Coronavirus News

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) attempted to head off and answer a plethora of question by issuing an email to the member schools superintendents, principals, athletic directors, coaches and officials on Wednesday. The memo said MSHSAA will hold off making an official determination for spring sports and scholar bowl season, and that they are taking a wait-and-see approach...

Despite the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, professional health care providers have been continuing to see patients at both the CoxHealth and Mercy clinics in Monett as usual, though some changes are expected in the coming weeks. During a news briefing on Thursday, Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth, said clinics were running “at full speed.” Staffing levels have been normal, but were likely to decline as a greater emphasis is placed on taking advantage of Cox’s telemedicine services.. ...

The economy on a local level is not exempt from issues created by COVID-19 (coronavirus). In the bi-county area, people have seen businesses closed down completely or change their operating status to curbside, and some have decided to push through the pandemic...

Education is still moving forward, even if COVID-19 (coronavirus) has slowed the rest of the world. Administrators at Pierce City’s Central Elementary School are looking into the possibility of replacing the elementary reading curriculum. “Emily [Scott, elementary principal], is looking into three new curriculums,” said Kelli Alumbaugh, superintendent of schools. ...

The last time that I addressed the public, we had no cases of COVID-19 reported in the Barry and Lawrence counties, but now, we have one in Barry County. By the time this hits the streets, that status could change as this virus delivers us new statistics daily...

As the United States faces the worst public health crisis in a generation, we want you to know we are here for you — and with you. Whatever happens, whenever it happens, your newspaper will be there for you. We’ll be there to let you know how our community is managing through this crisis — from business to government to the health care system and schools to the drastic impact on individuals and families...

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, schools have closed their doors, and many businesses have cut employee hours or shifts altogether in order to help fight the spread of the virus. As a consequence of families spending more time at home, another pandemic is on the rise — food insecurity.

While the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has impacted even agriculture markets, cattlemen have been impacted in other ways, but not through the closing of the livestock yards. Eldon Cole, livestock specialist for the University of Missouri Extension, said the Joplin Livestock Yard was open for business on March 25. The Springfield Stockyard was also open, but with the restrictions on gatherings of 10 people or less, conditions were more difficult...

Even in a time of crisis, Americans know how to get most of their basic needs met. During this COVID-19 pandemic, local eateries are helping out by making sure people have access to their favorite comfort foods. In Monett, those who have a hankerin’ for a fajita plate or some carne asada can relax and know Acambaro is open for carry-out through the drive through window or free delivery, Mexico 2000 offers drive through service and La Michoacana offers carry-out and meat purchases only...

Communities standing together during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak are essential to beating the unforeseen consequences of the event. At this time, many families are left without paychecks, or limited income, people at risk are isolated from the public, and being there for each other can show immense strength...

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. on April 13 at the American Legion Building, located at 717 E. Broadway in Monett. “So many drives have canceled, and Red Cross is at a severe shortage and we need to have our drive,” said Donna Beckett, event organizer. “Red Cross will be observing all the rules necessary and safe distance protocols. Beds will be spaced apart as well as the waiting areas.”...

Several Pierce City residents took the opportunity Friday morning to get some exercise at the high school track.

The location, age and gender of the person in Barry County who tested positive for COVIDS-19 (coronavirus) will be withheld to protect the person's identity. Barry County Health Department, as part of the disease investigation, will determine and notify any close contacts with the individual...

Churches in the Monett area are finding different ways to respond to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions on gatherings, some exploring entirely new outreaches. Churches broadcasting Sunday services on commercial radio stations include First United Methodist Church of Monett (the 11 a.m. service) and Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt (10 a.m.), both on KKBL (95.9 FM); and Spanish services from San Lorenzo Misa Católica (9 a.m.) and Iglesias El Mesias (10 a.m.) on KQMO (97.7 FM)...

The Barry County Health Department has reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Barry County. The case was community acquired, meaning the person has not traveled any COVID-19 hotspots domestic or internationally. To protect to privacy of the individual and their family we will not release individually identifiable details. The individual is quarantined at home and being monitored closely by the Barry County Health Department...

Cox Monett Hospital has been working to be prepared in the event COVID-19 (coronavirus) becomes more prevalent locally. As of Friday morning, there were more than 500 cases of coronavirus statewide, but none in Barry or Lawrence counties. However, almost all adjacent counties have at least one case...

Ongoing operations for food manufacturers, such as Tyson Foods in Monett, have proven more complicated in the midst of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, but have continued on schedule. According to Morgan Watchous, communications manager for Tyson Foods in Springdale, Ark., Tyson operations fit under the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers list issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Workers are deemed essential to continuation of the food and health supply chain...

Plans continue to take shape for a free daycare service to help families of emergency services and medical personnel, available through the Monett school district. Monett School Superintendent Russ Moreland unveiled the plan at the March school board meeting...

Due to the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus), schools in the Barry and Lawrence county area have decided to extend their wellness breaks through April 24. Russ Moreland, Monett superintendent, said the decision was a collaborative one among superintendents of schools in Barry, Lawrence, Newton and McDonald counties...

The ongoing crisis of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) has started to impact local businesses, even though there are no confirmed cases in Lawrence or Barry counties at this time. Sabrina Presley, owner of The Tangled Spur in Pierce City, closed her shop’s doors temporarily last week, as other business owners consider doing the same...

Life360 Community Services is stepping in to provide food for Monett school children on Friday, March 20, while the school district is officially on school break.

The Barry County Commission and the Barry County Health Department have each made an emergency declaration, aiming to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) with multiple cases in adjacent counties, as well as prepare for the need for any state or federal assistance...

About 25-30 school district leaders in Barry, Lawrence and Newton counties met via conference call Wednesday morning to review their responses to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Richard Asbill, Cassville superintendent, said due to Greene and Christian county schools extending their wellness breaks through April 24, local districts are reevaluating...

Local school districts on wellness break through April 3 do not have students in the buildings, and they are limiting the number of staff on-site, as well. Russ Moreland, Monett superintendent, said for now, building offices are taking calls from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with administration and assistants reporting...

The Monett school district will launch a number of unprecedented initiatives in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic that has closed school at least into April. During Thursday's meeting of the school board, Superintendent Russ Moreland reported teachers were gearing up to provide education services for the coming months, even if classes do not resume. ...

During the wellness break, the Monett school district is offering its devices to students to be used at home for access to educational resources. Student device pick-up is on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Device pick-up will be handled in a drive-thru format to help with the effectiveness of distribution...

Out of an abundance of caution and in reaction to the presence of COVID-19 in Missouri, Missouri State Parks will temporarily close all campgrounds and lodging through April 30. This includes campgrounds, park-run lodging and concessionaire-run lodging. Missouri State Parks will remain open to the public, including day-use areas, boat ramps and trails...

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health threat, the city of Monett has adopted a new temporary policy relating to small businesses and utility disconnects. “We understand that we will have a number of our local businesses making difficult choices in the coming days, weeks and months,” said Dennis Pyle, city administrator. ...

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, beginning on Monday, CoxHealth will only be allowing hospital patient visits in the following areas: End-of-life care: The patient’s clinical team can make exceptions at their discretion. ICUs: No visitors except end-of-life care...

A public service announcement from the Barry County Health Department, Barry County Emergency Management and local media

CoxHealth will begin offering two weeks of paid time off to employees when unable to work due to COVID-19 confirmation or exposure. “We made this decision for the benefit of our employees who may be affected by COVID-19, as we want to support them in this time of uncertainty and we feel it’s the right thing to do,” said Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth...

Restrictions on activity continue to tighten as the response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic broadens. On Thursday morning, the Lawrence County Commission issued a restriction that all gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people. Barry County Emergency Management Director David Compton said Barry County is sticking to its limit of 50. Without any cases in the county, Compton said social distancing should address most concerns without further impacting commerce...

Utilities are taking new steps to respond to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, as municipalities and local cooperatives gear up for increasing complications. At the Thursday Monett City Council meeting, the Monett City Council passed a new ordinance halting a disconnection of utility services for the next three months (April, May and June)...

A story by the Kirksville Daily Express published on Tuesday says there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Cassville. David Compton, Barry County Emergency Management director, said there is still no confirmed case of coronavirus in Barry County...

In times of crisis, Mr. Fred Rogers always quoted his mother’s advice, “Look for the helpers.” That adage remains true today. A group of volunteers comprised of retired emergency response and public works employees, Galen Hall, Mae Kennedy and Glo Abramovitz, have formed a group to assist the elderly, ill, those with young children and those otherwise homebound navigate the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic...

Over the weekend, Walmart stores nationwide adjusted operating hours to help make it easier for associates to stock and perform enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. Additional steps have now been announce, beginning today (Thursday). Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours. This will further help associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store...

Monett Police Chief George Daoud has announced some changes in operational strategies while the community rides out the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Daoud indicated the following changes are temporary, and not a complete list of changes employed by officers...

In an effort to practice social distancing while also maintaining time sensitive clinical services, all screening mammograms at CoxHealth will be postponed for 30 days, starting Thursday. The change only involves screening mammograms. Non-screening breast exams such as diagnostic mammograms, follow-up appointments and biopsies, will continue as scheduled and ordered...

VA has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for Veterans in the face of this emerging health risk. It is working directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners to monitor the outbreak of the virus...

Pierce City students can take part in enrichment learning activities during their extended wellness break, as well as borrowing mobile hot spots to do their assignments if they do not have an internet connection at home. Counselors will be on hand to answer any calls from students concerning scholarship application forms, rankings and dual credit courses...

On Monday, major retailers were running short of personal hygiene supplies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in more than 100 deaths in the United States thus far.

As a result of concerns surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus), municipal elections statewide have been postponed to June 2. “Given the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 and the large number of people elections attract, postponing Missouri’s municipal elections is a necessary step to help combat the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of Missouri voters,” said Missouri Gov. ...

The Barry County Office of Emergency Management has released a trove of information regarding its preparations for dealing with COVID-19 (coronavirus) and how people can help avoid an outbreak locally. David Compton said as of Tuesday morning, there are no cases of coronavirus in the county. ...

The Monett school district has announced free breakfast and lunch will be available at the Monett Intermediate/Middle School FEMA shelter cafeteria on Ninth Street between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. Adult meals will be available at a cost of $1.65 for breakfast and $2.60 for lunch. Only cash payments will be accepted...

This week was supposed to be the first full week of spring sports being contested, but that came to a screeching halt late Monday with the Missouri State High School Activities Association issuing a directive regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak...

CoxHealth is instituting a higher level of visitor restriction due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Effective today, these changes include a simple screening process. Visitors will be asked to enter at designated locations where a fever and symptom check will occur...

Coaches are fond of telling players to controls the things they can control, and do not worry about what they cannot control. Now, it is time for them to practice what they preach. Every school in the bi-county region has dismissed classes through April 3 due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak...

As CoxHealth prepares to serve patients diagnosed with COVID-19, the health system has made the decision to evaluate and potentially postpone some elective surgical procedures that are not urgent. In this case, elective procedures may encompass any procedure that is not an emergency. ...

Intense meetings have been underway from schools to businesses and service providers in light of the changing responses to the coronavirus outbreak. The ripple effect from the closing of public schools, beginning Monday, has impacted the operations of many service providers...

Barry and Lawrence county school districts have coordinated to postpone classes and extracurricular activities until April 3, citing concerns about coronavirus. After today (Monday), Monett, Cassville, Shell Knob, Exeter...

Walmart stores normally open 24 hours per day are changing their hours due to coronavirus concerns. Effective now, Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. “This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing,” a press release said. ...

CoxHealth will begin offering free Virtual Visits to people in southwest Missouri experiencing suspected symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) today. To be evaluated, individuals should simply use code COVID when beginning a Virtual Visit. This service is available to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough and respiratory distress...

Reports around Monett and surrounding communities on Friday documented panic shopping on Friday, spawned by concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus. David Compton, Barry County emergency management director, said the wild shopping sprees witnessed at local stores is unjustified in light of this specific health concern...

The general response locally to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) changed this week, as the first major cancellation of an event took place in Monett. Nursing homes and Cox Monett Hospital also implemented different protocols in response to a directive from the Greene County health care community, the Coronavirus Task Force and a detailed guide issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services...