News

County sees 68% turnout
More than 16,000 Barry County voters cast ballots in the Nov. 5 General Election, which carried not only the presidential ticket, but multiple issues and down-ballot races driving turnout.

Purdy schools focus on changing standards
Curriculum overhaul leads to new reading program The Purdy school board heard updates on programs and renewed insurance for the coming year during its October meeting. This is a transitional year at Purdy in light of curriculum changes that followed the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Missouri School Improvement Program 6.
Operation Christmas Child seeking shoeboxes
Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 18-25.

New leadership team named at Cassville Family YMCA
The Cassville Family YMCA has announced a leadership change, aiming to reaffirm its commitment to promoting health and well-being in the community. “With an energized leadership team in place, the YMCA is set to continue its essential role in providing services that support families, youth, and overall community wellness,” said Danielle Wise, vice president of development for the Ozarks Regional YMCA.

Vets honored, crafts shared at Senior Center
Morgan Zinn, a 2024 Exeter graduate who is now in the U.S. Army, sings “Til the Last Shot’s Fired” by Trace Adkins during a Veterans Day luncheon on Friday at the Cassville Senior Center. Zinn also performed the National Anthem, and Gene Robbins also provided music at the event.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like…
Brenda Broughton, who lives in the Roaring River area, puts the finishing touches on a decorative door spray, during a Christmas Open House hosted by Roaring River State Park Saturday morning. Sheila Harris/sheilaharrisads@ gmail.com.
Barry County Council on Aging seeks community support
The Barry County Council on Aging (BCCOA), a vital resource for local seniors, is reaching out to the community for financial support to continue offering essential services to senior citizens in Barry County. According to a Council press release, currently, the council’s programs and resources are funded exclusively by the Barry County Senior Citizens Tax Fund Board.

Purdy Carnival fills halls with fun
Diego Aldaba, 6, of Purdy selects a Blow-Pop with the hope of a larger prize a the Purdy Carnival on Friday. Running the game was Abby Schallert, a Purdy kindergarten teacher, and Aldaba’s mother, Griselda Rivera, provided support. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
News briefs, Nov. 13
The Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano Fire Protection District will host a Open House on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the new Fire Station at 30625 Hwy.

Local legend ‘flies west’
Local legend and former Purdy resident, Retired U.S. Navy Cpt.