A Nation at 250: How America Was Founded and How It Grew

This Saturday, July 4, the United States turns 250 years old. The date marks a quarter of a millennium since the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The anniversary is often called the Semiquincentennial. The story it celebrates began long before that summer. It runs from a tax revolt to a global…

ByChris FultonJuly 3, 20260Comments

Business Events Government News

Observer closed today for Independence Day Weekend

The Mountain Home Observer is closed today, Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The Fourth of July falls on Saturday this year, and the newsroom is pausing for the holiday weekend. Regular coverage will return next week. This year's holiday carries added weight. Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.…

ByChris FultonJuly 3, 20260Comments

Crime Events Government News

Arkansas backs ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ for July 4

Arkansas law enforcement is joining a national push to stop drunk driving over the Fourth of July, one of the deadliest stretches of the year on the nation's roads. The effort, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration alongside state and local police, carries a blunt message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. "We…

ByChris FultonJuly 1, 20260Comments

Education Events Government News

Mountain Home NJROTC cadets need $56,000 to march in nation’s 250th birthday parade

The Mountain Home High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps unit has been selected to march in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., on July 4, part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Now they have to figure out how to get there. The…

ByChris FultonFebruary 27, 20260Comments

Education Events Government News

Mountain Home NJROTC cadets invited to march in nation’s 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C.

Mountain Home High School's NJROTC program has been invited to represent Arkansas in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., on July 4, marching down historic Constitution Avenue as part of the nation's 250th birthday celebration. The invitation, extended Dec. 1 by the National Independence Day Parade organization in partnership with the U.S. Department…

ByChris FultonFebruary 26, 20260Comments

Business Column Events Government News

Wishing readers a wonderful Independence Day!

The Mountain Home Observer will not publish Friday, July 4, or Monday, July 7, in observance of Independence Day. Regular publication will resume on Tuesday, July 8. The Observer staff wishes all readers a safe and happy Fourth of July as we celebrate the 249th anniversary of American independence. The Fourth of July commemorates the…

ByChris FultonJuly 3, 20250Comments

Events Government News Outdoors People

Area communities plan Independence Day Celebrations

Several Twin Lakes area communities have scheduled Independence Day festivities this week, offering residents multiple options to celebrate the holiday. Lake Norfork will host its annual fireworks show Thursday, beginning at dark. The Flippin Fireworks Festival opens at 3 p.m. Thursday and runs through the evening. Mountain Home businesses are marking the holiday with special…

ByChris FultonJuly 3, 20250Comments

Events Government News

Baxter County Sheriff issues reminder on fireworks laws for Fourth of July

As the Fourth of July approaches, Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery is reminding residents to adhere to Arkansas's fireworks laws. According to Arkansas Code 20-22-711, the sale and use of fireworks at retail within the state is permitted only from June 20th through July 10th and from December 10th through January 5th each year. The…

ByChris FultonJuly 3, 20240Comments

Events Media News

No Edition: Observer to close for Independence Day Holiday

The Mountain Home Observer will be closed on July 4th and 5th in observance of Independence Day. We will return to our office on July 8. During this time, the website will continue to be updated with any breaking news or urgent information that may arise. We appreciate readers' understanding and support as we…

ByChris FultonJuly 3, 20240Comments

Crime Government News Outdoors

Sheriff Montgomery urges residents to check the law before setting off fireworks this year

Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery is reminding residents to follow Arkansas's fireworks laws as the Fourth of July approaches. According to Arkansas Code 20-22-711, fireworks may only be sold at retail and used within the State of Arkansas from June 20th through July 10th and from December 10th through January 5th each year. The…

ByChris FultonJune 11, 20240Comments