News
Get a part in ‘Chickenheart’
The Shell Knob in the Spotlight (SKITS) community theater group has announced auditions for the spring play, “Chickenheart” — a hysterical melodrama set in the medieval era penned by playwright Craig Sodaro and directed locally by Brent Waugh, of Shell Knob. This funny and engaging melodrama requires 14 actors including parts for 10 women and four men who will be portraying interesting, entertaining and even zany characters in an age of chivalry, bravery, nobility, and of course, romance.

Exeter Homecoming candidates announced
The following students at Exeter High School have been nominated to the 2024 Homecoming Court, front row, from left: Kahlan Fuller, freshman; Honesty Hall, sophomore; Karlee Willis, junior; Makenze Shaw, senior; and Hailie Eaton, senior. Back row: Isaac Hunter, freshman; Jax Brock, sophomore; Kason Nelson, junior; Kronikel Lokot, senior; and Josue Alcaraz, senior. The Homecoming game will be on Friday in the Exeter gym. Coronation will be at 5:15 p.m., with the first game immediately following. Contributed photo

Henbest spells way to win
Cassville fifth-grade Jakob Henbest spelled his way to victory in the Intermediate Spelling Bee on Friday.
Barry County Sheriff’s Office calls for service and reports taken, Jan. 31
The Barry County Sheriff's Office responded to 185 calls for service for the week of Jan. 22-28.
News briefs, Jan. 31
The Barry County MU Extension will host its annual meeting and dinner on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Hang, Dutra crowned Homecoming royalty in Wheaton
Zander Dutra, right, Wheaton Homecoming King, crowns Melanie Hang as Homecoming Queen Friday during the coronation at Wheaton High School prior to the contest against Hurley.
Barry County Sheriff’s Office calls for service and reports taken, Jan. 24
The Barry County Sheriff's Office responded to 163 calls for service for the week of Jan. 8-14.

Snow on the go at Roaring River State Park
Numerous deer could be found near the Roaring River Hatchery on Jan. 17, seeking out greens to eat amidst the melting snowfall from to days prior.
Law changes proposed for industrial waste haulers
Proposed Missouri House Bills 1956 and 2134 were the subject of a nearly three-hour hearing before the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 8.

Barry County pens $6.7 million budget for 2024
The Barry County Commission has passed a budget for 2024, fully funding the Barry County Sheriff’s Office to the tune of $4.2 million, a 54 percent increase, and raising county spending by $1.1 million, a 20 percent increase. The Sheriff’s Office in 2023 had an approved budget of $2,739,170, which was paid through general revenue.



