Gwen “Gennie” Scroggins

Gwen “Gennie” Scroggins, age 94, of Washburn, Missouri, was called by God to help him watch over the farmers, ranchers’ cattle, and all of the children in the world, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Roaring River Health & Rehab in Cassville, Missouri. Gwen, daughter of John and Evalena (Reynolds) Brissey, was born in her paternal grandmother’s home in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on October 10, 1930. The Brissey family resided in Quay Valley and later moved to Tucumcari. During her teen years she belonged to the Horse Square Dancing Club. They performed at the Texas Governor’s Ball. In size she was the smallest, but her heart was extremely large. Following graduation from Tucumcari High School she attended Draughn Business School in Lubbock, Texas, which formed her career in bookkeeping. She first started at Worley Mills Feed Lots in Tucumcari. Following her move to this area in 1962, she worked as a bookkeeper at Southwest IV School District in Washburn and retired from the Purdy III School District. She often said she would work for free if she could work with her great friend, LouAnna Dodson. Gwen’s skills were reflected in her recordkeeping on the farm.
Clay Chaney
Clay Chaney, 56, of Dover, died Sunday. Born August 17, 1968, in Fayetteville.
Scoreboard, Feb. 12
The Cassville boys wrestling team competed in a triad with Bolivar and Logan-Rogersville on Thursday, the final regular- season action before the Class 2, District 3 Tournament Feb. 21-22.
Janice “Lee” Smiley

Janice “Lee” Smiley, 80, of Shell Knob, Mo. passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at St.
Sharon “Sue” Hughes

Sharon “Sue” Hughes, age 81, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. Sue, daughter of Alvin and Goldie (Massey) Moore, was born on October 15, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio. Sue married the love of her life, James C. Hughes on October 25, 1959, in Columbus, Ohio.
Sheila Harris: His House series — Residential program changes families’ lives

If you’re like me, you might be finding it hard to look away from the drama unfolding on our collective national stage right now. I admit to feeling frozen in place, mesmerized by the daily — often hourly — breaking news stories.
Katelynn Bowen: A call for child care accessibility
Dear Editor: Childcare in the U.S. is broken, and Barry County is no exception.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 12

Meet Thurston! He is a medium sized Shepherd mixed breed. His date of birth is July 6, 2024. He weighs 50 pounds and gets along with other dogs but should probably be fed separately since he hasn’t been accustomed to being fed on a regular basis. He loves people and seems to be eager to please.
Share a Heart helps local family
The annual Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks Share a Heart Campaign is in the midst of its 32nd year, with donations being accepted at 70 McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks, including Cassville. Customers are encouraged to support their local families by adopting paper hearts for $1, $5, or $20.
Assault charge added in car theft case
A Fulton man charged with allegedly stealing a vehicle in Barry County is now facing an additional charge relating to the incident. Richard Burwell, 31, of Fulton, was charged on Jan.



