The most exciting tourism news of 2022 was celebrated in September, when the KISS Rebreathers Dive Team was honored for making Roaring River Spring the deepest explored spring cave in the United States.
The Cassville area is well-known for its agriculture, and along with the successes of the FFA program last year, some regional ag leaders changed, and reports of wastewater residual use on county farms became an ongoing discussion.
A busy year in the education realm saw the Cassville school district begin a new program and float a bond issue for a performing arts center, Wheaton break ground on a tornado shelter, Crowder Cassville change its director, and more.
It could be called the year of retirements. Two county leaders and one community leader hung up their hats last year.
Beyond that, the Barry County E9-1-1 Center was awarded for its excellence and a local organization continued working with Dress a Girl Around the World.
The year in health news focused largely on the mental side, with a new sensory room helping students at Cassville schools, life Change celebrating a year of its ministry and the Arc of the Ozarks acquiring TheraCare.
Portions of Barry County have seen more than 6 inches of rainfall since about 4 p.m. on Thursday, leading to extensive road flooding, but so far sparing most buildings. David Compton, Barry County Emergency Management director, said the central area of the county, over Mark Twain National Forest and north of Shell Knob, received the most rainfall.
A Cassville man is facing four felony charges after allegedly burglarizing more than $8,000 in merchandise from Michael’s Hardware on March 3. Aaron Miller, 42, of Cassville, is charged with second-degree burglary, felony stealing, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
Mary “Kay” Eckman, 71, of Aurora, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at her home. She was born January 20, 1952, in Clinton, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas Peter and Catherine Charlotte (Maroney) Nolan who preceded her in death.
Mickey Alan Gold, 66, of Springfield, passed away at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Aurora. He was born October 21, 1956, in Aurora, the son of Richard Dale and Anna Lea (Carl) Gold.
Scenes from the 2023 Cassville area Chamber of Commerce Banquet, held on March 11 at the Barn at Bear Ridge.
