Barry County

Roaring River concessions to be open year-round

Along with the welcome news that storm sirens are scheduled for installation in the campgrounds and near the lodge, attendees at Roaring River State Park’s annual public meeting on June 6 learned that concessions at the park will be open year-round, including the park store, the restaurant and lodging. The concessions are now operated by ExploreUS, a national company that submitted the winning bid after previous concessionaires, Jim and Carmen Rogers, declined to apply for a new contract.
Read MoreRoaring River concessions to be open year-round

Through the Years, June 19

50 YEARS AGO: THERE’S DOLLARS IN THOSE SWATHS — This business end view of a combine in action on the Keen farm near Exeter is typical of action these days in Barry County as farmers harvest a valuable fescue seed crop. Operator of the machine is Bob Lauderdale. Worth Keen, co-owner of the operation, speculates this year’s crop on this land is about usual, since recommended fertilizer and grass care was followed in pre-season programs.
Read MoreThrough the Years, June 19

Roaring River State Park buffeted by May 26 windstorm

While most residents in Cassville were caught by surprise by the overnight May 26 windstorm that swept through town, personnel at Roaring River State Park were forewarned, said Interim Superintendent Mike Busekrus. The wee hours of Sunday, May 26, could be considered a trial by fire for Busekrus, who took up the reins of park management in March after the superintendent position was vacated by Melinda Kitchens.
Read MoreRoaring River State Park buffeted by May 26 windstorm

James Morgan: Sheriff Questionnaire 1 (Law Enforcement)

The best way to address the drug problem in Barry County will be to create a narcotics unit. Many of Barry County’s crimes are committed because of the drug epidemic. Right now, meth and fentanyl are running rampant through many of our communities and have gone unchecked for far too long. If elected I would immediately begin working to create a selfsufficient narcotics unit. I will look at adding canine teams to our department to help deter drug trafficking into and around Barry County. I would like to have quarterly meeting with surrounding law enforcement agencies to discuss criminal investigations, new trends in criminal behaviors and to build strong working relationships with all Barry County law enforcement to not only stop the drug problem but to stop the thefts in our county too.
Read MoreJames Morgan: Sheriff Questionnaire 1 (Law Enforcement)

RECOVERVILLE SERIES: Locals recovering after trees damage homes, property

Locals recovering after trees damage homes, property Cassville resident Morgan Williams says she was never afraid of storms before, but that changed after the May 26 windstorm that snuck up on Cassville residents in the wee hours of the morning. Williams, her husband Trevor, and the couple’s two teenage sons — who live in the Sherwood Forest addition on the north side of Cassville — were asleep when the storm rolled into town around 3 a.m.
Read MoreRECOVERVILLE SERIES: Locals recovering after trees damage homes, property