50 years ago

Dec. 25, 1974 — AF ASSIGNED

Airman Linda J. Brooks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Royle G. Brooks of R. R. 2, Cassville, has been assigned to Shep-pard, AFB, Texas, after completing Air Force basic training. During her six weeks at the Air Training Command’s Lackland AFB, Texas, she studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special instruction in human relations. The airman has been assigned to the Technical Training Center at Sheppard for specialized training in the aircraft maintenance field. Airman Brooks is a 1974 graduate of Cassville high school.

— COLORADO AF BASE

Airman Tony D. Garnatz, son of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Schaar of Cassville has been assigned to Lowry AFB, Colo., after completing Air Force basic training. During his six weeks at the Air Training Command’s Lackland AFB, Tex., he studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special instruction in human relations. The airman has been assigned to the Technical Training Center at Lowry for specialized training in the armament systems field. Airman Garnatz is a 1974 graduate of Cassville high school.

Dec. 26, 1984

— HALFWAY POINT FOR LITTLE JOE’S FUND AT CHRISTMAS In three short months, the Little Joe Transplant Fund, based in Cassville, is getting close to the halfway mark toward collecting $350,000. There’s no more appropriate time for the effort to help a local youngster to reach this point than at Christmas,” said Lige Frost, overall coordinator for the fund. Purpose is to provide a heart-lung transplant for, Joe Starchman, sixyear- old Cassville youth who has primary pulmonary hypertension. Joe is thought to be the youngest candidate for the complicated surgery in the United States. The Cassville kindergarten student is a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Starchman. Joe’s problem and story has been told throughout the country since the transplant fund was initially opened in early October. Since that time, there have been just under 2,000 contributions from groups and individuals to push the fund to about $170,000 this week. And, the effort hasn’t stopped at the dollar figure reported throughout the past week. “There is actually no way of telling how many people have been involved in getting to where we are today,” Frost said. Little Joe’s health condition remains about the same, according to his parents. Current plans are being based around expected notification in January from University of Pennsylvania Children’s Hospital for a testing procedure. Starchman said this week, appointment applications had been received by the hospital. Dr. Charles Freeman of Oklahoma City, who originally detected Joe’s condition, is in charge of arrangements. Even the trip east, probably early in 1985, is attracting attention and offers of assistance. Starchman said this week, the Vincentian Sisters of Charity at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Monett had made officers of assistance, with a financial contribution. The order’s mother house is located in Pittsburg. Sisters there have been notified and have extended assistances for accommodations, etc, while the Starchmans are in Pennsylvania. Typical of an effort in the Bolivar area recently was a contribution that resulted in an individual reporting, “I just thought I needed to be in-volved.” Frost said, “This type motivation in the Little Joe Transplant Fund is about as typical as it can be.” Last week, for the third time since the effort started, Justin Boot Co. plant in Cassville presented the fund a check for $2,600. The money came from an employee fund normally used for Christmas parties and other activities, but which the Cassville plant employees decided to use for the Little Joe fund. As funds near the halfway mark, Mrs. Ruby Reese, treasurer, said in-dividual records have been maintained on all contributions. The only exception are those which have been made anonymously. All funds are placed on interest bearing accounts divided between Charter Bank of Cassville and Commerce Bank of Barry County. Throughout efforts to-date for the fund raisers, Little Joe has performed as expected for a six-year-old. He’s looking forward to the time that all his publicity makes “me famous.” Joe’s condition leaves him with a life expectancy, without the transplant, which would be at least his early teen years. Physicians tell the family the surgery will allow the active youngster to enjoy a normal life. Frost said this week, “The news media has been especially kind to the effort. Everyone has cooperated to tell the story of this youngster’s need. The fund committee has never been refused in a call for help.” The same opinion was expressed by Cecilia Miller, coordinator of activities, who has devoted considerable time to making presentations of the program throughout the area. Original organizing committee for the effort had 17 organizations in-volved. Lige Frost is coordinator. Trustees of the trust fund under a not-for-profit-corporation in the State of Missouri, include Jim Craig, Harold Reese, Richard Carney, Clell Wade and Bob Mitchell. Committee members include: John Berning, American Legion; Mary Cupps, marketing; Linda Marple, Sigma Epsilon; Cecilia Miller, local effort coordinator; Jean Marney, Tau Eta; Roger Metscher, United Methodist Church; Art Axley, VFW; Clell Wade, Shrine Club; Marvin Grandy, Rotary; Glen Linebarger, Masonic Lodge; Bob Mitchell, publicity; Joe Preddy, Gary Fields, Lions Club; Dan Bailey, Cassville schools; and Jim LeCompte, attorney. Joe’s problem was first detected in early spring of 1983 when he suffered heart failures, first diagnosed as a respiratory problem. Of the trust funds available now, $100,000 will be designated for anti-rejecting drugs.

30 years ago

Dec. 14, 1994

— GOOD DOGS, BAD DOGS AMONG COUNCIL BUSINESS There were two conversations about dogs at Cassville’s city council session Monday night, one was good and one was of the objection-al nature. On the good side, new arrivals to the police department Toman, three, and Gina, seven, German shepherds that were formerly with the U.S. Air Force, were introduced to city council by police chief Bob Ruggles. The animals were recently secured by the department from San Antonio, Tx. Their official introduction to city council found members Rick Linebarger, Darrel Ledenham, Sue Brattin and Randy Stockton joining mayor Rolland Meador for the occasion. First order of business for the council was an appearance by Darlene Murphy of Wildwood Estates, to discuss dogs running at random in her area. She told council, “ I am afraid to walk in my own neighborhood.” Mrs. Murphy was told animals creating a nuisance can be impounded or owners could be held responsible for damage if individuals were willing to sign com-plaints. Finishing the dog business of the session, council moved on to agenda items: Beginning with the 1995 term, the city collector will be permitted additional hours, from 1500 to 1760 at an hourly wage of $6. The office has over the years twice survived council attempts to eliminate the post from elected status, changing to appointive. The additional hours permitted as a pay increase will begin with the collector named in April, 1995 elections. Council took no action on increasing compensation for themselves or the mayor. Current rates, $200 monthly for the mayor and $100 for members of the council, will remain in force. Appointments to commissions will be referred to January action. Included will be two for the board of adjustment with Annette Henderson moving outside the city limits and Matt Mocherman leaving the community. Terms expire this year on the zoning and planning commission for Dr. Dan Bailey and Lisa Schlichtman. Their replacements to join Jack Nickols, Joe Ellis, Carter Koon, Randy Stockton and mayor Meador will be completed next month. Kim Williamson will be permitted to arrange payments on a $566.80 water bill resulting from leaks for two months. Two other citizens on the agenda, Daniel Loveland and Jack Burnette, did not appear. Police department was permitted to expand a force of reserve officers from two to six by action of the council and determination of $300 per person for insurance coverage. Joining Chris Watson and Jeff Myers as reserve officers will be Jeff Martinson, Ron Wihebrink, Sharon Black and Larry Roller.

— ROAD SIGNING ONE-THIRD DONE FROM NORTH Beginning at the Lawrence County line, signing of Barry County roads has reached the one-third completed stage according to southern commissioner Red Edens. The county commission, Edens and northern commissioner Willadean Ray, reviewed progress by contractor Randy Vanderpool this week. Vanderpool and consultant George Ulmer were before the commission requesting a price increase from $19 each to $21 for each installation due to the increased cost of concrete. The project is scheduled for completion August 1 next year. Vanderpool will face a $20 per day penalty after that date. The portion from the Lawrence County line to an area two miles south of Cassville, tabbed the north section, is about one-third complete according to Edens. Contracts for the south one third have not been awarded by the commission. Overall cost of the project for signs and posts for two-thirds of the county is $18,267. Signing began in the north area due to the beginning of an emergency 91l access in the Monett area telephone exchange. In other action by the commission, Chappell Insurance of Washburn was awarded contract for the treasurer’s bond beginning January 1, 1995. Chappell’s firm bid $1759.25 on the project, Willis Insurance $1891.67.