November 2023

Merlyn Johnson: District updates and thankfulness

November 21, 2023

The first half of the 2023-2024 school year is nearing an end. We have joined in celebrating many awesome student-centered accomplishments so far this year and are hopeful to continue more great things as we move into the Spring semester.

Lynn Hilburn: Connections to Bob Mitchell and accomplishments in the county

November 21, 2023

For the historical editorial for this month, I was going to write about why the original St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad spur line from Plymouth (Monett) to Fort Smith, Ark., didn’t go through the county seat of Barry County, or through Cassville. There’s got to be a story there, but I was not finding much information, so we will pursue this story at another time.

Bayless House silent auction supports 2024 seniors

November 21, 2023

Larry Hayworth, left, and Aaron Brooks played acoustic guitar on the porch of the Bayless/Salyer House in Cassville during the silent auction benefitting Project Graduation.

November 21, 2023

A Cassville police officer has been bestowed an Outstanding Service Award for his action on a call on Oct. 25.

Purdy Farm Center fertilizer plant lost in blaze

November 21, 2023

The Purdy Farm Center's fertilizer building was destroyed by a fire on Friday night, one that grew quickly and presented threats of explosions. Nick Mercer, Purdy fire chief, said crews received the call at about 5:30 p.m., arriving at the facility at 100 W.

‘LOVE and TEAM’

November 21, 2023

“LOVE and TEAM” is the motto for the Southwest High School girls basketball team this season, which is looking to find new success with only twothirds the number of players compared to last season. Destiny Jalbert, Southwest High School girls basketball coach, said building chemistry with the eight-girl roster is goal No.

Exeter aims to set new standard

November 21, 2023

Tigers bring experience into season with more favorable matchups It took until February for the Exeter boys basketball team to find its first win in a 4-21 campaign last year, and the Tigers hope experience over the last few years will translate to a more competitive squad in the gym this season. Tremayne Williams, Exeter boys basketball coach, said that’s the key goal this season — to be competitive night in and night out.

State Treasurer visits Cassville to promote MOBUCK$

November 21, 2023

Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek visited with local leaders on Nov. 14 at the Barry County Courthouse in Cassville, part of a tour of rural counties where he is promoting the MOBUCK$ low-interest loan program.

November 21, 2023

New cemetery hill nativity being constructed Last year was the first since 1983 there was not a nativity scene on cemetery hill in Cassville, and while an effort is being made to replace it, another 12 months is needed. Morgan Williams, Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce director, said volunteers at Cassville High School are helping construct a new nativity scene, but they did not have enough time to get it completed and installed this year.

Exeter trap wins conference awards

November 21, 2023

The Exeter trap team recently competed in its conference shoot, with two boys and two girls taking first and second. Jeremiah Reed placed first for the boys, and Star Xiong was first for the girls. In second place were Tristan Voyles for the boys and Lily Stephenson for the girls. Team members in picture include: Jeremiah Reed, Tristan Voyles, Lily Stephenson, Jacob Stevenson, Briley Hargus, Brexton Bowman, Coy Aldridge and Ava Aldridge. Not pictured: Star Xiong, Rain Xiong, Tanner Raney. The team’s coaches are Lee Tripp and Donnie Gautney.