Kyle Troutman
Monett Area Workshop celebrates employees
The Monett Area Workshop, now in its fourth year as part of SWI (Springfield Workshop Inc.) Industrial Solutions, recently celebrated its annual Employee Appreciation Day. Employees now number 63, almost three times the number from when SWI took over. Director Rob Walker stressed many whose families thought they could not work now have jobs. “Let us decide,” he said, encouraging persons with disabilities to visit at 204 S. Central in Monett. Employees had burgers as their meal of choice and received certificates for their years of service. Walker, standing, presented a certificate to Kimmie Davis of Monett, who has been employed at the Workshop for 46 years. “Companies understand you are valuable,” Walker told the workers. “Companies count on you. You are the best workshop in the state.”
News Briefs, Sept. 10
The Southwest Missouri Wild Game Feed will host a hunter education skills class from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Tom Wolfe Memorial VFW Post.
2,500 enjoy 40-car carnage at Rotary Demolition Derby
Smoke poured from the engine compartment of Exeter resident Payton Beck’s vehicle, disabled during action in the compact class at the Cassville Rotary Demolition Derby on Saturday.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Sept. 10
Sugar S. is an adorable red heeler mix. Her date of birth is May 2. She is a sweet young pup who would like to find her forever home now. Adopters can complete an application at www.havenoftheozarks.org/adopt. No appointment is needed.
Big plays not enough to top Mustangs
Big plays provided plenty of excitement for Cassville (0-2) on Saturday, but difficulty stopping McDonald County’s offense combined with a struggle to move the ball led to a 32-20 loss to the Mustangs on the road.
Roxanne L. McIntire
Roxanne L. McIntire, 83, of Purdy, Mo. passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at her home.
Springfield Area 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday
On Saturday, firefighters and civilians from all over will come together in person and virtually to remember those lost on September 11, 2001.
TrouMom Says: Lake Superior edition, Part IV — Closer to home
Although I had traveled a couple thousand miles over the 10 days of my solo camping trip, I started thinking more about the places right here at home — or at least closer to home — that I could explore.
Terry Held: Front porch fiction meets the college classroom
The start of school is here. It shifts our lives and gives us a longing for cooler mornings. Porch railings will soon wear a thin mist until the sun rises, and you can almost hear the first leaves tumbling down the street. ‘Tis the season for leg blankets, hot mulled cider, and a good read to savor in stolen, silent moments.
Kyle Troutman: Formative years on the field
I attend sporting events of all types through work, but on Saturday, I attended a volleyball game for a wholly personal reason — my daughter was playing. Youth sports played an incredibly large role in my life from the time I was 3. My dad pushed me into soccer, and I fell in love with it right from the get-go.
