The Johnson County Graphic

06/19/2026

The Franklin County Quorum Court received good financial news during its June meeting as Treasurer Shelly Wilson announced the county has paid off the loan for its new EMS building ahead of schedule using a $302,000 solar rebate payment, saving taxpayers money in future interest costs.

Justices of the peace also discussed potential pay raises for certified sheriff's deputies, learned property reappraisal notices will be mailed in July, and formed a committee to review a tax abatement request from NextEra Energy.

Read the full story and more local news from across Franklin and Johnson counties in this week's edition of The Graphic.

Subscribe or support local journalism at www.thegraphic.org.

Franklin County Pays Off Building Loan Early By Editor | June 16, 2026 | 0 by Robbi Roberts Exciting news was announced by Treasurer Shelly Wilson at the Franklin County Quorum Court meeting Thursday, June 11, in Charleston. Wilson reported her office received a $302,000 check from the solar rebate,...

06/18/2026

The Johnson County Quorum Court marked the completion of two major projects funded through federal ARPA dollars: the renovation and expansion of the Johnson County District Court and the installation of new emergency communications towers serving the Oark and Hartman areas.

County officials also recognized Christian Life Center and Pastor Justin Ferguson for providing a temporary home for district court operations during construction, while emergency communications officials reported the new radio system is already being used by law enforcement and is nearing full operation.

Read the full story and more local news in this week's edition of The Graphic.

Subscribe or support local journalism at www.thegraphic.org.

JC Quorum Court Celebrates Completion Of Projects By Editor | June 16, 2026 | 0 PROTECTED CONTENT If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above. Username Password Lost your password? Username and Password Help Please enter your e...

06/17/2026

Among this week's local stories: The Lamar School Board approved the purchase of a new court projection system for the high school gym that will allow animated graphics, interactive displays and sponsor recognition to be projected directly onto the gym floor.

Board members also learned the district received a $27,000 grant to help fund a shot stop curtain at the trap field, approved the purchase of three lease-return buses, adopted policy updates and approved several personnel recommendations.

Read the full story and more in this week's online edition today. Print copies will be distributed Wednesday.

Lamar Board Approves Purchase Of Court Projection System By Editor | June 16, 2026 | 0 PROTECTED CONTENT If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above. Username Password Lost your password? Username and Password Help Please enter...

06/16/2026

This week’s sports feature story, “Bigger Than The Game,” by Janice Penix, highlights Westside standout Ayla Highfill and her journey through a multi-sport high school career defined less by statistics and awards and more by lasting relationships built along the way.

A talented athlete for the Lady Rebels in softball, basketball, golf and cheer, Highfill reflects on how years of competition helped shape a close circle of friends, strong family bonds and lifelong memories that extended far beyond the field and court.

Read the full story now online, and look for the print edition in Wednesday’s paper.

Bigger Than The Game; Westside’s Ayla Highfill Cherishes Friendships Forged Through Sports By Editor | June 16, 2026 | 0 PROTECTED CONTENT If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above. Username Password Lost your password? Use...

06/15/2026

🗓Public meetings scheduled this week in Johnson and Franklin Counties. Links to meeting livestreams are below, if available.

Monday, June 15-
-Ozark School Board, 5:30 p.m., Admin building
-Westside School Board, 6 p.m., Westside cafeteria
-Altus City Council, 6:30 p.m., City Hall
-Oark/Jasper School Board, 6:30 p.m., Jasper campus

Tuesday, June 16-
-Clarksville Housing Authority, noon, Foy Howard Community Center, 605 W. Lucas St.

Meetings are open to the public.

06/13/2026

After three years of reporting on the proposed data center project, one question remains: Does Clarksville have the answers residents deserve?

This week's editorial looks at the upcoming July 13 public information meeting and why a dedicated forum for questions and answers matters for a project that could shape the community for decades to come. Organizers say questions may be submitted via email at [email protected] or in person at the Johnson County Public Library.

🗳 While you're reading, take our online poll:

Do you think city officials and project representatives should participate in a dedicated public forum about the proposed data center?

Read the editorial and share your thoughts in the comments.

After Three Years Clarksville Deserves Real Answers By Editor | June 9, 2026 | 0 Three years ago, The Graphic started covering the proposed data center project in Clarksville. Since then, we have filed Freedom of Information Act requests, reviewed permit filings, attended public meetings, and report...

06/12/2026

Will Clarksville get a new RV park?

The Clarksville City Council approved rezoning approximately 14 acres near South Rogers Street for highway commercial use, clearing the way for a proposed RV park near the future shooting sports facility. However, aldermen tabled a special use permit request as they discussed concerns about occupancy limits and RV standards.

The meeting also included an announcement from local residents planning a public informational meeting about the proposed data center project. The meeting is scheduled for July 13 at the Walton Fine Arts Center. Organizers say questions may be submitted via email at [email protected] or in person at the Johnson County Public Library.

What questions would you like answered about the proposed data center?

And don't forget to take our online poll:

🗳 Do you think city officials and project representatives should participate in a dedicated public forum about the proposed data center?

Read the full story at the link below.

Council Approves Rezoning But Tables Special Permit For RV Park By Editor | June 9, 2026 | 0 PROTECTED CONTENT If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above. Username Password Lost your password? Username and Password Help Please...

06/11/2026

This week’s edition of The Graphic is online and available — and one of the featured stories takes a closer look at a student-athlete who left her mark on Clarksville sports.

🏐🥎 The Heart Behind The Hustle: Addison Phillips Leaves Lasting Impact At Clarksville

From becoming one of the most decorated athletes in Lady Panther history to earning all-state honors in both softball and volleyball, Addison Phillips built her success through talent, determination and countless hours of hard work. As she prepares to continue her softball career at Hendrix College, coaches and teammates reflect on the leadership, competitiveness and character that made her a difference-maker on and off the field.

Read her story and more in this week's edition of The Graphic or read online now.

The Heart Behind The Hustle; Addison Phillips Leaves Lasting Impact At Clarksville By Editor | June 9, 2026 | 0 PROTECTED CONTENT If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above. Username Password Lost your password? Username and P...

06/08/2026

🗓Public meetings scheduled this week in Johnson and Franklin Counties. Links to meeting livestreams below, if available.

Monday, June 8-
-Ozark City Council, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, Ozark City Hall
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/
-Clarksville City Council, 6 p.m., Clarksville City Hall
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/
-Hartman City Council, 6 p.m., Hartman City Hall

Tuesday, June 9-
-Coal Hill City Council, 6 p.m., Coal Hill City Hall
-Knoxville City Council, 6 p.m., Knoxville City Hall
-Lamar City Council, 6 p.m., Lamar City Hall

Wednesday, June 10
-Lamar School Board, 5 p.m., Lamar School District board room

Thursday, June 11-
-Johnson County Quorum Court, 5:30 p.m., Johnson County courthouse
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/
-Franklin County Quorum Court, 6 p.m., Charleston courthouse


Meetings are open to the public.

06/04/2026

🔧🏡 Looking for local services you can trust?

Whether you need home repairs, professional services, healthcare, automotive work, financial assistance, or other local expertise, our Service Directory connects you with businesses serving Johnson and Franklin counties.

Before you search online, check out the businesses that support your community and are ready to help with your next project or need.

Take a look through this week's Service Directory and keep these local contacts handy!