Barry County

Community Voices — Terry Held: Shhh…don’t tell anyone, but…
“The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” — Roald Dahl

Community Voices — Jeremiah Buntin: Camp stories
Back in 1933, a 97-acre camp for girls was opened on the banks of Shoal Creek near the village of Pioneer in north Barry County, west of Purdy, and named Camp Sylvania.

Through the Years, June 17
30 YEARS AGO — HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? Master gardener Evelyn Hardwick and her husband, Lee, spend many hours together working in their garden.

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, June 17
Hi! I’m known now as Delilah, but I started at the Haven as Lady May. I’m a good girl who came back to the Haven because my person had medical issues and could no longer care for me.

Naugle awarded plaque, pin for record bass catch
Danny Naugle, left middle, a Cassville resident and Shell Knob native, was recently presented a plaque for his state record yellow bass catch, a 2-pound, 7-ounce fish measuring 16.5 inches, defeating the previous state record of 9 ounces set by Jessica Murry, of St. Peters, in Match 1995. Naugle caught the fish with a pole and line at about 6 a.m. on May 13 from a dock boat slip in Shell Knob. He had been fishing for about 45 minutes and caught the bass with minnows on a 4-pound line.

Odds defied, season successful
Southwest High School’s track and field team put together a season to remember this spring, highlighted by state qualifiers, a state medalist and multiple school records.

Year in Photos — Cassville softball
Publisher’s note: Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2025-2026 athletics seasons. — KT
Septic neglect stinks — literally
No septic system is designed to last forever, but proper maintenance can greatly extend the life of your septic system. A properly functioning septic system will safely filter dangerous bacteria,…
News Briefs, June 17
The last day to register to vote is July 8 for those who are not current registered voters of Barry County and who wish to vote in the Aug. 4 Primary Election.

Roaring River State Park reviews progress at annual meeting
“Thank my staff members next time you see them out and about,” Roaring River State Park Superintendent Mike Busekrus told the audience during the park’s annual public meeting at the Emory Melton Inn Thursday night.




