News
Community engagement plan finalized
The Cassville school district has finalized its Community Engagement Plan, a new post-COVID requirement by the state aiming to help school boards maintain open communication with the public. Merlyn Johnson, Cassville superintendent, said during the COVID-19 pandemic, some districts had struggled with individuals coming to meetings hoping to speak to the board even though they were not on the agenda.

Trees damaged in recent storms
A storm sporting straight line winds caused tree damage to properties along Highway 90, west of Washburn, Wednesday night. Without electricity after the storm passed, James and Cindy Huggins were sitting on their covered front porch when the century-old oak tree near their house split and landed atop their pickup. Josh Corn, of Treesout Express, was on site the next morning and said he anticipated having the entire tree removed by the following day.

Dry Hollow wet again!
After being dry for several months, the channel below the Dry Hollow bridge in Roaring River State Park is flowing again, albeit with muddy water, after several inches of rain were received over the weekend in the Cassville and Washburn areas. Carl Bonnell, Deputy Regional Director of the Ozarks Region of State Parks, onsite at Roaring River State Park Monday morning, said his team did a great job in alerting campers to the possibility of flooding overnight Sunday night. "We let people know that the National Weather Service had issued a flood watch, and to be prepared to evacuate if necessary," Bonnell said. "Luckily, we got off easier than we might have, and the storms moved out without the river overflowing its banks." Bonnell said the river crested at about 1.6 feet above its normal flow, and was down to a little over one foot above by Monday morning. "We're in good shape down here," he said.

1,000 pounds of local produce
The Harvest Community Garden in Shell Knob may see its largest crop yet this year, as Director Betty Ragland said she thinks the garden may top 1,000 pounds of produce. In its seventh year, the Harvest Community Garden is a volunteer-run half-acre plot behind the United Methodist Church in Shell Knob, and all the produce harvested stays local.

Depot Diner: Created for community
As a senior project manager for independent retirement communities across the United States, Chuck Leininger knows well that people — of retirement age or otherwise — need a place to gather for meals. With his someday-retirement in mind, several years ago, Leininger and his wife Carol, residents of Lincoln, Neb., purchased a house and property near Table Rock Airport, near Golden.
News briefs, Aug. 16
Parents and guardians of Cassville school district students may find important back-to-school information at https://tinyurl.com/3nt5uapj. Included is information on returning to classes, enrollment, food service information, Stop, Drop and Go information and more.

Truck and Tractor pull benefits local resident
Mike Stephens, of Wheaton, lifted the front wheels on his 8006 Deutz for just a moment before pulling his way to third place in the stock tractor series on Saturday.

New pickleball courts open for play at Cassville City Park
Brad Popanz, of Cassville, reaches to spike a ball at the new pickleball courts at the Cassville City Park. The courts, which opened Thursday, cost the city a total of $148,820.83, with the Cassville Community Foundation chipping in $54,000.

5th Annual Depot Auto Show set for Aug. 12
The 5th Annual Depot-Exeter Auto Show will take place on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Front Street in Exeter. This event is organized by Phillips Phabworks and CS Photography and sponsored by several area businesses. Participants can expect free vehicle registration and entry, live music, a coloring station for children, free watermelon provided by Security Bank, food trucks and local vendors. Seven custom trophies by 4-J Welding & Fabrication and Super C Media Blasting & Powder Coating will be awarded at the end of the show. Contributed photo
2 incidents on Table Rock lake
Two incidents occurred on back to back days on Table Rock Lake in late July, with one man injured after striking a dock with his boat and another nearly drowning at Eagle Rock Swim Beach. According to reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, on July 28 at 12:01 a.m., Donald Brown, 76, of Diamond, was traveling in a 2008 Ranger Bass Boat southbound in Owl Creek near Point 25, three miles west of Golden, when he failed to see a boat dock in the darkness and struck it.




