‘Ghost Student’ scam affecting Cassville seniors
A nationwide financial aid scam has affected numerous Cassville seniors, who have had to confirm their identities to the federal government after their Social Security numbers had already been used to set up student aid accounts.
Man dies in wreck south of Aurora
A Miller resident died in a single-vehicle wreck at about 2:50 p.m. on Jan. 4 on Highway 39, approximately 10 miles south of Aurora.
Publisher’s View — Kyle Troutman: Big change, bigger benefit

A big change is happening today. After years — more than a decade — of offering a 100% free website, as of this morning, original content comes at a premium.
American Insights — Dakoda Pettigrew: Joseph Warren’s last stand

He could hear the cannons roar in Boston as he lay in bed, frozen by a headache. He hadn’t slept in days. His body wanted to rest.
Pat Allison: Post Office collection box should be moved
I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent decision to relocate the blue collection mailbox outside our local post office.
Lillian “Lil” Gaddis

Lillian “Lil” Gaddis of Shell Knob, Missouri on June 9, 1942, in Robinson, Illinois to Earl and Erma (Dennis) Murphy. Lillian passed away December 29, 2025, in Berryville at the age of 83.
Virginia Ann Meek

Virginia Ann Meek, 83, of Golden, Mo., passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at her home.
Dianna Lynn Thompson

Dianna Lynn Thompson, 65, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at Mercy Hospital Springfield in Springfield, Mo.
Sales tax leaves mixed bag to end 2025
Sales tax revenues to the bi-county area ended 2025 on an unusually low note.
News Briefs, Jan. 14
The following events will be held at the Cassville Branch Library: Thursday, Move ‘N’ Groove Low Impact Exercise, 11 a.m., signup requested, STEAM Club (ages 6-12), 3:30 p.m....



