50 years ago
April 23, 1975
— FASCO CLOSING NEW YORK PLANT COULD HELP HERE
Speculation that the electric motor manufacturing of Cassville’s new FASCO Industries plant has increased with company announcements of the closing of a Rochester, N.Y. plant. Company officials announced the closing because of a “drastically depressed motor market.”’ They stated further the production needed will be absorbed by the company’s plants in Cassville, Ozark and Eldon. The Cassville plant is fast nearing a completion stage, expected to be reached by mid-May at the latest. Company officials on an area level said the effect in the Missouri plants is being assessed.” Both Peter Weis, vice-president Missouri Motor division and Morris Castle-berry, Cassville plant man-ager, were in Rochester the first of the week. FASCO’s motor division, now concentrated in the existing and two new Missouri plants, builds a variety of fractional horsepower motors for use by original equipment manufacturers in consumer and business products such as air conditioners, furnaces, space heaters, hair dryers, tape recorders and business copiers. The division also manufactures a line of blowers for a variety of air movement and cooling applications. A consumers division, with plant in Fayetteville, N. C. and controls division plant in Shelby, N. C. were not included in the cut-back announcement. The three-million dollar Cassville plant, begun last fall, is designed to produce 3¼’’ diameter motors similar to those which have been produced in Ozark since 1965. The structure contains 150,-000 square feet of manufacturing space and offices. Current business conditions throughout the nation have forestalled company announcements of initial employment schedules. However, local industrial interests project the New York plant closing should improve production possibilities from the new industry. The Rochester plant, located in older facilities, including a two story building, were not considered the most efficient by the company. FASCO’s corporate headquarters were moved from New York to Florida early this year. Management also stated that, contrary to previous expansion plans, motor business in this country is now so completely depressed that there is insufficient motor business available now and in the foreseeable future at any plant location. It has, therefore, become necessary to consolidate motor operations to survive as a company. In consolidating, the conclusion was reluctantly reached that it is necessary to close the Rochester plant. FASCO officials have been watching the motor market and sales possibilities on virtually a day-today basis in determining employment levels at the Cassville plant. Castleberry began a move to the new plant two weeks ago. Equipment is being placed as it arrives. Full scale operations at the plant are expected to be resumed when full utilities are available at the site. In the period between now and full office opening at the plant, the Cassville Chamber of Commerce is accepting employment applications for the firm. The C of C is providing this service since all personnel at the plant are involved in the move and equipment location process.
—944 TORNADOES IN 1974 – 2ND HIGHEST ON RECORD (361) TORNADO DEATHS
All-time high for tornadoes was 1,108, set in 1973. All-time high for tornado deaths, 794, was set in 1925 (figures for 1974 may change slightly when the final tally is made). State-by-state totals add to 955 tornadoes, because 11 tornadoes crossed state borders.
– Missouri 18 tornados (0 deaths)
– Oklahoma 45 (16)
– Arkansas 11 (4)
– Iowa 27 (3)
– Highest tornados, Texas 116 (1)
– Highest deaths, Alabama 39 (79).
— 13 GOBBLERS TAKEN IN FIRST TWO DAYS
Wild turkey hunters downed 13 of the elusive birds in the first two days of the hunting season. Only three of the total were checked at Roaring River State Park by hunters from this area. Included in opening morning successes were: Delbert Watts of Butler, Gene Pearcy of Joplin, Philip Cole, Washburn, Charles Rowell, Monett, Everett Arment of Aurora, Jim Wakeland of Viola and Corbett Turner of Kimberling City. Tuesday morning success through the check station were: Jim Johnson, Went-worth, Roger Bislard, Aurora, A. L. Bradley, Jenkins, Gene Jurvis, Verona, Jerry Mackey, Springfield, and Dwain Bland of Enid, Oklahoma. Pre-season predictions had the gobbler hunters facing a stiff challenge due to unseasonably cool weather this spring. Hunters scouting area woods prior to Monday’s opening reported fewer than usual responses to their calling efforts. The season will continue through May 4. Legal bearded turkeys must be checked. Through the first two days, the Watts turkey was the largest taken in Missouri at a weight of 27 pounds, 12 ounces.
April 24, 1985
— JOPLIN FIRM WILL BUILD R-4 ADDITION
Initial construction is expected to begin next week on a nine classroom addition to the Cassville R-4 school district. Dalton Killinger Construction of Joplin bid $351,042 on the project, low of three proposals. Don Stockton, board of education president, said construction would begin with a movein of the contractor next week. Initial phases will begin with major involvements such as excavating, probably not starting until after dismissal of classes on the campus after June 1. The Joplin firm’s proposal was followed by Branco Enterprises of Neosho, $371,000 and Morelock Sons of Springfield, $399,992. Financing for the project was provided by a $400,000 bond issue approved by Cassville voters last year. Board members in addition to Stockton approving the proposal in a special bid opening meeting were: Tom Cardin, John Anglum, Ernest Cowherd, Dennis Ledgerwood and John Sullivan. Other business before the board included: Approving a two-year audit contract with Wallace-Lowery of Monett for the district. Amount $1,495. Two resignations were accepted for Jack Vore in the middle school math and science department and Angela Casteel in middle school learning disability. School closing date was discussed with no decision made at this time. Board will be in social session May 20 in school home economic department with members of the Jenkins and Shell Knob rural districts. Cassville serves these two districts for high school students.
— 27 GOBBLERS FALL IN FIRST TWO DAYS
Hunters in Barry County bagged 27 turkey gobblers in the first two days of the season, Monday and Tuesday. The season opened Monday and will continue through May 5. Hunters are permitted two birds, but their quest must be accomplished one a week for the two-week season. Birds must be checked at the trout hatchery at Roaring River State Park by Missouri Department of Conservation personnel. Officials said 12 of the birds were taken Monday with Tuesday the most successful day when 15 fell before hunters sights. Checks through the station the first two days were: Monday kills included: Johnnie Howard, Rick Lawson, Steve Ray, Bernard Peterson, Brian Rose, James Martin, Charles Porter, Harold Shrum, Bob Cantwell, Larry Vaught, John Greenwood, Gary Gautney. Tuesday kills included: David Pendergraft, Chris Wilks, J. T. Blackburn, Gary Miller, Dale Becker, R. G. Edmondson, Keith Holloway, James Pendergraft, Sammy Clapper, Tom Town-send, Gerald Thomson, Denny Wolf, Carl Nance, Nello Rose, Brice Gouch.
30 years ago
April 12, 1995
— SECOND ACT STILL LOOKING FOR HOME
Second Act of Cassville, who has coordinated assistance programs in food, clothing and household items for the past 20 years, continues to look for a new home. Jim LeCompte, chairman of the governing volunteer advisory board, said the firm is apparently still under a deadline of May I from the city of Cassville to vacate the present location. LeCompte said Second Act has been advised the city will convert the old city hall building at Eighth and Townsend into a police headquarters in the near future. The department is presently located in two small spaces in the Community Center. Needing approximately 2,000 square feet in which to operate, LeCompte acknowledged this week a couple of locations might have been missed in recent weeks due to mis-communications between officials. Arvilla Stringer is director of the program which receives heavy use during holiday activities. The program was established over 20 years ago and has worked with a number of organizations in assisting low income families.
— CROWE NAME BACK IN CASSVILLE DINING
Hilltop Family Restaurant on Highway 112 south of Cassville has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Crowe and Mrs. and Mrs. Rusty Thompson. The new owners completed the purchase this week from Joe George formerly of New York. George reportedly is leaving to establish a restaurant in Branson. Crowe is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. V. V. Crowe, who for many years operated Crowe’s Dinner House at a couple of locations here. Previous food service experience includes Springfield, Tulsa, Ok. and several resort areas in the western Pacific. He and Mrs. Crowe own and operate Flat Creek Emu Farm. Rusty and Tina Thompson, both accomplished chefs in their own right, will be principals in the operation. Crowe said a target for opening the firm will be May 1. The name will be Crowe’s Good Eats Cafe. The new owners said full details of their operation will be announced later. Equipment for the business was purchased from George, the building in which the restaurant is located belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Arning.
— WEATHER FROM AC TO SNOW, WELCOME RAIN
The thought of Ozarks weather being able to supply about anything you might want was much in evidence this week. Conditions from air conditioning on Monday to snow on Tuesday, but with the weather change came a welcome 2.81 inches of rain officially at the U. S. Forest Service, reported by Julie Thomas. Measurements of 3.5 to 4.5 inches were reported in the area. National weather service observers placed the heaviest downpours between Shell Knob and Berryville, Ar. Streams in the area stayed in their banks as powder dry ground conditions soaked up most of the moisture. Snow was reported north of Cassville covering objects above ground but not sticking after hitting warmer levels. Big flakes were reported between Cassville and Shell Knob. Monday night electrical storms rolling through the area left some sections without power for up to a couple of hours, cable television went out early and wasn’t functioning Tuesday morning. Telephone services were also out in a wide area visited by lightning. Recordings of Cassville area rain fall constituted the total for April, and brought the annual total since the first of the year to 11.36 inches. Last year 8.85 inches of rain fell during April in this area. Two fires could have been credited to storm conditions according to fire chief Millard Andrews. Both recorded in the first period of storm front passage included a tree struck at East 13th Street and Highway 248 and an appliance problem at Sportsman’s Lodge on Highway 112.
