Category: News
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Big Show (down at the) Big Church!
The Big Show James River Christmas video footage by Johnny Rooster/CCT Dec. 2, 2023 By Johnny Rooster, Christian County Trumpet OZARK, MO — The Big Show. The Big Church. Hard to miss. Every Christmas season, the big JESUS sign in front of the big church on U.S. 65 and CC. Yes, it’s all about Jesus.… Read more
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Santa vs. The Turkey
The neighborhood was quiet. Middle of the day. Everyone at work. ‘Cept for the dogs. They waited to bark at delivery people from behind closed doors. Only the hum of the inflatables. You know the inflatables. Anyone who’s ever been to Target, Walmart, Costco, or Sam’s Club sees them looming in Christmas (or Halloween) display… Read more
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A Tale of Two Santas
In the quiet little town, a celebration was in the works. On a warm, sunny November day, the little town kicked off its first Christmas market in its recently acquired event center. The old building and the little town were full of hope for a new Christmas season. The mayor got in on it, bringing… Read more
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Why senior tax freeze is even necessary now
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, MO — Senate Bill 190 was passed on to Missouri counties to implement as they see fit. It’s intended to give senior citizens a tax freeze on the home they live in. Here’s why the senior tax freeze is even necessary now. Click here for more. First of all, a tax freeze doesn’t… Read more
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Issue that is now dividing Christian County!
LEFT TO RIGHT, Eastern Commissioner Bradley Jackson, Western Commissioner Hosea Bilyeu, Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris, and County Assessor Danny Gray discuss Senate Bill 190 which would allow a tax break for senior citizens. (CCT Photo/Johnny Rooster) OZARK, MO — “We have an issue, that no matter how we vote, that is gonna divide this county… Read more
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Now making memories “one smile at a time”
“Some folks simply do their job Others like to shine Like the ones who bring us joy One smile at a time.” — ©2023 Johnny Rooster As a photographer, I’ve always admired those who have that interest. As an entrepreneur, I’ve always admired those who can combine creativity with a business idea. And as a… Read more
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Senior Tax Freeze Heats Up County Now!
OZARK, MO — Senate Bill 190 is supposed to help senior citizens (aka people over a certain age) freeze real estate taxes on current home and land values. It’s a bill that says, “Hey, older homeowner, I see you ain’t gonna be workin’ no more. How ’bout them annual real estate taxes yer payin’ stay… Read more
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Sparta Persimmon Days expects record numbers this year!
Joey and Ragan Sartin with their son enjoy food and music at the event Friday afternoon. CT Photo Johnny Rooster Sparta, MO — A record number, 149 vendors, are participating in the 36th annual Persimmon Days Festival at Roller Park in Sparta this weekend, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21.… Read more
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Journalist now harassed by City of Sparta!
SPARTA, MO — A Christian County journalist now harassed by the City of Sparta is speaking out. Former Mayor Jenni Davis filed a complaint May 22 with Sparta Police, claiming that John Cockroft, (aka “Johnny Rooster”) the publisher of the Christian County Trumpet, harassed her 4 times. Judge Doug Bacon set a trial date for… Read more
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Budget now released by Christian County Library to CCT
RENEE BRUMETT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CC Library NIXA, MO — The Christian County Trumpet recently requested and received the itemized budget from the Christian County Library from the last two fiscal years. Additionally, the request for the number of full time and part time employees in the county were also provided. A special thank you to… Read more
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Crowded Library Board meeting alive with controversy now
NIXA, MO — Standing room only. Running out of all available seats. That’s become the new norm at Christian County Library Board of Trustees monthly meetings since a nine-month controversy over sexually explicit books sparked the July election of two conservatives to the 5-person board. For a background on the controversy, click here and here.… Read more
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Morris: Citizens should now decide how county libraries are run
By Johnny Rooster, opinion column NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are necessarily those of the publisher. OZARK, MO — Libraries should be run how the people in the community want it run, not how some library director wants. So says Christian County Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris. Sounds reasonable. But that ain’t… Read more
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New Library Board members selected by commission for first time!
Diana Breazeale (top) of Ozark and Echo Alexzander (bottom) of Highlandville were recently elected to the Christian County Library Board of Trustees. The board consists of five members, one from each library district: Ozark, Nixa, Clever, Highlandville and Sparta. Positions are two-year terms and are staggered. Ozark and Highlandville were up for election this year.… Read more
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Morris now speaks out on senior tax break bill
By Johnny Rooster, Christian County Trumpet Publisher OZARK, MO — Senate Bill 190 was signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson to eliminate Social Security income tax for the elderly. Sounds good. But now Missouri counties must decide if they also want to freeze property taxes for income eligible seniors as an extension of the… Read more
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New 9-1-1 service now approved for Christian County
OZARK, MO — Christian County Commissioners approved an $11.2 million-dollar 911 emergency communication system upgrade that will begin later this month. The project is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months. The decision was made at an Aug. 1 Commission meeting. Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris says he is “pretty proud” of the decision.… Read more
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New sidewalks, storm siren, picnic tables in Sparta
SPARTA, MO — New sidewalks along Vanilla Bean and 125 and the middle school are coming soon, according to Mayor Misty Holt. Also, the new storm siren is installed in Sparta. In the event of an actual tornado warning, Christian County Emergency Managment or the National Weather Service can activate it, Mayor Misty Holt told… Read more
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Neighbors pitch in after storm hits Sparta
SPARTA, MO— An estimated 1,500 area residents were out of power following a high winds thunderstorm that struck Sparta and the surrounding area overnight Sunday and early Monday. Mayor Misty Holt said she and her husband, Jeff, lost power around 11:30 p.m. By 3:30 a.m., the couple was awake and driving around town to inspect… Read more
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New Dollar Tree coming to Sparta!
SPARTA, MO — Dollar Tree (now owned by Family Dollar) is coming to Sparta. Mayor Misty Holt said the new building site is already being prepared on the north side of Missouri Highway 14 West just east of OCH. “Plans are for it to be open as soon as November,” Mayor Holt told the CCT. Read more
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Sparta grocery, convenience store, pharmacy now affected by a storm!
SPARTA, MO — Power outages, debris, damage and loss followed an overnight storm early July 31 that left thousands of Christian Countians and nearby Greene Countians without power. In Sparta, the grocery, convenience store and pharmacy were affected. For pictures of storm damage in Ozark, check here. For area storm news, check here. Manager Chris… Read more
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Storm now leaves area looking like a war zone!
Ozark, MO — A nighttime summer storm battered trees, downed power lines, and left Christian County looking like a war zone before daybreak July 31. Christian County Trumpet captured the following photos of the mayhem! Read more