July 2024

Multiple factors affect visitors, revenue at RRSP

Ozarks Region Deputy Director Carl Bonnell says he doesn’t put too much stock in visitor counts at individual Missouri state parks, perhaps because the revenue generated within parks represents the smaller fraction (25%) of the total revenue upon which the parks system budgets. The remaining 75% of operating and developmental expenses are covered by the constitutional, 1/10-cent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax, first approved by Missouri voters in 1984, and reapproved multiple times since then.
Read MoreMultiple factors affect visitors, revenue at RRSP

Kyle Troutman: Cassville’s new mural — a visual speed bump

KYLE TROUTMAN Last summer, while retrieving my daily mug of coffee, I watched the mural on the side of Sunshine Coffeehouse go from sketch to completion, thinking in my head every morning — how can we get on the mural project list? That prospect was not even on my mind this spring when Morgan Williams, Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce director, asked us if we would like to donate the west side of our building for a mural. As I have told anyone who’s asked me about it, we could not say yes fast enough.
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Randy Kalbaugh: Sheriff Questionnaire 3 (Administration)

It does not matter if the budget is $400 or 4 million. You figure what is needed and where it is needed and that is where the money gets spent. I do not plan on wasting the county’s money. I intend to be surrounded by knowledgeable staff who already have a lot of money management experience. Most work at Barry County Sheriff’s Office already. Being fiscally responsible is something I take very seriously.
Read MoreRandy Kalbaugh: Sheriff Questionnaire 3 (Administration)

Savage succeeds Coach V at Cassville

A Barry County native who returned to the area recently is taking over the Cassville softball program this fall, succeeding Coach Lori Videmschek and inheriting a Lady Wildcats team fresh off its first ever district championship. Jordan Savage, a 2012 Southwest graduate, attended and played baseball at Mineral Area Community College and Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.), then student-taught at Purdy under Eagles Baseball Coach Joshua Hughes.
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Through the Years, July 3

40 YEARS AGO: THEY’RE OFF AND RUNNING---There were obviously some crash landings in this group of older persons participating in a sack race at the Cassville July 4 observance. Divisions of all ages competed for silverdollar prizes offered by the American Legion. Crowds made their pick of contestants and cheered the choice in each event. Lige Frost was master of ceremonies for the event.
Read MoreThrough the Years, July 3