News

Opening Day is nothing new to Barry County native Brad Farwell, but his job title of Roaring River Hatchery manager this year is. For the first time officially, he is charged with stocking the 6,000 trout, including 100 lunkers, into the river in preparation for 1,800 anglers visiting the park for a southwest Missouri tradition — Opening Day.

On Feb. 10. Purdy High School held its 2023 Homecoming Coronation. Senior Alli Hayes was crowned Homecoming Queen and Senior Jake Young was crowned Mr. Tip-Off. Having just been named 2023 Mr. Tip-Off, Young is pictured crowning Hayes as Queen. Following the coronation, the Purdy Eagles Boys Basketball team defeated Billings, 52-46.

On Thursday morning, about 15 county and city officials were on hand to break ground on the $17 million jail and sheriff’s office on Old Exeter Road. Another 20 individuals came to witness the event, some of whom will hopefully be working in the new facility by the end of 2024.

Building a new building for the Barry County Health Department had never been on Administrator Roger Brock’s mind before a couple of years ago, but opportunity knocked and the door opened. Funded entirely through the American Rescue Plan Act, the department has now broken ground on a $5 million facility on Old Exeter Road, next to where the new Barry County jail and sheriff’s office are also being constructed.