25 earn Silver Spoon awards in 2024
The Barry County Health Department has announced 25 of the 231 food establishments in Barry County will receive the 2024 Silver Spoon award. The award is presented to food establishments in the county for demonstrating excellence in public food safety.
Able 2 Products Company recognizes employee service

Five employees of Able 2 Products Company in Cassville were recognized for milestone employment anniversaries at a company-wide meeting on Dec. 17, 2024. In business since 1972, Able 2 Products Company sells lights and accessories to police, emergency and utility markets under the SHO-ME trademark. Company vice-president Caleb Buntin awarded gifts and certificates of appreciation to the honorees. Front row, from left: Sandra Hayworth, 25 years; and Jeremiah Buntin, 15 years. Back row: Greg Scott, 35 years; Darrin Spain, 5 years; Brandi Beck, 5 years.
5 make honor band

On Jan. 17, 13 Cassville band students in grades 7-8 auditioned for the Southwest Missouri Junior High District Honor Band, with five students earning a spot. The honor band performed Jan. 25 at Neosho High School, with a day of rehearsal ending with a concert.
Wildcats take 2nd place at Seneca tourney

The Cassville boys wrestling team took second place out of 21 total teams competing in the 62nd People’s Bank of Seneca tournament on Saturday. Leading the way for the Wildcats was 165-pound Colton Roark, who took first place in his bracket by pinning all three of his opponents in the first round, including a pin in 19 seconds over one grappler.
Big blaze knocked down on Highway CC

A large blaze in freezing temperatures proved a test for the Exeter Fire Protection District, but not an unsurmountable one. In the early morning hours of Jan.
Brendan Arthur Mathis

Brendan Arthur Mathis, 21, of Purdy, Mo. passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home.
Mike England

Mike England, of Exeter, Mo., passed away on January 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Coleen (McCullah) England, a brother, Allen England and sister-in-law, Jan England, a sister-inlaw, Pat McGuffey and her husband Butch McGuffey; mother-inlaw and father-in-law, Betty Sue and Gene Love and a brother-in-law, Donnie Love.
Julianna Jo Schroor
Julianna Jo Schroor, 81, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Republic Nursing and Rehab in Republic, Mo.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 5

Meet Daizy Mae! She is an adorable coonhound mixed pup. Her date of birth is Nov. 10, 2024. She was found as a stray and is eager to go to her forever home where she can run, play and be loved.
Senior tax credit on ballot
Voters in Barry County will have the opportunity on April 8 to allow the county to pursue enacting Senate Bill 190, and six elected county officials are on record as being against the proposal. Senate Bill 190, which was BARRY COUNTY VOTE What: On Senate Bill 190 When: April 8 municipal election Outcome: Approval would allow county to freeze property tax levies for residents over 62 modified by Senate bill 756 in August 2024 authorizes counties to grant property tax credits to eligible senior citizen taxpayers.