News
Cassville receives APR score
District scores 76.9 percent is in first year of new accountability model The Cassville school district has received its Annual Performance Review score, which officials say looks different this year with the implementation of a new accountability model. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has an accountability model for school districts called the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP).
State fertilizer inspector speaks out
MoFCB does not test Denali, Synagro wastewater residuals Jerry Ennis, of Exeter, the lead fertilizer inspector for the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board (MoFCB), called the Cassville Democrat last week “to set the record straight” regarding the testing of wastewater residuals (permitted as fertilizer) being land-applied by Denali and Synagro in southwest Missouri. “I want everybody to know [state fertilizer inspectors] aren’t the bad guys,” he said.
Man charged for Michael’s Burglary
A Cassville man is facing four felony charges after allegedly burglarizing more than $8,000 in merchandise from Michael’s Hardware on March 3. Aaron Miller, 42, of Cassville, is charged with second-degree burglary, felony stealing, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Denali runoff incident detailed
Petition being formed to gain state’s attention On March 9, Denali Water Solutions — via a telephone call and statement from communications director Samuel Liebl — disclosed an incident involving runoff from land-applied food-processing residuals by a Denali subcontractor occurred in McDonald County on March 1. “The residuals ran down a hillside,” Liebl said in an emailed statement.
News briefs
Screening for children entering preschool or kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year in the Wheaton school district is scheduled for March 22-24 and April 4-6 in the cafeteria of the Elementary Building. Any child who will be 3 (for Preschool) or 5 (for Kindergarten) by July 31 and is planning on enrolling in either class, must be screened before starting school.
Roaring River State Park hosts Birding Boot Camp
Whether a seasoned birder or a complete novice who can’t tell a blue jay from a cardinal, Birding Boot Camp has room. Join team members at Roaring River State Park for a Birding Boot Camp from 9 a.m.
Committee to assess police department
City of Cassville aims to be competitive in law enforcement hiring A new committee has been formed by the City of Cassville to address the police department’s staffing and competitiveness when it comes to hiring. The Police Department Efficiency Committee includes Alderman Mike Phillips, Alderwoman Taylor Weaver, Finance Officer Isaac Peterson, City Administrator Steve Walensky, Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr and consultant Mike Lawton, who has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience.

Wastewater work to begin
County Farm, 10th, 11th, Meadowbrook to see most improvements After years of preparation, a major overhaul of Cassville’s sanitary sewer system is set to replace two miles of pipe and repair three miles of pipe, accounting for more than 15 percent of the system. With an expected price tag of $5 million, the goal is to replace or rehabilitate old pipe and manholes that let stormwater runoff into the system.

‘Veteran Crew’ ready to fight fires in forest
The Mark Twain National Forest has established a Veteran Crew based out of Cassville, the third of its kind in the nation consisting of prior military service members. These veterans have acquired skills in their previous careers that will benefit the crew as they perform their new duties.