Stories from Thursday, September 6, 2012

Patrons of the Monett R-1 School District will pay more in taxes this year because of a reduction in industrial assessments. Members of the Monett R-1 Board of Education voted to keep income steady despite the shift in the source of payments. "We hope, and the assessor hopes, this is a one-year sever drop," said Superintendent Brad Hanson...

A John Deere D120 mower purchased as a giveaway at the Freistatt Lions' Ernte Fest was claimed last week by Phillip Shane, of Springfield. "I was excited to win," Shane said. "My ticket was just a donation. This is definitely a surprise." Shane said he expects his 74-year-old father, whose own mower needed jump starting, will be using the prize...

Seven new staff members will begin their careers at Purdy R-I2 School District this year.

Raymond Bacher, age 90, of Verona, Mo., passed away at 11:50 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. He was born on Oct. 7, 1921, in Verona, Mo., the son of Ernest Ludwig and Della Amanda (Sullwold) Bacher. Raymond was a lifelong farmer and cattleman and hauled cattle for many years. ...

Lorene J. Douglas, age 86, of Cassville, died at 10:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 3. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, in Crestview Memorial Park, St. Clair, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville.

Lloyd Keith Tichenor, age 75, of Wheaton, died at 7:58 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 3. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, in McQueen Funeral Home, Wheaton. Burial will be in Rocky Comfort Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, in McQueen Funeral Home, Wheaton...

Paul L. Hetherington, age 48, of Anderson, died on Aug. 30. Survivors include his wife, four sons, one daughter, one granddaughter, a brother and wife, sister and parents, Don and Jeannie Clapper. No services are planned. PAID OBITUARY

Jim Staley, who has authored "The Courdins of Val Pellice, a Waldensian Chronicle," a richly illustrated book with photographs on the Courdin family that helped found the local Waldensian Church and develop the Monett community, will be signing copies of his book on Thursday, Sept. 6, at the Monett Museum, located at 705 E. Broadway, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m...

The Clark Community Mental Health Center has added a new healthcare program that serves area individuals in the area who have a mental health diagnosis combined with physical health concerns. The program began in January focused on whole healthcare and cost savings...

The 24th annual Pierce City Car Show was held on Sunday, employing the scheduled rain day because of the passing of Hurricane Isaac. Show day conditions were sunny and pleasant as the show returned to Pierce City's South Park. "We had a smaller turnout than usual, with 45 entries," said organizers Kevin and Ronda Hatfield, "but the quality of the vehicles was excellent."...