Ozark Current

The federal government shutdown is already being felt in the Ozarks. From furloughed workers to potential closures at Buffalo National River and Mark Twain National Forest, communities in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas face uncertainty. Tourism, farm programs, and even local budgets could all be affected if the shutdown drags on.

Government Shutdown: How are the Ozarks Affected? SPRINGFIELD, MO — The federal government entered a shutdown Tuesday after Congress failed to pass a funding bill for the new fiscal year, raising concerns across the Ozarks about pay delays and stalled services.

ARktoberfest returns to downtown Mountain Home this Saturday, Oct. 4 from 3–7 p.m. Enjoy craft beer, live music, games, and more — all to support Backpack Food 4 Kids.

ARktoberfest Returns to Mountain Home Oct. 4 — Beer, Games, and Giving Back MOUNTAIN HOME, AR — The downtown square will be buzzing Saturday, October 4, as ARktoberfest makes its annual return, bringing a mix of German-inspired fun, craft beer, and community spirit.

BREAKING: The University of Arkansas has fired head football coach Sam Pittman after a 2–3 start to the season. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino has been named interim head coach while a national search begins. Pittman’s contract buyout is expected to cost the school around $9.3 million.

Arkansas Fires Head Coach Sam Pittman After 2–3 Start Bobby Petrino Named Interim Leader as Razorbacks Begin National Search

From flooding in April to dry spells in July, 2025 has been a year of weather extremes. New data from NOAA and state climate offices show how rainfall is shaping the Ozarks’ lakes, farms, and communities — and what it means for tourism and daily life.

How Much Rain Did the Ozarks Really Get This Year? SPRINGFIELD, MO — From flooded fields in April to parched hillsides in July, residents across the Ozarks have been asking a simple question this year: just how much rain have we really gotten compared to the past?

The Harrison City Council will vote September 25 on certifying the city’s 2026 property tax millage rates, which are proposed to remain the same as last year—4.8 mills for the city, 1.0 mill for the Fireman’s Pension Fund, and 0.4 mill for the Police Pension Fund.

Harrison City Council to Consider 2026 Property Tax Millage Rates HARRISON, AR — Property tax rates in Harrison are expected to stay the same next year as the City Council prepares to vote on its annual millage resolution.

The Hodge Twins praised the city after Friday night’s vigil for Charlie Kirk at Hickory Park drew far more people than expected.

“Mountain Home, AR was expecting 600 for a Charlie Kirk vigil… over 2,000 patriots showed up. In a town of just 14,000, nearly 15% came out to honor a great husband, father, leader & friend. The love for Charlie is REAL,” they wrote on Facebook.

Local leaders, including State Rep. Jason Nazarenko, joined the crowd in prayer. The vigil was one of several held nationwide following Kirk’s death earlier this month.

Hodge Twins Praise Mountain Home Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk MOUNTAIN HOME, AR — National conservative commentators the Hodge Twins are praising Mountain Home after the town’s candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk drew far more people than expected.

Flock cameras are popping up across the Ozarks.

Springfield, Ozark, Nixa and Branson have all installed automated license plate readers that police say are helping catch stolen cars and wanted suspects. Supporters call them a game-changer for public safety. Critics warn it feels like “Big Brother” watching.

Flock Cameras Spread Across the Ozarks: Safety Tool or Big Brother? Springfield, Ozark, Nixa and Branson embrace automated license plate readers as communities debate safety vs. surveillance.

Missouri’s minimum wage is set to reach $15 an hour in 2026, following voter approval of Proposition A. Businesses across the Ozarks are weighing how to handle higher payroll costs, while workers say the change will finally provide some breathing room. Here’s how the increase is expected to impact both employers and employees statewide.

Missouri Businesses Brace for $15 Minimum Wage Hike by 2026 Businesses warn of higher costs, while workers and advocates see a long-awaited boost in pay and stability.

Missouri Senate approves new congressional map

Lawmakers passed the plan 21–11 on Sept. 12, sending it to Gov. Mike Kehoe. The map could shift Missouri’s U.S. House seats from 6–2 to 7–1 Republican if signed. Legal challenges and a possible referendum are expected.

Full story:

Missouri Senate Sends Congressional Map to Governor, Setting Stage for Political Shift JEFFERSON CITY, MO — After two weeks of debate, the Missouri Senate on Friday, Sept.

Ozarks Housing Market Update

New Redfin data shows the Ozarks housing market is cooling faster than the rest of Missouri and Arkansas.

Springfield: Prices down 4.7%

Branson: Prices down 7.2%

Harrison: Prices down 11%

Mountain Home: Prices down 4–5%

Homes are still selling — and in Springfield and Harrison, they’re moving faster than the national average — but buyers now have more leverage as bidding wars fade and prices slip.

Ozarks Housing Market Cools: Prices Down, Homes Taking Longer to Sell COVID-era demand drove prices up fast in the Ozarks — now those markets are correcting sooner than others.