William Robert Wehmiller, Jr., 75, of Shell Knob, Mo. passed away Monday, May 28, 2024.

The Barry County Extension Board and the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce purchased dogwood and redbud trees for the Barry County Courthouse yard. The trees were planted by the Cassville FFA (advisor Jordan Ellis), and Extension Board Member David Samuel coordinated the tree purchase and planting, trees and mulch from Harvick Farms. FFA students who participated in planting and mulching included: Rebekah Fry, Hanna Blankenship, Joei Blankenship, Taylor Yarnall, Graci Maher, Will Brooks, Jaret Hinson, Brandon Alley, Tierany Sloan and Carlee Mitchell.
University of Missouri Extension will hold a farm tour to highlight three successful farm operations that use warm season grasses in their forage program. The tours will occur in Barry County starting at 4 p.m.

Mid South Writers announced this week that four of its members won contests sponsored by Crowder College and have their writings featured in the 2024 Crowder Quill, released this month. Linda Sartin, of Cassville, won gold in Non Fiction for “Our Comet” and an Honorable Mention in Poetry for “In Memory.” Kristen Stough, of Cassville, a Crowder student, took gold in the Fiction category for “The Reaper Meets a Frightened Child.” Prix Gautney, of Cassville, won silver in Fiction for “Big Black Horse and an Apple Tree.” Susan Eschbach, of Cassville, took bronze in Fiction for “The Traveler.” “Our members are thrilled to be included in this year’s Crowder Quill,” said Eschbach, president of Mid South Writers.
The Barry County Sheriff's Office responded to 232 calls for service for the week of May 27 to June 2. The CAD events created by central dispatch are the Calls for Service Barry County Officers respond to every day, included in those calls are alarms, assaults, burglaries, domestic disturbances, DWI's, stealing, harassment, medical issues, paper service, prisoner transports, suspicious persons, traffic stops and warrant service.
The Eagle Rock Community Association is hosting its monthly potluck on Monday at 6 p.m. This month’s theme is “Family Favorites.” Benefit Sale at Family Life Center A Benefit Sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.

A severe thunderstorm in the early morning hours Sunday caused widespread damage to trees and power lines in Barry County, with the city of Cassville and Eagle Rock and Shell Knob areas bearing the brunt of the damage.

Multiple ceiling tiles lasy on the sopping wet floor at the Cassville
Democrat office building on Sunday. Due to the water damage
caused by wind damage to the roof, the Democrat office will be
closed until further notice. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
As of June 1, the Barry County jail will be empty. Due to plumbing issues in the aging building, Sheriff Danny Boyd said inmates will be transported and held in surrounding counties until the new Barry County jail, currently under construction, is move-in ready on Oct. 1.
A Cassville woman has been arrested after being charged with three felonies relating to alleged sex crimes. Makensie Koehler, 32, of Cassville, is charged with first-degree child molestation, possession of child pornography and incest.