News

Windstorm causes widespread damage in Barry County
A severe thunderstorm in the early morning hours Sunday caused widespread damage to trees and power lines in Barry County, with the city of Cassville and Eagle Rock and Shell Knob areas bearing the brunt of the damage.

Cassville Democrat office damaged by storm
Multiple ceiling tiles lasy on the sopping wet floor at the Cassville
Democrat office building on Sunday. Due to the water damage
caused by wind damage to the roof, the Democrat office will be
closed until further notice. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
County Jail closing June 1
As of June 1, the Barry County jail will be empty. Due to plumbing issues in the aging building, Sheriff Danny Boyd said inmates will be transported and held in surrounding counties until the new Barry County jail, currently under construction, is move-in ready on Oct. 1.
Cassville woman charged with sex crimes
A Cassville woman has been arrested after being charged with three felonies relating to alleged sex crimes. Makensie Koehler, 32, of Cassville, is charged with first-degree child molestation, possession of child pornography and incest.
Purdy police seeking info on home invasion
No immediate threat to community from April incident The Purdy Police department is seeking information regarding a home invasion where one person was injured and two others assaulted. Jackie Lowe, Purdy police chief, said on April 20 at around 11:20 p.m., an officer responded to a reported home invasion at 401 N.
Sales tax income surges in May
For second year, Cassville’s general fund rises by $34,000 After several months of flat or declining sales tax disbursements, May provided the traditional shot in the arm to local city…

Ellis named special services director at Cassville schools
The Cassville Board of Education has selected Kendale Ellis to serve as the director of special services for the Cassville School District, effective July 1. This news comes after the current special services director, Mrs.

Denali’s Gideon basin deemed unfit
The integrity of Denali Water Solution’s Gideon storage basin in McDonald County has been compromised. Heather Peters, with the Water Pollution Section of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said her department investigated the condition of the basin after an area resident reported that the basin’s liner appeared to have floated to the surface.
Community Care Coalition takes shape
In a strategic move to adapt to the evolving landscape of community services, the former affiliate of Imagination Library, Barry County has rebranded itself as the Community Care Coalition, Barry County. The transition began amid the statewide rollout of the Imagination Library program by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Shelter Scholarship goes to Chappell
The Shelter Insurance Foundation has awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Avery Chappell!, a graduate of Cassville High School. Shelter Agent Terri Lynn DeGraffenreid Brattin sponsors and partially funds this scholarship.