law enforcement
Exeter man charged with attempted statutory sodomy
An Exeter man is facing two felony charges in Polk County after allegedly attempting to meet with a fictitious underage person to engage in sexual acts.
Second arrest made in sex crimes case
A second person has been arrested and charged following an alleged incident where a victim was restrained and sexually assaulted. Bailey Seely, 28, of Verona, is charged with second-degree sodomy.
Sheriff: ‘We’re fully staffed’
Following an election year with a new jail under construction, Sheriff Danny Boyd said his Office is hitting the ground running in 2025. Staving off challengers in a four-candidate race — ultimately winning the August Primary Election by 48 votes among more than 6,000 after a hand and machine recount — Boyd said for the next four years in office, transparency and increasing service are his key goals.
Arrive Alive Tour coming to Cassville
Driving, texting simulator to be set up Feb. 10-11 UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour is the nation’s number- one ranked drunk and distracted driving awareness event, as well as the first-and-only marijuana driving simulator in the country.
Purdy man charged with rape
A Purdy man is facing three felony charges after allegedly restraining and molesting a victim in Barry County. Jesi Owen, born 1989, of Purdy, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.
Man charged for car theft
A Fulton man has been arrested and charged with a felony after allegedly stealing a vehicle from a victim in Barry County, a crime for which he is on probation for a previous conviction. Richard Burwell, born 1993, of Fulton, is charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.

Local law enforcement takes oath
At the Barry County Judicial Center on Dec. 31, 2024, Barry County Sheriff’s Office deputies, officers with the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team and police officers from Monett, Cassville, Purdy and Wheaton recited their oaths for the coming year, led by Barry County Circuit Clerk Craig Williams. Contributed photo
Man charged after chase into McDonald County
An Aurora man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing authorities for nearly 30 minutes into McDonald County. Cody Lowe, born 1990, of Aurora, is charged with felony resisting arrest.
Man charged for chase on Hwy. 37
An Exeter man is facing a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge following an alleged high-speed chase on Highway 37 in Barry County. Cody Priest, born 1989, of Exeter, is charged with felony fleeing and misdemeanor failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Jail features lauded at ribbon cutting
Barry County Sheriff Danny Boyd cuts the ribbon for the new Barry County Jail on Dec. 4. Boyd said he aims to have the jail operational by the last week of December.