News

Surrounded by service
Elliot’s upbringing spurs nearly 20 years in Marine Corps, Army Surrounded by so many family and friends who were veterans, Benji Elliot, of Shell Knob, knew early on he wanted to be involved in the military. Elliot was not even out of high school when he put his name on the line for his country, enlisting in 1997, his junior year at Cassville High School, and training monthly in Springfield.
New heating units at County Courthouse
The historic Barry County Courthouse has been updated over the last three weeks, with about 50 new geothermal units being installed at the building. Steve Blankenship, Barry County presiding commissioner, said bids were put out for the project last summer, and the total cost is about $300,000.
Tumble on by SKITS’ fall play
The Shell Knob in The Spotlight (SKITS) community theater actors group are working arduously putting the finishing touches on their respective roles for the comedy “Trouble-In-Tumbleweed.” The play will be on stage Nov. 17-19 at the Central Community United Methodist Church in Shell Knob.

Renick celebrates a century
Former Shell Knob resident Freda Renick, of Lee's Summit, turned 100 years old on Nov. 4.

Mr. Clean wins Halloween!
Brice Stehlik, as Mr. Clean, won the Halloween costume contest at H&H Pool Hall. Kyle Troutman/[email protected]
Arrest made after Exeter wreck
Three people were injured and the driver arrested following a single- vehicle wreck at 3:50 p.m. on Friday, two miles west of Exeter.
Mercy Cassville earns national recognition
Mercy Hospital Cassville has earned a national recognition, named a 2023 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Mercy Cassville is one of only four hospitals in the state to receive the recognition.
Stake presidency changes
Recently, the Monett Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had a change in its stake presidency. Although the name “Monett” might give a false idea that the Monett Stake only comprises the town of Monett, the stake reaches as far north as Cedar County, as far south as the Arkansas border, just shy of Billings on the east and some places near the Kansas border on the west.

Indoor events well-attended on chilling Halloween night
At Emmanuel Baptist Church in Cassville, Freya England, 5, of Cassville, enjoyed the singing skeletons set up at the Oct. 31 trunk or treat in the building. Kyle Troutman/ [email protected]
News briefs, Nov. 8
Cassville High School will host its 35th annual Veterans Day assembly on Friday at 9 a.m. in the high school gymnasium.




