Lifestyle
Through the Years, Feb. 25
30 YEARS AGO —A LOT OF STOCKING GOING ON: The hatchery staff at Roaring River State Park is busy stocking the stream with trout in preparation for Friday's opener. In the photo above, Hatchery Manager Jerry Dean, on the left, and Assistant Hatchery Manager Tom Whelan are shown stocking one of the main fishing holes along the stream. Dean said his crews would stock at least 5,500 12-inch rainbow trout and 25 lunkers. He estimates that there are approximately 1,900 14-inch trout and 113 lunkers left in the stream from the winter catch and release program. Based on these numbers, fishermen can expect about 228 fish in each of Roaring River's 33 fishing holes. Over 2,500 anglers are expected streamside on March 1. Cassville Democrat file photo
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 25
Have you ever seen such an adorable face? Temperance is a shepherd mix with an estimated date of birth of Sept. 15, 2025.
Through the Years, Feb. 18
30 YEARS AGO — GREENWAY UNDERWAY — The Greenway project is underway along the shores of Flat Creek in Cassville. Les Chapman and Donnie Shelley of Chapman Construction Company prepare a portion of the trail for concrete.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 18
Tatum is a small mixed breed. Her date of birth is Jan. 21, 2025. She weighs 25 pounds. She gives snuggles and loves.
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.
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.
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.
Through the Years, Feb. 4
30 YEARS AGO: EXETER COWGIRL FINISHED SHOW YEAR WITH TOP HONORS — Kacy Harper, Exeter, finished the 1995 Sho-Me Horse Association show year with honors for herself and her three horses. Ma Solid Rock, pictured on the left, is a grand champion in walkin and a reserve champion in western pleasure. PoCo, middle, finished with a third in barrels and poles. Kacy's pony, Ms. Cherry Ann, finished the year as high point pony, capturing first place in walk-trot, western pleasure, barrels and poles. Kacy is the 9-year-old daughter of Jerry and Sue Harper. She is a member of Barry County E-Z Riders.
