Kyle Troutman
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.
Janice “Lee” Smiley
Janice “Lee” Smiley, 80, of Shell Knob, Mo. passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at St.
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.
Second arrest made in sex crimes case
A second person has been arrested and charged following an alleged incident where a victim was restrained and sexually assaulted. Bailey Seely, 28, of Verona, is charged with second-degree sodomy.
Clay Chaney
Clay Chaney, 56, of Dover, died Sunday. Born August 17, 1968, in Fayetteville.
Purdy celebrates Homecoming victory, crowning of royalty
Purdy High School celebrated Homecoming on Feb. 4, earning a 53-49 victory over Southwest. This year’s Homecoming Court featured the following representatives from each class: seniors Marlene Villa and Jackson Hillburn; juniors Lauren Brooks and Aldo Perez; sophomores Lizett Aldava and Jayden Griffis; and freshmen Kenzi Postlewait and Charles Barnes. Crown Bearers for the evening were Emmett Burnside and Kodi Postlewait.
Through the Years, Feb. 12
40 YEARS AGO: DEVIL’S KITCHEN COLLAPSE----A familiar landmark on a walking trail in Roaring River State Park, Devil’s Kitchen has fallen to the elements. Sliding rocks on the formation have virtually closed the passage through the area. The happening was discovered Saturday by Merle Rogers, park naturalist, on a hike with Cub Scouts.
News Briefs, Feb. 12
The Cassville schools jazz bands will take the stage on Thursday at 6 p.m. for Jazz Night at the Cassville High School Performing Arts Center.
Jastal makes Big 8 history for Monett
A total of 16 Monett wrestlers competed in the Big 8 girls and boys tournaments Feb. 20 and 22 in Monett and Cassville, with one Lady Wildcat taking gold in her home gym and making history while doing so.
