News
Cassville officer commended for catching 3 escapees
A Cassville police officer has received a “Letter of Commendation” for his efforts in capturing three escapees from the Barry County jail on June 1. According to the letter, when Officer Devin McCormack was notified of the seven inmates escaping the jail, he responded immediately to the area, locating a possible escapee on foot and giving chase in his patrol vehicle.
The Backstory: Skip White — The downing of Flight 11
Continental Airlines Flight 11 didn’t make it to Kansas City the night of May 22, 1962. Just 19 minutes away from its scheduled 9:36 p.m.
Opera one week, mad science the next
William Volmar, left, as Alidoro, performs alongside Even Johnson, as Cinderella, at the Opera in the Ozarks production of “Cinderella” on June 8 in Cassville as part of the Cassville Branch Library’s Summer Reading Program.
News briefs, June 21
The Lawrence and Barry County Democrats and all interested area friends will meet on Thursday at the Angus Branch Steakhouse, located located at 114 Chapel Drive in Monett. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.
Bustin’, ropin’, jokin’ at Rotary Rodeo
Knox Wecker holds on with one hand and braces himself with the other en route to an 83-point ride and first-place finish in the mutton bustin’ competition at the Cassville Rotary Rodeo on June 2.
Cybercrimes investigator shelves badge
Since 2006, Brian Martin has investigated and imprisoned local, state, national and international criminals whose crimes are considered the worst of the worst, but some of the least visible. A member of the SWMO Cyber Crime Task Force, Martin’s law enforcement career began in Barry County in 1984 as a part-time deputy, mostly transporting prisoners.
Local woman fighting ‘Flesh-eating disease’
A 27-year-old woman from Cassville is being treated in a Springfield hospital for what doctors think may be necrotizing fasciitis, or “flesh-eating disease.” According to the woman, whose name is being withheld due to HIPAA, her treatment, so far, has involved multiple intravenous antibiotics and surgery to remove infected and dead tissue from her leg. Lab cultures to pinpoint the type of bacteria that invaded the subcutaneous tissue in her leg have so far been inconclusive, she said.
‘Sirens’ taking the stage
A nautical adventure is set to take the stage in Cassville this week, as the Cassville Arts Council is performing its third play, “Sirens.” Trent Oliphant, Council Board member alongside Mary Richmiller and Lee Allphin, said the play is one he saw his daughter perform in when helping her move back to the Cassville area. Written by Levi Taylor, the musical begins with a shipwreck, and the ship is surrounded by mythical creatures — sirens.
Konya blasts off at Jenkins Quarry
Mining Company buys quarry, hires local graduate The new owner of the Jenkins Quarry brings a world of blasting experience. Anthony Konya, owner of Konya Mining Company, has purchased the property off Highway 248 in Jenkins and has big plans to level the facility, update equipment and provide greater service to the Barry County area and beyond.
Dr. Flake retires from Mercy
May 31 was the last day Barry and surrounding counties have had the privilege of having Dr. William “Bill” Flake providing compassionate care to the community, a press release from Mercy Hospital said. Flake is retiring after more than 15 years of service as a general surgeon at Mercy Cassville, previously know as South Barry County.
