January 2025

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Jan. 22
O.J. (Odin) and his sister, Lulu, were abandoned in the country but fortunately, they were found by a nice human. They are black mouth cur mixes, born March 4, 2024. They are good with dogs, cats and children.

Dakoda Pettigrew: American Insights — the purpose of government
On Tuesday, March 4, 1913, Woodrow Wilson delivered his first inaugural address. The day “dawned cloudy,” Irwin Hoover recalled, “but the weather cleared and by mid-morning it was warm and comfortable.”

Merlyn Johnson: An eye on politics in education
The 2025 Missouri legislative session convened on Jan. 8, and Gov.

Kyle Troutman: Assessing needs
An interesting exercise occurred last Tuesday following the Cassville City Council meeting and Southwest Missouri Council of Government’s leading of three public hearings for proposed grant-funded projects.
Tigers finding new identity mid-season
Exeter boys basketball coach dislikes the phrase “rebuilding year,” but there are not many other ways to describe this year’s Tigers squad as they find their new identity. After losing a strong group of seniors to graduation last year, Williams said Exeter is still working to find its best lineup, a work in progress.
Woman seriously injured in crash
An Exeter woman was injured in a wreck at 10:30 p.m. on Friday on Highway 76, one mile west of Exeter.
Washburn man facing sex crime charges
A Washburn man is facing four felonies and a misdemeanor in a pair of criminal cases stemming from incidents in the 1980s and last year. Wesley Roller, age unknown, is charged in one case with sodomy (victim under 14 years old) and first-degree sexual abuse.

Purdy Homecoming candidates named
Purdy High School will crown its 2025 Homecoming Queen and Mr. Tip-Off at a special coronation between the junior varsity and varsity boys basketball games on Jan. 31. The jjunior varsity contest versus Lockwood begins at 5:30 p.m. This year’s Homecoming theme is “Growing with the Eagles.”
Scoreboard, Jan. 22
The Cassville girls basketball team (12-3) has now won 10 of its last 11 contests following a 3-win week Jan. 13-16.
News Briefs, Jan. 22
The Eagle Rock Lego Club will be meet on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Eagle Rock Community Center, located at 27824 Hwy.