Stories from Friday, April 8, 2011

West of Monett on Farm Road 1050 is one of the most unusual bridges on a public road in southwest Missouri. On the south side of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) track is a bridge constructed entirely of railroad ties extending over an overflow ditch for Clear Creek, extending for about 15 feet...

A reception to honor Jolene Garoutte, who served as director of Crosslines for 19 years, will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church. Garoutte retired in February and presently works part-time at Crosslines. She began as director of the charity in February 1992. During her tenure, the charity relocated to its present location at Sixth and Cleveland, expanded its resale store, increased its staff and diversified its services...

New leadership for the Monett Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors was selected at the annual joint meeting of the incoming and outgoing boards. The dinner meeting was held at The Bayou restaurant. Outgoing President Danny Vaughn presided at the opening of the meeting as new board members Janell Patton, Cindy Stone, Jeremy Vanderbol and Scott Smith were welcomed. Alternates for the coming year are Rod Anderson and Noel George...

Eston Russell Harrison, age 82, of Wheaton, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 4, 2011, in Freeman Neosho Hospital, Neosho, Missouri. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011, in Maplewood Cemetery, Exeter, Missouri, under direction of McQueen Funeral Home, Wheaton. Pastor Aaron Weibel and Pastor George Gore conducted the services...

Claude Willis Tiller, age 77, of La Russell, died at 11:35 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, in his home. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, at the Morris Leiman-Mosher Funeral Home in Miller.

Virgil M. Karns, age 89, of Cassville, died at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 6. No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements are under diretion of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville. Burial with military honors will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield...

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks has completed its first successful year serving middle school students in Monett. According to site coordinator Patty Bounous, plans are being discussed to enlarge the program to the intermediate school, Central Elementary and Monett Elementary...

The murder trial of Christopher Collings, which was scheduled to begin yesterday in Rolla, has been postponed. This marks the third time that Collings' trial date has been moved. According to court officials, the trial has been rescheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 20. Phelps County Circuit Judge Mary Sheffield postponed the trial after the defense said it needed more time to respond to relatively new prosecution evidence...

The Monett Cubs track teams enjoyed a good day at the Aurora Invitational. "We are improving every day," said Monett Track Coach Chad Depeé. "Our goal is to keep getting better. We saw some of that improvement today and now we have to continue down that path."...

The Monett Cubs golf team took first place in the 10- team field at the Cassville Golf Tournament on Thursday. The Cubs as a team shot a 229. Cassville finished in second with 231. "It was our second time playing at Cassville this season," said Monett Coach Derrek Uhl. "I thought we played well. Our younger players are gaining confidence, which will help going into our next couple tournaments."...

The Purdy Eagles baseball team (5-3) defeated Aurora 5-3 Thursday night. "We struggled a little at the plate today," said Purdy Coach Joshua Hughes. "Reese Stevenson pitched a great game, and we found a way to win." Stevenson threw six innings, allowed one earned run and struck out five for the win...

The Monett Cubs (6-3) picked up a needed win on Thursday, defeating Lamar 13-3 in the Carthage Tournament. "I saw some very encouraging achievements today," said Monett Head Coach Michael Calhoun. "Defensively, we played well and didn't commit any errors. Andy Hagedorn looked solid on the mound. Offensively, it took us awhile to get going, but once we got our timing, we were able to surge ahead for the win."...

Construction on a new community garden in Purdy is proceeding and now includes plans for the first memorial to that community's veterans.