Kyle Troutman

Kyle Troutman

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.

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.

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.

Line out the door to say goodbye to Beckett

Donna Beckett, right, hugs Freedom Bank CEO Stan Kelley after he presented her a retirement gift in the form of cash during Beckett's retirement reception, where more than 350 people came to wish her well. Beckett served local customers for 20 years with Community National Bank and Freedom Bank in Monett. Kyle Troutman/monettmonthly@outlook.com