Kyle Troutman
Purdy FBLA continues success under new leadership
Under new leadership this year, the Purdy FBLA programs continued its legacy of success at the District Leadership Conference on Feb. 5, producing 15 first-place winners, 45 medalists and 29 qualifiers for the FBLA State Leadership Conference in April. Melanie Grossman, who brings with her 26 years of success in business education and FBLA leadership from Cassville and East Newton, came out of retirement in August of 2025 to step into the program sponsor role following the retirement of Kay Wright in May 2025.
PUBLISHER’S VIEW — KYLE TROUTMAN: El ganador super
A year ago today, I wrote a column about Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, and this year, the performance by Bad Bunny was unlike any other, yet there were many similarities. The most obvious difference was the language — his…
Chamber surprises Bill Shiveley with Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Shiveley, center, smiles as his wife, Diane, behind him to the left, is surprised to see the couple's two sons arrive for a special ceremony honoring Shiveley with the Cassville area Chamber of Commerce's lifetime Achievement Award at the First Friday Coffee event at First State Bank of the Ozarks in Cassville on Feb. 6.
Through the Years, Feb. 11
50 YEARS AGO: IT'S GETTING READY TIME — The ardent type fly fisherman ties his own lures, and this is the time to make sure the favorite type is in ample supply. Jim Rogers, concessionaire at Roaring River State Park, furnished this example in preparation for opening activities March 1.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 11
Hi I’m Chevelle! I am told I am absolutely adorable and they are so right about that. I’m not really sure of my parents but they guess I’m a Shepherd/Terrier mix and that my birthday is Nov. 7, 2025.
Jackie Elmer Veith
Jackie Elmer Veith (Jack), passed away on December 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on March 10, 1938, in Monett, Mo. to Elmer and Flossie (Russell) Veith, who preceded him in death.
Cassville Speech and Debate owns Big 8
The Cassville High School Speech and Debate team placed first in the Big 8 Conference Tournament the weekend of Jan. 30 at Nevada.
First State Bank of the Ozarks joins chamber
First Friday Coffee was held at First State Bank of the Ozarks on Feb. 6, giving the organization the opportunity to cut the ribbon after joining the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce. Board President Randy Henderson did the honors, as the bank has rebranded from First State Bank of Purdy.
Jenkins wins Spelling Bee with ‘hammerhead’
On Feb. 4, fourth- and fifth-grade classroom spelling bee winners competed in the Cassville Intermediate Spelling Bee. Fifth-grade student Mark Jenkins is pictured sighing in relief after taking first place by correctly spelling "hammerhead." He will compete in the Joplin Globe Spelling Bee on March 13. Fourth-grade student Isabella Martinez finished in second place and will serve as Cassville's alternate at the Joplin Spelling Bee. Jenkins is the son of Tara Pointer and Mark Jenkins. Martinez is the daughter of Yolanda Barrientos.
News Briefs, Feb. 11
The Cassville High School and Cassville Middle School Jazz Bands will host the annual Jazz Night on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Cassville High School Performing Arts Center.
