50 years ago

Aug. 21, 1974

— COWHERD WINS 4TH CATTLE AWARD

For the fourth straight year, the best FFA holstein cow shown at the Missouri State Fair belongs to Charles Cowherd of Cassville. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Cowherd, and a CHS graduate, won the coveted honor during showings Friday.

— CASCO MEETS TO SOLVE INCREASED AIRPORT COSTS

Cassville’s new airport project has hit a snag. Inflation, too low initial estimates and a year’s delay has increased anticipated costs from the original $200,000 to a present-day figure of $360,000. The city council got this news Monday night during a rescheduled session from George Ulmer, Miller-Newell and Associates engineering firm which is coordinating the project. Immediate reaction of the city government was that no additional municipal funds could be used on the project. The council has obligated $25,000 for the program. As an alternate to providing local funds that would still make the project avail-able, CASCO, Inc., a corporation of local businessmen who purchased the original 12 acres of the site, will meet Monday at 7 a.m. at Dell’s Cafe. Should CASCO decide to provide the land, at no cost to the city, an in-kind use of the land would make the city’s contribution to the project a total of $45,000. Max Fields, CASCO president and councilman Marlee Edie, who is secretary-treasurer, called the meeting following the council meeting. As required by corporation by-laws, notices are being sent to all individual stock-holders. An important factor in the cost increase is a figure of $29,000 for power line moving. In original estimates this figure was $7,500. The high voltage line operated by KAMO Electric of Vinita, Oklahoma will of necessity be moved for the project. Engineering estimates from their firm, Alligier-Martin and Associates in Joplin, projected the higher figure. Council discussion Monday was based around a two-phase program that would acquire land, just under 90 acres for an approximate price of $90,000. Also included in this phase would be $6,899 engineering costs. Phase two of the project would be actual construction. Ulmer told the council only two remaining factors, legal opinions and fund availability from local sources, stand in the way of the project. Grants that would be available now $360,000 on would include 15% project federal government and 12½% from the State of Missouri. Upon a suggestion by Mayor Bill LeCompte, the matter was tabled by the council pending a CASCO decision on property availability. If the land is made available on a no-cost basis, the council plans meeting in special session to sign letters of intent required by the government. Another factor involved in cost increases is a Federal Aviation Administration change in the project that moved the runway 200 feet to the east. Fields said this hiked earth moving cost estimates. Figures used in the cost estimates are the first made on an engineering basis. State estimates on the program a year ago did not cover phases which were not anticipated at that time. Mayor LeCompte and the council assured CASCO and Chamber of Commerce officials at the meeting that city cooperation would be extended to the fullest extent. short of committing additional funds for the project. CASCO raised $19,300 from 57 contributing stockholders when the initial access land for the project was available. In $100 share lots, purchases ranged from one to 10 shares.

40 years ago

Aug. 22, 1984

— NEW BUILDING FOR BROTHERS FIRM HERE

Ground was broken and construction started Thursdayonanewbuilding for Brothers Tractor and Implement of Cassville. Owners Mel, Marty and Montie Hutchison, joined Bill Hailey of Cassville in the event. Hailey started the business here in 1939. The firm has been located on south Main Street here since 1947. The move to a site near the Municipal Airport is scheduled in October. Under contract with Sikeston Builders, the main building will contain 10,000 square feet of floor space, devoted entirely to sales, service and equipment of the Ford tractor and New Holland equipment lines. Mel Hutchison, father of the brothers, said three other structures will be placed on the site for lines compatible to the tractor and implement firm. Site of the relocation of the local firm was purchased from CASCO Corporation several months ago. The local corporation had acquired the land as an original access for construction of the airport nine years ago.

— AMBULANCE CHANGE BRINGS NAME CHANGE FROM BOARD

In anticipation for contracting emergency ambulance service to a private corporation, South Barry County Ambulance District board of directors has also effected a name change. The SBC District name will be dropped in favor of a title of Cassville Area Ambulance. The six-member board of directors, in addition to approving a contract for the operation of emergency services beginning September 1, has approved the name switch, according to Ester Eubanks, board chairman. Other members concurring in the change are: Patricia Barstad, Hurshel Wisdom, James Downey, Dunbar Bair and Dan Brattin. Ms. Eubanks said this week contracts with the Naugle’s Ambulance and Paramedic Service and name change had been approved by state agencies who regulate such services. Marvin Naugle, president of the contracted service which will be paid $2,400 monthly, operates similar services in Aurora, Mansfield, Mountain Grove, West Plains, Thayer and Ava. Services in this area will be directed by resident supervisor, Mrs. Carol Ann Talarsky, a registered EMT with background in supervision and management in the emergency field. Switch of service from the district and Naugle have been in contact with city officials concerning re-establishment of ambulance headquarters at the Community Center. The district has been in operation for 10 years, having been established to succeed an emergency service corporation organized in late 1973 when private services were discontinued in Cassville. The district maintains a 10-cent tax levy that provides about $35,000 annually toward operation expenses. One private service, Williamson Chapel, has agreed to discontinue ambulance services with the advent of the Naugle firm taking over operations. Axley Ambulances, operated in Cassville, Eagle Rock, Golden and Shell Knob, will continue emergency services. Naugle this week said preparations for staffing units in this area would be complete before the takeover date a week from this Saturday. He said plans will be announced for an open house to permit area residents to become acquainted with services to be provided under contract with the SBC Ambulance District. Ms. Eubanks said this week the board of directors, named on a township breakdown within the district, had considered contracting services for some time.

30 years ago

August 10, 1994

— CHINA EXPRESS TO OPEN DOORS

China Express, a new dine-in, carry-out counter service restaurant will openinWestgateShopping Center around Labor Day. Business owners are Rena Scott and her son Vince Scott. Their targeted opening will depend on accomplishing refurbishing’s of the building. The fast-food type service will operate in spaces leased from Mr. and Mrs. John Chappell.

—PARK LAND PURCHASE PACKED COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Issue lines were obviously drawn in a Cassville city council meeting Monday night as the issue of park land purchase was on the agenda. Residents of Southern Hills sub-division on hand to present a petition opposing the purchase, found an equal number of youth baseball and soccer parents and fans on hand to support the program. Involved is a city intention to purchase about 30 acres of bottom land of an approximate 60-acre plat owned by the Sutton-Cook families at the southwest edge of town. Initially proposed as part of a land proposition between the family and city attorney Don Cupps and his brother Dr. David Cupps, the two individuals would take hillside land involved in the purchase. The land transaction is apparently to the stage of both parties waiting for survey of the area for determination of exact acreage. Southern Hills residents, on the meeting agenda, had their say first, expressing concerns about the intended sports complex being located adjacent to their subdivision. Their expressions followed the lines of complaints about noise, lights, traffic and reduced property values. As they asked for plans, they were told these would be developed only after the city had acquired the property. Speaking for the residential area were Mr. and Mrs. John James, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Whistler, Bo James, Bret Gosch, Mrs. James Goetz, Jim Orrell, Don Rasmussen, Mrs. Raymond Berk, Diana Rose and Jack Cox As the full council sat before the group, Southern Hills people said they were not appearing in opposition to youth programs, but requesting the city find an alternate site. While remarks were directed at the entire council, Rick Linebarger, parks representative was singled out. Also on that side of the table were members Sue Brattin, Darrel Ledenham and Randy Stockton. Youth program officials led off their appearance with a statement by Little League president Patty Washam. Also supporting the park and program concept were Rhonda Craig, Greg Yockey, Gene Schlichtman, Mike Ball, Randy Selby, Donnie Lester, Mike Bailey and Judy Schlichtman, a member of the city appointed parks commission. Each supported the program as growing and necessary for the youth of Cassville and surrounding area. Some expressed financial support for development of any new area by the city. Both sides of the issue were adamant in their presentations. James, whose home is closest of the subdivision homes to the proposed park area, and mayor Meador had a verbal confrontation at one point of the discussion. Council chambers were packed for the early part of the session, an overflow of other interests waiting in the lobby of city hall. Seventy to 80 persons were in and out of the meeting. After 50 minutes of discussions, mayor Meador acknowledged he didn’t know exactly how to stop the discussion, but was going to do so with the promise that city plans for the land would be developed with the interest of all concerned in mind. Linebarger, most directly involved of council members, told the group, “I may be naive, but development can benefit programs and Southern Hills.” He mentioned a possible tiein with Greenway plans here, tree plantings and assured the subdivision people the council “wasn’t trying to cram the issue down anyone’s throat.” Issue presentation wasn’t over for the council as the parks-subdivision people departed. Remaining in chamber were representatives from Chappell Estates, still concerned about their roads. They initially thanked the city for cutting roads and filling potholes, but reminded council the repairs were almost gone. Jeff Beattie and Bill Leonard were speaking for the residents, concerned about what they cite as inadequate streets after the subdivision was accepted into city limits for water line installation. Meador told the group the city could take legal action, but preferred the problem be worked out with developers Mr. and Mrs. John Chappell. He said it was his understanding cost estimates were being assembled. He also instructed city staff to get figures together on the project. Leonard told the mayor the group wanted to be on next month’s meeting agenda to continue their efforts.