after the Goblins defeated the Devil Dogs, 28-13. In the second half, the Goblin defense bent, but never broke as the team didn’t give up a second half point despite being put in short-field situations. Morrilton was on Harrison’s side of the field for most of the second half. The Devil Dogs received the opening kick and then gave it back to the Goblins with a fumble. The second Devil Dog drive of the second half resulted in a dropped fourth-down pass in the end zone. A Harrison interception allowed the Devil Dogs to start at the Goblin 40. Morrilton started another drive at the 41 of Harrison and then with 4:16 left in the game, thanks to a holding penalty, the Devil Dogs started on their side of the field close to the 45.

Harrison Daily Times · Berryville, AR

Nearby: Berryville, AR

Berryville opens season with win

VALLEY SPRINGS — While the two football teams from the schools are in the Class 4A State Football Playoffs, the basketball teams met on the hardwoods in Valley Springs. Batesville Southside and Berryville tangled with the Bobcats leaving with a 67-14 win. The Bobcats opened the game from downtown. Their first five shots made of the game were 3-pointers. Carson McMellon hit the first trey of the season for Berryville that was followed by one from Carson Compton. McMellon hit another long shot before Caden Ray closed the first period scoreboard with a 12-2 look in favor of Berryville. Hudson Norris started the second period with the fifth 3-pointer of the game for Berryville. McMellon and Braydon Bancroft each drained a trey, but Jachin Houghton hit six points in the middle of the frame and Compton knocked down three free throws to set the halftime score at 30-7. Berryville added four third period 3-pointers to its seven first half treys.

Harrison Daily Times · Berryville, AR

Nearby: Berryville, AR

Berryville earns playoffs after GF win

BERRYVILLE — It was only fitting that the Carroll County Super Bowl determined a playoff spot in the Class 4A State Football Playoffs. Friday night in Berryville, the Bobcats had a one-two punch on the offensive side of the football that led the team to a 48-23 win. The Tigers picked up 291 yards, but Berryville was able to gain 445 in the contest. Green Forest won the first down battle, 23-18. With the victory, the Bobcats move to a road playoff game on Friday night. For the first time in 20 years, the Bobcats will be in the playoffs. Unfortunately for the team, they are pitted to play the No. 1 team in Class 4A according to the Arkansas Sports Media Poll. Stuttgart is the top team in Class 4A. Stuttgart won the 4A-8 with a perfect, 7-0 record. The team is 10-0 on the season. Bobcats fans will part on the east side of the stadium on Crawford Drive. Entrance will be on the north side of the stadium.

The Nevada Independent · Springfield, MO

Nearby: Springfield, MO

OPINION: Nevada is a safe haven for trans people — until they need medical care

Despite its well-established reputation as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, Nevada tends to leave transgender people looking for medical care feeling duped. What seems like an oasis for gender-affirming care is really just a mirage of a better life. Silver State Equality State Director André Wade has described Nevada as "poised to welcome providers and seekers of gender-affirming care," but providers who are willing to offer services to trans people, especially youth, are few and far between. In 2023, Nevada passed SB163, mandating that certain medical insurance policies, including Medicaid, must cover gender-affirming care to treat gender dysphoria. Despite enacting these protections, many medical providers operating in the state remain afraid to offer services to trans people due to aggressive attacks from red-state attorneys general, federal scrutiny and the lack of shield laws protecting our healthcare professionals across Nevada. State Sen.

Cedar County Republican · Springfield, MO

Nearby: Springfield, MO

Nonprofit raises funds for safety bed for Stockton child

Founded in 2026 in Springfield, Missouri, A Bed for Izzy (ABFI) is a nonprofit organization that provides medically necessary safety beds for children and adults with developmental disabilities who cannot safely sleep in a traditional bed or crib. These beds can be life-changing for individuals who struggle with nighttime wandering, limited safety awareness, seizures or other challenges that make traditional sleeping arrangements unsafe. As an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit, ABFI raises funds through individual campaigns for each person it serves. Once a family is approved, the organization shares their story and works to raise the funds needed to purchase a safety bed suited to their specific needs. The beds cost between $10,000 and $20,000, and insurance companies deny the vast majority of requests. The organization is currently conducting a fundraising campaign for Wyatt, an 11-year-old boy from Stockton.

Baxter Bulletin · Bull Shoals, AR

Nearby: Bull Shoals, AR

Bull Shoals Council looks to leasing police vehicles

BULL SHOALS — The City Council is looking into leasing new police vehicles Mayor Travis Fancher explained at Tuesday’s monthly workshop. “We’ve spent $30,000 this year on police vehicles that were purchased used, and we are paying hand over fist,” he explained. The police department currently has one vehicle inoperable because of unavailability of one part so it can be repaired. Fancher said he has been in contact with Enterprise and has received some price quotes, which he asked the council to study. His idea is to trade in or sell the current Dodge Charger, Ford Escape and civilian Ford Explorer for two new trucks — Ford-150 and Ford-250 — on lease-purchase plans. The city would retain the current Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer SUVs. Fancher added it would cost the city about $20,000 per vehicle to outfit the trucks with radios, lights, cages, etc.

Baxter Bulletin · Bull Shoals, AR

Nearby: Bull Shoals, AR

Local Briefs

Information about area meetings and events has been submitted as follows: Bull Shoals issues boil order BULL SHOALS — Due to a broken water main feeding the city’s water tower, the entire water distribution system has been affected. As a precautionary measure, all residents and businesses within the City of Bull Shoals should boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before use. This boil order will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms that the water system is safe for normal use. Residents will be notified as soon as the boil order is lifted. USACE announced road closure over Bull Shoals Dam The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a temporary, full-road closure of State Highway 178 across Bull Shoals Dam from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Wednesday, Nov. 18 and Thursday, Nov. 19, to remove two bulkheads and test equipment.