Photo Gallery archive

The Class of 2019 graduated from Purdy High School on May 12 in the school gym.

Monett High School held commencement exercises for the Class of 2019 on May 10 in the high school gym.

The 11th annual Pierce City Arts Festival and 5K Fun Run was held on May 4 at Jolly Mill Park, southwest of Monett.

The Verona High School Class of 2019 graduated on Friday, May 3, at the school gym.

Monett High School held its prom on May 4 at the Monett City Park Casino, using the theme "A Night Under The Stars."

Filipino-American nurses and friends serenade Missouri Veterans with Christmas carols on Dec. 23, 2018

Many Monett area churches held Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24, 2018. Here are views from St. Steven's Episcopal, First Baptist, First Christian and First United Methodist churches in Monett, Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt, and Midnight Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City.

The Purdy community held its annual Christmas parade on Dec. 15 on Highway C.

The Verona community held its Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 15, running from the school, north through the downtown and back to the school. Winners at the parade follow: First place winners:  Verona Band,Verona Christian church float, Gene and Theresa Cochrane 1950 chevy, Verona Lunch Ladies float,Kemin, Santas helpers float, and Santa on motorcycle. Second place winners: Verona Baptist Church,Stuart Carson 1957 chevy, Tillers and Toliers float, Downs Trucking, santa and his elf on motorcycle, Verona FFA. Third place winners: Youngberg church, Chris Ruscha  1965  Chevy, Claude Carr 1939 Ford sedan, Welters tractor pulling small manure spreader,Ted and Pam Dorton, Home Sheild Pest Control,Verona Cheer. 

The Monett Chamber of Commerce held the annual Monett Christmas parade on Dec. 8 in downtown Monett.

The Monett High School Homecoming Parade was held on Sept. 28 in downtown Monett.

Demolition of the 1922 Pierce City High School

Berean Christian Academy in Monett held graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2018 on May 10 in the school's gym.

Purdy High School held commencement exercises for the Class of 2018 on Sunday, May 13, in the school gym.

The preschool at the Scott Regional Technology Center, staffed by high school students in the child care technology class, held graduation ceremonies on May 9 at the school.

Monett High School held commencement exercises for the Class of 2018 on Friday, May 11, in the high school gym.

The 2018 Barry County Relay for Life was held on April 27 at the Monett Middle School/Intermediate School FEMA shelter.

Verona High School held its 2018 prom at the Villa D'Alpine in Marionville on April 7.

Purdy High School held its 2018 prom on April 14 at Villa D'alpine in Marionville.

Ice storm over Feb. 9-11 weekend brings Monett area to a standstill.

Monett High School celebrated its Rose homecoming for basketball season on Jan. 26.

Snow came to the Monett area before dawn on Jan. 15, leaving challenging conditions for travelers and those not going far.

Overnight rain turned to snow in the Monett area, leaving residents to enjoy a winter wonderland on Saturday morning.

The Purdy community held its annual Christmas parade on Dec. 16

The Monett Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas parade on Dec. 9 on Broadway.

Monett High School held its homecoming parade at 4 p.m. on Sept. 15 on Broadway in downtown Monett with a "Blast from the Past" theme.

There is nothing like chillin’ your toes in a cool creek while listening to the Mark Chapman Band performing at the Jammin’ at Jolly Concert in the Country, and that’s just what Alle Pederson and Kaylee Poage were doing Saturday evening.

The Monett Fourth of July celebration was held on July 4 at Monett's South Park.

The 37th annual Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival was held May 30-June 3 in Sedalia.

Monett High School graduation for the Class of 2017 was held on May 19 in the high school gym.

Purdy High School held graduation ceremonies for the 42 members of the Class of 2017 on Saturday, May 13 in the high school gym.

Monett High School celebrated prom on May 6 at the Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett. Theme for the annual dance was "The Great Gatsby." Colors selected to augment the opulence of the Roaring Twenties will be black, white and gold. Lacey Willis and Molly Martin were faculty sponsors for the event. Natalie Wages is serving as student coordinator.

The 2017 Barry County Relay for Life was held on April 28 at the Monett Middle School FEMA shelter.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Verona held its Summer Fest on June 12 at the church grounds.

The annual Country Fair at teh Berean Christian Acadmey was held on Sept. 17 on the grounds of the school, east of Monett.

The annual Fristatt community picnic was held on June 10 on the grounds of Trinity Lutheran School.

The annual Miller Fall Festival was held Setp. 1-3 in downtown Miller.

The 50th annual Apple Butter Makin' Days was held Oct. 7-9 in Mt. Vernon.

the annual Wheaton Barbecue, a fundraiser for the Wheaton Fire Department, was held on Aug. 27 in the city park.

The annual Newtonia Festival was held on Sept. 24 in Newtonia, west of Monett.

The fifth annual Purdy Festival was held July 16 in the park and on the grounds of the Purdy School

The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, the biggest event of its kind anywhere, was held June 1-4 in Sedalia.

The sixth annual Pierce City Arts Festival was held on May 14 at the South Park in Pierce City.

Purdy High School held commencement exercises for the Class of 2016 on May 14 in the school gym.

Monett High School held commencement exercises for the 164 members of the Class of 2016 on Friday, May 13.

VErona High SWchool held commencement exercises for the Class of 2016 o9n May 6 in the high school gym.

The Monett High School 2016 prom was held on April 23 at the Monett City Park Casino.

Pierce City Prom April 30, 2016 Monett Park Casino

The pictures were taken between 7 p.m. and 8 Saturday night

The Monet Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 12 on Broadway in downtown Monett.

Tom Wolfe Memorial Post No. 4207, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Monett hosted a free thanksgiving Day luncheon at the Post, west of Monett, on Nov. 26.

The fifth annual Turkey Trot, a benefit for the Monett Community Kitchen, was held on Nov. 26 at the First United Methodist Church grounds in Monett.

Thousands turned out for the 7th annual Trunk or Treat held Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Monett Area YMCA.

The Kelly Miller Circus visited Wheaton on Oct. 17. The event was sponsored by Body of Christ Ministries.

The Kelly Miller Circus visited Wheaton on Oct. 17. The event was sponsored by Body of Christ Ministries.

The 49th annual Apple Butter Makin' Days was held Oct. 9-11 in and around the square in Mt. Vernon.

The 79th annual Ozark Empire Fair runs through Aug. 8 in Springfield. Many Lawrence and Barry County livestock producers and artists showed their works during the fair's opening weekend on Aug. 1.

The fourth annual Purdy Festival was held July 18 in the city park and on the school grounds.

Monett celebrated the nation's birthday with a chicken barbecue, activities and fireworks at the city's South Park on July 4.

Monett High School held its prom for the second year at the Monett City Park Casino on April 25. "Lost City of Atlantis" was the theme.

The Purdy High School prom, using the theme of "Masquerade," was held on Saturday, April 11 at the Monett City Park Casino.

Trout fishing season opened at Missouri state parks on March 1. Anglers gathered at Roaring River State Park near Cassville to enjoy the event.

An arson fire at the Church of Monett, 809 Eighth St. in Monett, heavily damaged the church building. Monett firefighters arrived shortly before 1 p.m. on Jan. 19. The following photos were shot from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The annual Monett Christmas parade was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, heading west on Broadway. Winners in the judging were: Bands: Pierce City Eagle Pride, first; Purdy Marching Band, second. Floats: Countryside Christian Church, first; Scott Tech childcare class, second; Tim Gripka and family, third. Special marching units: Cub Scout Pack No. 140, first; Scott Regional Technology Center JROTC, second. Antique cars (1950 and older): Jeff and Melinda Owens' 1932 Ford three-window coupe, first; Ed and Wendie Krysemire's 1903 Model R Curved Dash Oldsmobile, second. Late model antique cars (1951-1979): John Birkenbach's 1965 Impala, first; Terry Gunter's 1971 Chevrolet Nova, second. Classic car (1980 and newer): Cub mobile Antique trucks: Wilburn Riddell's 1956 Chevrolet 3200 series, first; Tom Wormington's 1956 Ford F100 series, second. Classic trucks: Monett Rural Fire District's 2000 International pumper truck, first; Hillier Heavy Haulage's 2013 Kenworth T660 tractor, second. Tractors: George Rauch's 1950 Farmall "H" series, Best of Show Mounted units: Latricia Davis and her miniature horse, Best in Show.

Homecoming ceremonies for citizensoldiers in the 276th Engineers (vertical) of the Missouri National Guard were held on Sunday, Nov. 2 at Monett High School.

Here are some scenes from today's costume contest at Pierce City Central Elementary School.

Monett High School football homecoming parade was held on Friday, Sept. 26 on Broadway in downtown Monett.

The seventh annual Not So Square Arts Festival was held on Sept. 6 at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center in Mt. Vernon.

Monett's Fourth of July festivities included a day of activities to entertainment and delight Monettans and area residents. Events were centered at Monett's South Park.

The Monett Chamber of Commerce presented a fireworks show at Monett's South Park on July 4, presented by AM Pyrotechnics of Buffalo. The show lasted close to 30 minutes, longer than any other show in southwest Missouri.

The sixth annual Pierce City Arts Festival, sponsored by the Pierce city Arts Council, was held on Saturday, May 17 at the South Park in Pierce City.

Verona High School held commencement exercises for its 21 graduates at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 in the high school gym.

Monett High School held graduation ceremonies for the 129 members of the Class of 2014 on Friday, May 16 in the high school gym.

Purdy High School held commencement exercises for the Class of 2014 in the high school gym on Saturday, May 10.

%0,000-gallon storage tanks at the now closed Dairy Farmers of America plant in Monett began coming down on Jan. 20 for shipment to Awesome Products in West Memphis, Ark. Ozark Crane in Joplin raised the tanks from both ends to bring them down and lay them horizontally on a flatbed truck.

Once in position, it took less than half an hour to take down the 100-foot broadcast tower next to the Monett School administrative office on Friday. Under the direction of Net Tech, the crew from Ozark Crane Services, of Joplin, sent a climber halfway up the tower to disconnect the bolts. The crane lowered the top half, holding two 500-pound radar dishes, to the ground. The second section was then unbolted from the ground and also laid down horizontally. Superintendent Brad Hanson plans to advertise for the sale of the tower, the broadcast dishes and its wiring in the coming weeks. If there are insufficient bids, the metal, weighing two-and-a-half tons, will be sold for scrap. The tower was erected in the early 1990s as part of a consortium of schools with Missouri Southern State University to make distance learning possible. Lectures were broadcast into the Monett Area Vocational Technical School, using the facility now housing the superintendent's office. The tower was removed to build a storm safe room, funded in part by FEMA, to serve both the middle and intermediate schools.

Purdy High School presented the musical "Bye Bye Birdie" on Nov. 23. Set in the early years of the Vietnam War, 'Bye Bye Birdie' sings the tale of Conrad Birdie, the era's biggest rock-and-roll star. When Birdie's draft number is called, his manager/songwriter, Albert Peterson, hatches a plot with Peterson's faithful secretary and longtime girlfriend, Rosie Alvarez, to capitalize on Birdie's draft and win fame and fortune for them all. The Ed Sullivan Show agrees to feature Birdie, as he bids a musical farewell to his legion of fans in the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, and plants a kiss on one lucky girl, Kim MacAfee. Chaos ensues as Birdie and his entourage descend upon the tiny community, meeting resistance from parents, fanning jealous flames and causing a 1950's-style television uproar.

The annual Christmas parade in Pierce City took place on the afternoon of Dec. 14.

Scenes from the first snow on Dec. 5 and the morning of Dec. 6 in the Monett-Pierce City area.

Monett High School celebrated the holidays with its Miss Merrie Christmas assembly on Dec. 4

The 276th Engineering Company (vertical) of the 203rd Engineers, Missouri National Guard, held its Christmas dinner on Nov. 3, a month in advance because of pending deployment to Afghanistan.

The Monett Junior ROTC cadets hosted area veterans for a luncehon on Nov. 5 at the Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett.

The Monett Times and Monett Lions Club held a Halloween contest contest at Monett City Hall Auditorium on Oct. 31.

The 47th annual Apple Butter Makin' Days was held Oct. 11-13 in Mt. Vernon.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt held its annual community picnic on Saturday, Sept. 21, on the grounds of Trinity Lutheran School.

Applefest was held Sept. 20-22 in Marionville.

Monett High School celebrated homecoming with a parade in downtown Monett on Friday, Sept. 27, prior to the football game against Aurora.

The sixth annual Not So Square Festival was held on Sept. 7 at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center (The Marc).

The 18th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life was held on Sept. 21 at South Park in Monett.

The Berean Christian Academy in rural Monett held its annual Fun Fair on the school grounds on Sept. 7.

The Miller Fall Festival was held Aug. 28-31 in downtown Miller.

Cox Monett Hospital held its Live Well Health and Safety Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Monett Area YMCA.

The annual Crane Broiler Fest was held Aug. 21-24 at the city park in Crane.

The 55th annual Wheaton Barbecue was held on Saturday, Aug. 24 in the Wheaton City Park.

The Freistatt Lions hosted the 40th annual Ernte Fest on the Ernte Fest grounds in Freistatt on Aug. 16 and 17.

Howdy Neighbor Days, Pierce City's annual summer festival, was held Aug. 14-17 at South Park in Pierce City.

Many Lawrence and Barry County exhibitors showed livestock and fine art at the Ozark Empire Fair, which runs through Aug. 3 in Springfield.

Many Lawrence and Barry County exhibitors showed livestock and fine art at the Ozark Empire Fair, which runs through Aug. 3 in Springfield.

Trinity Lutheran Church at Stones Prairie held its annual picnic on Friday, July 19, on the picnic grounds across the road from the church. Large crowds attended.

The second annual Purdy Festival was held in the Barry County city of Purdy on July 20.

The 83rd annual Monett Jaycees Carnival was heldJuly 17 through July 20 at the Mone South Park soccer fields.

The Monett Community Teachers Association honored certified and classified employees of the R-1 School District with years of service certificates at the conclusion of the 2012-13 school year. Staff honored not present for the picture The following staff was honored for years of service but was not present for the picture. Classified staff Missy Caldwell, Robbie Davis, Weston George and Mike Larmer, five years; Tony Williams, 10 years; Marsha Long, Shannon Lyman and Ann McCully, 15 years; Daphne Brandt, 20 years; and Patty Leach, 25 years. Certified staff Kara Tinklepaugh and Megan James, received master's degrees; Jeremy Land, Marti Jones and Blair Powell, five years; and Peg Bryan, 15 years.

The Summer Reading Club at the Monett Branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library hosted a Patriotic Pet Parade on Wednesday, July 3.

The Barry County Fair was held in Wheaton on June 28. All events were moved to the Saturday date, with the beef cattle in the morning, goats and sheep and swine in the late morning and early afternoon, and the premium sale and dinner in the evening.

The Tal Wooten memorial Music Concert was held on Saturday, June 22 at Jolly Mill Park, 10 miles southeast of Monett

The Barry County Youth Camp was held May 28 through May 31 at Camp Smokey at Roaring River State Park near Cassville.

Monett's third annual Strawbery Festival was held on May 31 and June 1 in downtown Monett

Verona High School held commencement exercises for the 27 graduates in the Class of 2013 on Sunday, May 19 in the school gymnasium.

Monett High School held graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 17 at the school gym.

Pierce City High School held graduation exercises on May 12 in the school gymnasium

Purdy High School held graduation at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 inthe high school gymnasium.

Pierce City High School held its 2013 prom, held in the gymnasium at St. Mary's Catholic School on April 20.

Monett High School prom was held at Hill Creek Lodge on April 13

The Pierce City Easter egg hunt,, sponsored by the Dacy Foundation, was held on March 30 near the south water tower on Elm Street in Pierce City.

Purdy High School held its 2013 Prom with the theme "Midnight in Paris" On Saturday, April 6 at the Monett Area YMCA Events Center.

The Monett Easter egg hunt, sponsored by the Monett Jaycees, was held on March 30 at the Family Center of the First United Methodist Church in Monett.

Winners have been named in the 2013 Draw Pierce City contest, sponsored by the Pierce City Arts Council (PCAC). Winners were chosen from entries in four categories. Former coach and art teacher Richard Kutz chose first and second place winners in the three categories from Central Elementary School and a first place winner in the adult division.

The ritual of fishing following the gunshot at 6:30 a.m. on March 1 to begin trout fishing catch-and-keep season at Roaring River State Park near Cassville.

After the most significant snow fall in two years, young people and their parents broke out the sleds and saucers and descended on the sledding hill at Monett's South Park for some good old-fashioned winter fun that has continued all week.

The Monett Area YMCA held its official open house and ribbon cutting on Saturday, Feb. 16 at its new facility in Monett's South Park.

The ninth annual Chocolate Lover's Festival in Eureka Springs, Ark., on Feb. 9 was held at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. Businesses from Barry County participated and local bakers competed.

Purdy High School presented "Back to the 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical," was presented on Dec. 8, 2012.

Monett firefighters joined Pierce City Rural firemen in battling a structure fire at the Philip Haase home in Wentworth on Jan. 24. The house was located directly behind the Pierce City Rural fire station on Highway J in Wentworth. According to reports, the Haases and one of their children were at home when the fire was discovered in the attic. A popping sound alerted the family. Philip Haase, who was shaving at the time, stepped outside and saw flames in the attic area. The family was able to secure some of their belongings before fleeing to safety. The house, which dated back to the 1890s, was in the same family for 85 years and was vacated in the mid 1990s. Original wiring is believed to have still been in use and may have contributed to the fire. Monett firefighters received the call at 8:37 a.m. for mutual aid. The house was fully engulfed by the time they arrived.

the 11th annual Dining for Diabetes fundraiser, to support programs offered through Cox Monett Hospital, was held on Jan. 19 at the National Guard Armory in Pierce city.

The water tower at South Park in Monett came down with a resounding boom on Jan. 21. An eight-man crew for Iseler Demolition, of Romeo, Mich,, a subcontractor working for Utility Services, began work before sunrise. They cut out a large section of the heavy cold-rolled steel wall, and dropped the 30-foot diameter tower into a 40-foot diameter space in about 90 minutes. Utilities Superintendent Pete Rauch said the crew initially planned to take the tower down in pieces, but were able to lower it quickly after removing one mostly dead soft maple tree. The crew then cut the steel in sections and hauled it away for salvage, even vacuuming the ground for scraps. They completed work by 4:30 p.m. The only surprise came in discovering the tower, which dates back to the 1930s, at one point developed a leak in the bottom. A thick layer of grout was added over the leak and a new steel bottom welded in place. Removing the 400,000-gallon tower cost $18,000, compared to $400,000 to rehabilitate it. Rauch said he preferred to put the money into a new and larger tower at some future date in a different location.

Linn Thornton hosted the 28th annual Christmas Day dinner in Monett on Dec. 25 at the First United Methodist Church in Monett.

A Christmas party for retirees of the 203rd Engineers, Missouri National Guard, and active duty Guard members was held on Dec. 2 at the Monett National Guard Armory.

Shop with a Cop program takes local children on present shopping spree.

Views inside the construction site for the new Monett Area YMAC building in early December 2012.

The annual Pierce City Christmas parade was held on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m., a change from the routine of evening parades.

The annual Monett christmas parade was held on Saturday, Dec. 8, and proceeded west down Broadway from Eighth Street.

The annual Christmas open house at Jolly Mill Park, west of Monett, was held on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2.

The ninth annual Festival of Lights, a holiday tradition sponsored by the Monett Chamber of Commerce and the City of Monett, is underway through the end of December at Monett's South Park. A total of 29 lighting displays are showing.

The Monett High School Student Senate hosted its annual dinner for district senior citizens, the Golden Age Banquet, on Nov. 15 at Monett High School.

The Monett Chamber of Commerce hosted the ninth annual Festival of Flavors showcase for restaurants and caterers on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the First United Methodist Church in Monett.

St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett held its annual Fall Feast on Sunday, Nov. 4.

The annual Monett Halloween costume contest was held on Oct. 31 at Monett City Hall Auditoirum, sponsored by The Monett Times and the Monett Lions Club.

The Monett Area YMNCA hosted its "Lights On After School" event on Oct. 25 at Central Park Elementary School

A docudrama on distracted driving was presented on Oct. 30 at Monett High School.

The fourth annual Trunk or Treat in Monett, a project of Unity of Community, was held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the First United Methodist Church.

The Purdy R-2 School District Parent Student Teacher Organization (PTSO) had its annual carnival on Friday, Oct. 19 at the school.

The Golden Age Games, an annual competition for residents of area nursing facilities, were held on Oct. 19 at Monett High School.

Mt. Vernon held its 45th annual Apple Butter Makin' Days Oct. 11 through Oct. 14 in the square in Mt. Vernon. Scenes are from midday on Saturday, Oct. 13.

A Blackhawk helicopter from Natonal Guard in Springfield visited students from the Junior ROTC program at the Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett

The first Happy Harvest Festival was held in Pierce City of Saturday, Oct. 6.

The Slick Chick pageant at the Crane Broiler Fest on Aug. 24 offered area girls a chance to compete for recognition

The Newtonia Fall Festival and the 150th anniversary of the first Civil War battle of Newtonia were held on Saturday, Sept. 29, in the Newton County town west of Monett.

The first Hispanic Heritage Month Festival in Monett was held on Saturday, Sept. 15, on Broadway in downtown Monett.

Monett High School held its football homecoming parade on Friday, Sept. 14, in downtown Monett.

The fifth annual Not So Square Arts Festival was held on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center (The Marc).

The Berean Christian Academy held its third annual Fun Fair on the school grounds, east of Monett, on Saturday, Sept. 8.

The Miller Fall Festival was held Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 in the Lawrence County town of Miller.

The 10th annual Kansas City Irish Festival attempted to carry on despite heavy rains from Hurricane Isaac on Sept. 5 through 7.

Monett's Fourth of July celebration, postponed due to heat and dryness, was held on Labor Day by the Freedom and Fireworks Committee. A.M. Pyrotechnics, of Buffalo, provided the fireworks. The event was held at Monett's South Park.

Howdy Neighbor Days was held Aug. 15-18 in Pierce City.

The Freistatt Lions hosted their 39th annual Ernte Fest in Aug. 17 and 18 in Freistatt.

Classes began for the 2012-13 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 15 for the Monett R-1 School District. These are scenes at Monett Elementary School, wich houses kindergarten and grades one and two.

The Ozark Empire Fair, which runs from July 27 to Aug. 4, attracts crowds and exhibitors from throughout southwest MIssouri. Many exhibitors from Barry and Lawrence counties showed their animals and artistic creations at the fair over opening weekend.

The annual picnic at St. John's Lutheran Church at Stones Prairie, northwest of Purdy, was held on July 20.

The first Purdy Festival was held in downtown Purdy, in the city park and on the school grounds on Saturday, July 21.

The Monett Community Teachers Association annually recognizes staff in the Monett R-1 School District for milestones in years of service, as well as completing degrees and retirees.

The fourth annual Pierce City Arts Festival was held on Saturday, June 9, in downtown Pierce City.

The fourth annual Pierce City Arts Festival was held on Saturday, June 9, in downtown Pierce City.

The Monett Sportsmen's League hosted its annual Fishing Derby on May 12 at the Monett City Park Lake.

Monett's second annual Strawberry Festival was held on June 1 and June 2 in downtown Monett.

The Pierce City High School prom was held on April 28 at the Foundry in Joplin.

Verona High School graduation was held on May 20 in the high school gym.

Pierce City High School graduation was held on May 13 in the high school gym.

Monett High School graduation ceremonies on May 20 in the high school gymnasium.

President Barack Obama made his second trip to Joplin on May 21 to speak at the Joplin High School graduation.

Graduation ceremonies at Purdy High School on May 12.

The 17th annual Monett Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, was held at burl Fowler Stadium in Monett May 11-12.

The Monett Area YMCA held its annual Healthy Kids Day activities on Saturday, April 28, at Monett's South Park.

Anticipation on Saturday was intense as children waiting for the big moment to begin the Easter egg hunt in Pierce City, sponsored by the Dacy Foundation. A total of 3,000 eggs were spread around the field by the south water tower. Children finding the most eggs in each age category won a giant basket of Easter treats.

Trout season opened with fanfare at Roaring River State Park, south of Cassville, on March 1.

Shortly after 12:30 a.m. Feb. 29, the mobile home of Kevin and Crystal Pendergrass' mobile home, located at on Farm Road 1102 just north of Business 37 in Cassville. was flipped completely over, one of four mobile homes completely destroyed by a tornado.

The Junior ROTC cadets at the Southwest Area Career Center demonstrated their skills drills for members of the Monett Kiwanis Club at the club's weekly meeting, held at the Career Center on Feb. 7.

The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) held its annual Jail and Bail fundraiser in Monett on Feb. 1 at Grant's restaurant.

A reception was held Friday, Jan. 13 at the Lawrence County Justice Center for retiring employees from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department.

The Monett Chamber of Commerce's Festival of Lights ran from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30 at Monett's South Park. Here are samples from the 77 lighting displays.

The Monett Christmas parade, sponsored by the Monett Chamber of Commerce, was held on Broadway in downtown Monett on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Photos from a visit from Santa at the Pierce City Museum on Saturday, December 10, 2011.

The Friends of Jolly Mill held their annual Christmas celebration at the historic mill, southwest of Monett, on Dec. 2 and 3. Children came to meet Santa Claus and refreshments were served.

Winners are shown from the annual Monett Halloween costume contest, hosted by the Monett Lions Club and The Monett Times on Oct. 31 at Monett City Hall Auditorium.

A view of recently completed classrooms as the second grade wing at the remodeled Monett Elementaary School is completed. Students moved in on Oct. 24. An open house and ribbon cutting is planned for Nov. 5

Monsters, witches, super heroes and various characters were on display at the Monett Halloween Costume contest, sponsored by the Monett Lions Club and The Monett Times.

Monett churches and the Monett Area YMCA hosted a community-wide Trunk or Treat at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 29.

The 35th annual Kansas City Renaissance Festival is underway at Wyandotte County Park in Bonner Springs, Kansas, west of Kansas City. Around 180,000 people will visit the 16th Century village in the wooded park. Activities continue for the next two weekends, Oct. 9-10 and Oct. 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here is a glimpse of some of the festival.

The Newtonia Fall Festival was held on Sept. 24 in Newtonia, west of Monett. The event offered a run, parade, vendors,, live music and tours of the historic Ritchey Mansion, used as a field hospital during the Civil War battles in the community.

The Not So Square Arts Festival was held in Mt. Vernon on Sept. 17.

Tom Wolfe Memorial Post $4207 and its Ladies Auxiliary held its annyal remembrance ceremony for soldiers held as prisoners of war or otherwise remaining missing in action. The ceremony was held at the Monett IOOF Cemetery on Sept. 16.

Monett High School's homecoming parade for football season was held on Sept. 15 in downtown Monett.

Specialists explained onging research and new discoveries at the University oif Missouri's Southwest Research Center during the 49th annual Field Day, held Sept. 9.

The Monett Kiwanis Club sponsored the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus coming to Monett. Two shows were given Wednesday evening under a big top erected at North Park.

The 38th annual Ernte Fest, sponsored by the Freistatt Lions Club, took place Aug. 19 and 20 on the Ernte Fest grounds in Freistatt.

The 12th annual Kings Prairie benefit concert for the community center and upkeep for the historic school took place on Aug. 13 with a variety of performers. The outdoor event offered a scenic setting under the country trees.

School opened on Aug. 18 for the first day at the Pierce City R-6 School District on Aug. 18.

Classes opened for the 2011-12 school year on Wednesday. The renovated Monett Elementary School campus provided a complete range of new traffic patterns and new classrooms for the kindergarten and first grade students.

Pierce City's annual Howdy Neighbor Days ran Aug. 10 to 13 with many event in the city park.

The Monett WaterThrashers won the "A" Championships at the Tri-State Conference swim meet in Claremore, Okla.

Finishing touches are underway on the new kindergarten and first grade wing at Monett Elementary School, which includes a new commons area and relocated central office. During moving days on Aug. 3 and Aug. 4, scenes of the new building offered a snap shot of what classes in the new building will be like.

The Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield runs through Aug. 7. Many Barry and Lawrence County livestock exhibitors and visual artists participate in the show. Photos show animals and work shown on the opening weekend.

The Monett Jaycees will host Monett's longest summer tradition, the Jaycees Carnival, for the 81st year beginning Wednesday, July 20, at the South Park soccer fields. Activities get underway at 6:30 p.m. through Saturday, July 23. According to Brittie Oakley, Jaycees president, attractions will stay open until 10 p.m. or later or Friday and Saturday, depending on the crowds.

St. John's Lutheran Church at Stones Prairie held its annual community picnic on the church grounds on July 15.

The Purdy community celebration a community dinner and fireworks at the high school baseball field on Sunday.

The Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Monett held its annual ice cream social on June 30.

July 4 marks 100 years since Monett pharmacist Logan D. McKee made his famous flight of a DeChenne aeroplane for around 10,000 people over Monett. McKee took off from the Wormington pasture, probably south of town, flew up the valley, likely east of what is now South Park, turned by the athletic field, which was located where the EFCO plant is now at Dairy and Highway 37, nearly 20 years before Highway 37 was built and raised to its current height, and back to the south again. Logan McKee's photograph scrapbook of his days as an aviator gave a description of the Monett Aeroplane Company. L.B. Durnil was the president. Ed DeChenne was the chief engineer. Everet DeHanas was the chief mechanic. Carl Saxe was the works manager. McKee dedicated his scrapbook to Saxe and referred to him as "pioneer builder of aeroplanes, radios and air castles." Tommy Pout is listed as the company mascot. McKee carried business cards for the DeChenne Aeroplane and Motor Company. On the card, McKee listed himself as "aviator."

The Monett Municipal Swimming Pool offers a quick way to cool off from the summer heat.

Competitors from across southwest Missouri brought beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats and swine to show at the annual event sponsored by the Monett Chamber of Commerce.

The third annual Pierce City Arts Festival was held in downtown Pierce City on June 11.

Monett Elementary Students had fun celebrating the end of the first week of summer school.

The 121st annual Trinity Lutheran Church picnic for the Freistatt community was held on Friday, June 10, on the grounds of the Trinity Lutheran School.

The Barry County Youth Camp was held May 31 through June 3 at Camp Smokey in Roaring River State Park. A total of 113 young people attended.

Approximately 55 children attended the annual Pierce City Fishing Derby held June 6 at Pierce City's South Park. According to one of the event organizers, Scott Wahl, each child received a prize.

Monett's Strawberry Festival on June 3 and 4 drew large crowds to a wide range of attractions and activities.

The 2011 Monett Relay for Life was held at Burl Fowler football stadium on Saturday, May 21.

The tornado that hit Joplin on May 22 after 6 p.m. left widespread devastation. These photos show emergency responders and homeworkers sifting through the devastation from Rangeline Road on the east to 10 blocks of Joplin High School on the west, taken from late morning to early afternoon on May 23.

Commencement exercises took place in the Monett High School gymnasium for the Class of 2011 on Friday night.

Damage was widespread in Wentworth following the Monday tornado. Though few houses were damaged, trees were uprooted throughout the town. Roofing had been stripped off the Wentworth Post Office and several buildings west and north of the post office were structurally damaged. Power was out throughout the town on Monday morning and water service had been disabled. Mayor Clyde Stephens said firefighters had gone for water and would be distributing a supply from the fire station. Phones were not working. Stephens said the restoration effort would operate from the city hall, next to the post office. "If you want to come and help clean up, stack lumber and bring your chain saws, you'll be welcome," Stephens said. Wentworth is located five miles west of Pierce City on the Newton County line. Students in Wentworth attend school in Pierce City.

Purdy High School graduation scenes from May 14

Pierce city High School Class of 2011 graduation on May 15

Verona Cinco de Mayo assembly held on Thursday, May 5, 2011 with numerous students and classes participating.

The 12th annual Senior Citizens Prom, hosted by the Pierce City High School National Honor Society, was held on April 17 in the school cafeteria.

The Monett Area YMCA held its annual Health Kids Day at Monett South Park on April 16.

Monett High School hosted its annual Monett Invitational baseball tournament this past week.

A collection of photos of Purdy Lady Eagles senior Brooke Swadley.

These photos were taken in Columbia after the Purdy Lady Eagles won the Class 2 girls basketball title.

A collection of photos from 2010 Christmas Parade in downtown Monett.

Photos from Thursday night's Howdy Neighbor Days festival in Pierce City.

Lots of little kids, teachers and parents wandering around the elementary school campus on the first day of classes.

A collection of photos of Monett Girls Softball 10U All Stars who placed 3rd in State out of 7 teams.

A collection of photos from the Fourth of July celebration.

The Waldensian Presbyterian Church will hold its annual ice cream social at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 24. The social will be held on church grounds, located a mile and a half south of Monett on Waldensian Road.

The Monett High School marching band had the honor of performing at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., on May 31. These are some of the photos from the trip that were taken by the students and chaperones.

Ominous clouds rolled into town this morning, putting on an impressive show of rare shapes.

Photos from the recent graduating class of Verona, 2010.

Photos from the recent graduating class of Pierce City, 2010.

Photos from the recent graduating class of Purdy, 2010.

Photos from the recent graduating class of Monett, 2010.

Photos from the storm that ripped through Monett on Thursday, May 13, 2010

Photos from the recent wind damage.

A collection of photos from the Monett Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 27, 2010.

24th annual Youth Wrestling Tournament at Monett High School

Photos from Opening Day of trout season at Roaring River State Park.

Photos from the Verona boys and girls varsity games against Wheaton on Feb. 9.

Photos from the Big 8 Conference game between the Monett Lady Cubs and Cassville on Feb. 8 at Monett.

Photos from Monett v. Bolivar basketball game

Recent photos from Pierce City Homecoming

Photos of Lady Cubs basketball defeat over Aurora. 47-42.

Photos from Broadway Nights on Friday January 8, 2010

Photos of the fire that gutted McDonalds.