Derges stripped of humanitarian of the year honor

A former Branson area licensed assistant physician convicted of multiple federal crimes has been stripped of a humanitarian award.

Tricia Derges, who owned and operated Ozark Valley Medical Clinic in Branson, Springfield and Ozark, was convicted June 27, 2022 on 22 counts including 10 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of distributing drugs over the internet without a valid prescription, and two counts of making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent. 

Community Foundation of the Ozarks, who gave Derges the 2018 Humanitarian of the Year award, has rescinded the honor after a unanimous vote from the organization’s Board of Directors.

The full article can be read at bransontrilakesnews.com.