Ozark Festival Orchestra Christmas concert Dec. 15
The Ozark Festival Orchestra will continue its 45th season with its Christmas concert at 3 p.m. on Dec.
Kyle Troutman
Through the Years, Dec. 4
40 YEARS AGO: FREE ENTERPRISE WORKS — Typical examples of free enterprise were the actions of two young ladies in Cassville during last Wednesday morning’s awaking to snow covering the ground. Tracie Hill, 14, and Jennifer Dinsmore, 10, took the opportunity of being out of school to earn a few bucks shoveling snow from sidewalks of businesses. Their efforts were rewarding, plus saving owners the trouble of doing the job themselves. A quick warmup of temperatures in the 60’s over the weekend removed all traces of the first ground-coverer of the season.
Jeremiah Buntin: The Recorder of Deeds
The Missouri Governors Records from the Missouri State Archives and accessible through the Missouri Digital Heritage website is an interesting place to investigate the nooks and crannies of history. These records from 1837-1901 mostly consist of handwritten letters asking the governor for favors such as pardons and appointments, or signed petitions for various causes, or resignations from local offices. In 1852, Barry County Clerk William Hubbert, of Cassville, wrote Missouri Governor Austin Augustus King notifying him of a vacancy in the State Senate caused by the death of Littleberry Mason and that an election would be held immediately.
Russell Dale “Russ” Johnson
Russell Dale “Russ” Johnson, 44, of Monett, Mo., passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024. He was born April 24, 1980 in Springfield, Mo., the son of Penelope Brown and Ricky Strong.
Undefeated division champs!
Seven Valleys Soccer Club completed its fall season playing in the Midwest Select Soccer League in Joplin. The SVSC U15 team, pictured, went undefeated with a record of 8-0, winning first place in their division and allowing only 3 goals during the season. The U12 team finished 6-2, third in their division, falling just short of first place on the last day of the season. The U10 team had a record of 5-2-1 and also finished in third place in their division. Seven Valleys Soccer Club, based in Cassville, offers competitive soccer in the spring/fall seasons for players born from 2010-2017. It offers free community events during the winter and summer. Tryouts for the spring season will occur the afternoon of March 1.
William Henry “Bill” Rapp, Jr.
William Henry “Bill” Rapp, Jr., 73, of Foley, Ala., passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024.
News Briefs, Dec. 4
Multiple donation accounts have been set up to support Remington Hobbie, the young son of Aspen Lewis, who died in a domestic violence incident last week. Hobbie is under the care of Lewis’ sister, Brittley Terry, and a family friend has launched a GoFundMe at www.
How do you make a turkey?
We asked a dozen Cassville kindergarten students how a turkey should be made. Here are their recipes:
Murder charge filed
23-year-old allegedly admitted to killing Exeter woman
By Kyle Troutman
ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
An Exeter man is charged with three felonies, including murder, for the death of a 24-year-old Exeter woman.
Aaron Malone, 23, of Exeter, is charged with second-degree murder, abandonment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.
Danny Boyd, Barry County sheriff, said on Monday, deputies were dispatched to a residence located in Exeter in reference to a possible abduction. Upon arrival, Deputies made contact with Malone, who reported Aspen Lewis, 24, was missing.
"Malone provided deputies with a verbal and written statement of Lewis being possibly abducted," Boyd said in a press release. "A criminal investigation began into the disappearance of Aspen Lewis. Inconsistencies were located in Aaron's statement."
According to a probable cause statement file by Det. Abby Parsons, physical evidence allegedly pointing to Malone included a blood stain on the roadway behind Malone's truck, blood stains on his truck and disturbed parts of the gravel driveway where jewelry pieces were located on the ground.
Surveillance video also allegedly showed Malone's truck arriving at the residence at 11:35 p.m. Sunday. Shortly after, Parsons' report said, screaming can be heard, and Malone left the residence at about 1:35 a.m. Monday, returning at about 4:10 a.m.
Malone made a 9-1-1 call before returning to the residence, Parsons reported.
On Tuesday, Boyd and Maj. Angela Cole met with Malone and advised him they wanted to locate the victim, Boyd's release said. Malone allegedly took authorities to where Lewis was located, deceased in a wooded area near Shell Knob, covered with leaves and sticks.
Parsons' report said Lewis had suffered extensive head trauma, and the remains of a burnt pink wool article of clothing, appearing to be a shirt, was also located in the roadway.
"Malone admitted to an altercation taking place and disposing of the body," Boyd said.
In Parsons' report, the box where the officer would indicate if a person exhibited signs of being under the influence remained unchecked. Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting the Barry County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
Woman charged for drugs allegedly steals firearms
Cassville resident held on $35K in bonds after incidents 11 days apart BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com A Cassville woman charged with possession of methamphetamine on Nov. 7 was arrested 11 days later for an alleged burglary in the city.