Kyle Troutman

Kyle Troutman

Vernon Dale Underwood

Vernon Dale Underwood, 82, of Shell Knob, Mo., passed away Friday, March 22, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Cassville in Cassville, Mo. He was born March 19, 1942, in Cypress, Calif.

Unpaid lunch balances spike

The Cassville school district is determining how to handle a dramatic increase in unpaid food service bills, up 300 percent since April 2022 and 50 percent since the start of this school year. Merlyn Johnson, Cassville superintendent, said balances have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which federal funding provided free meals at the district.

City requests renewal of capital improvement sales tax

The city of Cassville is proposing a renewal of its capital improvement sales tax on the April 2 Municipal Election ballot, aiming to use the funds for a multitude of projects in the future. The 1/2-cent tax was first passed in 2005, and all revenue had been used to pay the loan for the city’s wastewater treatment plant, funded by a 2002 bond for $2,935,000 that was paid in full in July 2023.

Missouri aviation leaders to host celebration

Leaders from across the Missouri aviation community will meet with elected officials to commemorate State Aviation Day at the State Capitol on April 2. “Aviation is a vital component of the total transportation package that serves Missouri’s industries, businesses, and residents,” said Steve Stockam, Former Joplin Regional Airport Manager and Immediate Past Chair of Missouri Aviation Advisory Committee.

News Briefs, March 27

The Barry-Lawrence County Development Center in Monett will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration and open house at its new facility, located at 220 Chapell Drive, on April 6 from 1-5 p.m. People may tour the new debt-free building and playground.

Asbill tapped for city administrator

A familiar face is returning to the Cassville area, hired as the new city administrator. Mayor Bill Shiveley and the Cassville Board of Aldermen have selected Richard Asbill as the next city administrator, replacing Steve Walensky, who has retired.