Claudette Riley

1 week ago | news-leader.com | Claudette Riley

Heavy rainfall over Memorial Day weekend caused significant flooding in southwest Missouri, particularly along the Finley River. The Springfield-Branson National Airport recorded 6.67 inches of rain in May, exceeding average rainfall for this period. The Ozark Career Center experienced minor flooding but avoided substantial structural damage. With the rain subsiding and floodwaters receding, crews in Christian County are assessing the extent of damage along the Finley River.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Claudette Riley

With the rain subsiding and floodwaters receding, crews in Christian County are assessing the extent of damage along the Finley River. Higher than average amounts of rain fell in southwest Missouri over the Memorial Day weekend, which caused rivers to overflow and soak nearby parks, roads, and businesses. The National Weather Service in Springfield reported 6.67 inches of rain fell at the Springfield-Branson National Airport in May, including 5.13 inches over the four-day weekend.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Claudette Riley

Sequiota Elementary Principal Abby Hathcock's parents were first-graders at the school the year that building opened in 1964. Hathcock and her sister attended the elementary while growing up in the Galloway area, where they lived near their grandparents. Her oldest daughter just completed kindergarten at Sequiota. Sequiota Elementary recently celebrated its 60th year of teaching and learning with special events including students forming a "60" for a commemorative photo.

2 weeks ago | news-leader.com | Claudette Riley

Sparta Superintendent Landon Gray will become Ozark's executive director of finance and business services. Ozark Middle School Principal Eric Russell will be Sparta's next superintendent. Jared Lotz, assistant principal of Ozark Middle School, has been promoted to principal. The Sparta and Ozark school district have swapped leaders going into the 2025-26 year. Ozark recently hired Sparta Superintendent Landon Gray as its next executive director of finance and business services.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Claudette Riley

Top fiddle players from across Missouri and neighboring states will compete for hefty cash prizes and bragging rights Saturday, May 24 at the inaugural Lee Stoneking Memorial Fiddle Contest in Clinton. The one-day event at the start of Memorial Day weekend is free and open to the public. It is expected to attract hundreds of spectators from throughout central and southwest Missouri and beyond.