News

22 perform in Fall Piano Recital
Ruth Burnside, Purdy piano instructor, had 22 of her pupils perform at the Fall Piano Recital, held on Sept. 24 at Countryside Christian Church in Monett. The older students played several classical pieces, and a crowd of about 50 attended the recital.

News briefs, Oct. 18
Dawson Reeves, baby boy of Montana and Esther Reeves, was born on Aug. 31 with HLHS (Hypoplastic left heart syndrome).
Hall Theatre near condemnation
The city of Cassville has been denied Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program Phase II funding, lurching the Hall Theatre saga into new territory where condemnation and demolition are next on the cards. Steve Walensky, Cassville city administrator, said the Brownfields Phase I study determined there were not enough contaminants in the basement of the Theatre and surrounding soil to warrant funding for removal.
Follow the chili road!
Area residents can click their heels and follow the yellow brick road to vote for their favorite chilis and salsas this year at the “Wizard of Oz”-themed Chili and Salsa Cook-Off. Morgan Williamson, Cassville area Chamber of Commerce director, said the annual event, which has been on the Cassville downtown square for more than 30 years, has nine chili and three salsa competitors signed up so far, with the deadline to reserve a chili booth today (Wednesday).

Cassville Class of 1973 celebrates 50th reunion on Oct. 7
The Cassville class of 1973 met for their 50th class reunion recently, visiting at the American Legion Building on Oct. 7 with a catered dinner after many attended the Cassville Homecoming football game on Oct. 6.

Timeline of KISS (Keep It Super Simple) Rebreathers dive team’s exploration of Roaring River Spring Cave
May 8, 2021: After receiving a permit for scientific exploration from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks, KISS divers began their first monthly, weekend exploration of Roaring River Spring. Water flow was too great to permit passage through a restriction that exists in the cave at a depth of 225’.

Unexpected sources of support
Purdy woman uses grandmother’s, husband’s experiences in cancer fight According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation one in eight women will in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Misty Lane, 50 of Purdy, was one.
Area fugitive arrested in Cassville
A Cassville man has been arrested by Barry County Sheriff’s Office deputies for charges in McDonald County, including attempted murder. David Watkins, 40, of Cassville, is charged in McDonald County with first-degree assault (equal to attempted murder) and armed criminal action.

Olden times enlivened at Frontier Days
Nyls Sarratt, 5, of Rogers, Ark., spins the rope-making machine, making a length of rope with the help of Michael Schreiner, of Cassville. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Roaring River playground on the rise
A new playground is under construction at Roaring River State Park, courtesy in part to a grant from the Cassville Community Foundation. The total price tag for the project was $35,000, according to Carl Bonnell, Missouri State Parks Ozarks Region deputy director. “We just received the playground equipment a couple of weeks ago,” he said. Bonnell said, in addition to assembling and situating the new playground features, much work will need to be done on the site, including the placement of borders and cushioning materials. Bonnell anticipates that the project will be completed in advance of the March 1, 2024, opening of catch-and-keep trout season.