Kyle Troutman

Kyle Troutman

The reason for the season

Through all the commercialism and gift-giving to Santa and elves on shelves, one Cassville woman is hoping to help locals remember the reason for the Christmas season — the birth of Jesus Christ. Wife of Cassville United Methodist Church Pastor Jeff Fugitt, Jamie Fugitt has been collecting Nativity scenes for more than 40 years, and more than 120 unique scenes are on display at the church through Jan.

Man charged for chase on Hwy. 37

An Exeter man is facing a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge following an alleged high-speed chase on Highway 37 in Barry County. Cody Priest, born 1989, of Exeter, is charged with felony fleeing and misdemeanor failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Trout Tales, Dec. 18

By my estimation, there’s only one time a year parents allow their kids to just run all willy-nilly through the street — and you’re looking at it! The Wheaton parade is a big draw for kiddos, especially because of the International Attractions guy in the Slingshot flinging bouncy balls and stuffed animals up and down Main Street.

Exeter boys hoops wants to peak at season’s end

The Exeter boys basketball team has had a challenging start to its season, but Coach Tremanye Williams is less concerned about the beginning as he is the end. Finishing at 10-16 last season, the Tigers return three seniors — Kason Nelson, Jesse Eaton and Kendal Gorman — to this year’s squad.

Through the Years, Dec. 18

40 YEARS AGO: CHRISTMAS, AN IMPORTANT PHASE — Started in early October, the Little Joe Transplant Fund in Cassville is nearing the halfway point as funds bump the $175,000 figure. Goal of the effort for a heart-lung transplant for six-year-old Joe Starchman is $350,000.

Williams completes specialist certification

Stacey Williams, Cassville school district bookkeeper and board secretary, has completed the School Business Specialist (SBS) certification program through the Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MoASBO). This certification is designed to equip school business support staff with the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles. The MoASBO SBS program provides specialized training focused on Missouri law and regulations, a foundational understanding of all school business operations and supports the advancement of professionalism among Missouri school business staff. The coursework covers essential topics, fosters discussions and provides resources to support future professional development. “I am incredibly proud of Stacey for her recent achievement in earning the School Business Specialist Certification,” said Merlyn Johnson, Cassville superintendent. “Stacey’s dedication and hard work are clear in everything she does, and this certification further reflects her commitment to excellence at Cassville R-IV School District. We are fortunate to have such a devoted and skilled bookkeeper on our central office team.”. Contributed photo