News

Annual festival keeps Shell Knob Shakin’
Will Kalkoske, 5, of Shell Knob, emerges from the blow-up maze at Shakin’ in the Shell on Saturday. The attraction was one of many at the annual event, held at the park on Needles Eye Road in Shell Knob.

Det. Henry moves to ministry
Barry County Sheriff’s Office Det. Doug Henry said when he told his parents in 1997 he was going into the police academy, they looked at him like he was crazy.
SLUDGE drops lawsuit against DNR
On Sept. 9, the citizens’ group SLUDGE, LLC (Stop Land Use Damaging Our Ground and Environment) voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Freedom Bank announces leadership transition
Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri has announced a significant leadership transition to take effect Jan. 1, 2025, moving two individuals into new roles, one of which is based in Cassville.
Mercy to end Anthem contracts
After months of negotiation with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Mercy has provided written notice to end its contracts with Anthem in the state of Missouri. These contracts include all commercial, Medicare Advantage, Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, managed Medicaid plans (Healthy Blue) and HealthLink (which falls under the Anthem BCBS umbrella).

Tomblin’s celebrates 60th Anniversary
Mattie Hurt, a fourth-generation employee of Tomblin’s Jewelry, curls ribbon on a gift while working during Tomblin’s 60th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, where visitors could take advantage of deals and win door prizes.
Aurora man arrested after crash
An Aurora man was injured and subsequently arrested following a wreck at 12:15 p.m. Friday on Farm Road 1065, five miles east of Purdy.
Campground 3 improvements progressing at Roaring River State Park
Roaring River concessions to stay open year-round Roaring River State Park superintendent Mike Busekrus said the construction work at Campground 3 continues on schedule, with concrete work due to be completed this week. “The new sites will have lots of room to spread out,” Busekrus said on a video he recently posted to the park’s Facebook page.

Emergency vehicles explored!
Hadley Veith, left, 4, of Purdy, excitedly receives a temporary tattoo from Jenna Crim after having her face painted during the Community Care Coalition and Cassville Branch Library’s 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck event on Thursday. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Elderberries, seed-saving, Japanese Maples topics at Master Gardeners’ event
Barry County Master Gardeners will host their annual fall garden workshop on Sept. 21 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, located at 602 West St. in Cassville Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:20 a.m. The workshop will feature local venders, plants for sale, door prizes, and food and refreshments. There will also be three presenters with interesting topics.