A road grader finishes gravel work at the top of Buddy Long Hill on Highway 66 Oct. 9 as the construction project to add a passing lane nears completion. Frequent travelers between Mountain View and Newnata have contended with orange barrels and delays for several years for the two passing lane projects. From the Oct. 11, 2017 issue. ...

The showy white bloom of a Prickly Poppy attracts various insects. Found in a field along Younger Access Road, this plant is head-high and has thistle-like leaves and stems. See more June blooms in the June 21, 2017 issue. ...

A fire being investigated as arson damaged the building housing Stone Ground Natural Foods on Sylamore Avenue in the early hours Aug. 19. Business owner Janice Cavender said she received a phone call around 1:30 a.m. and learned that a friend had been passing by the business and stopped to pull the burning wooden glider swing away from the building, eliminating most of the fire danger. See more in the Aug. ...

Stone County Fair Catalogs are now available, outlining rules and regulations for the fair Sept. 5-10. Catalogs are inserted in the July 27 issue of the Leader, and are available at the Stone County Extension Service and other locations around Mountain View. ...