Stories from Thursday, March 7, 2013

The Dairy Farmers of America milk processing plant in Monett will be ceasing operations later this year. Employees were told Wednesday that DFA would cease operations in the second half of the year, with some jobs ending in September. The plant employs 86 people...

Pierce City aldermen met with representatives of the city and rural fire departments in a special meeting, held on Monday, March 4, to discuss the transition of equipment and supplies if voters approve the formation of a fire protection district in the upcoming April 2 election...

Dairy producers heard predictions of positive market trends and innovative research during the 44th annual Monett Dairy Day, held on Tuesday, March 5 at the Monett National Guard Armory. Scott Brown, an agriculture economist with the University of Missouri in Columbia, told the audience of about 30 dairymen that feed prices would continue to be the number one driver in dairy costs. ...

Curves International has announced it's 15th annual food drive, "Feed the Need," and is challenging Curves members across the nation and Canada to meet a 100,000-pound donation goal during the two week challenge, which runs from March 11 through March 23...

Absentee voting for the April 2 general election will continue at the Barry County Clerk's office through Monday, April 1. Voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents who are unable to vote in person should mail a written request to: Gary Youngblood, Barry County Clerk, 700 Main St., Suite 2, Cassville, MO 65625...

The Experience Works Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is currently accepting applications from Barry County residents who are 55 or older. In order to qualify for the program, applicants who are single must earn $13,964 or less per year. Applicants who are from families of two must earn no more than $18,915 per year...

The annual meeting of the Waldensian Cemetery Association will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 18 at the church, located at 2250 Farm Road 1080 south of Monett. Booth space is still available for the annual Business Expo hosted by the Aurora Community Chamber of Commerce from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at Aurora High School. For more information, call 417-678-4150...

The Haven of the Ozarks' pet of the week is Greystripe, a male cat with swirl markings over a handsome gray coat. He has been living at the animal sanctuary for almost a year. Although Greystripe is apprehensive of new people at first, he warms up with time...

Katherine Louise Hogenmiller, age 82, of Verona, Mo., passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at her home. She was born on May 19, 1930, in Webster Groves, Mo., the daughter of the late Thomas Milton and Isabell (Oliver) McCormick. On April 12, 1951, Katherine married Bob Hogenmiller in Clayton, Mo. Together they shared 61 years of wonderful memories. He preceded her in death on Feb.15, 2013...

William Joseph Velten, age 79, of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., formerly of Pierce City, died on March 4, at Vanderbilt Medical Center, in Nashville, Tenn. Funeral services, with full military honors, will be held at Pettus-Turnbo Chapel, in Lawrenceburg, on Friday, March 8 at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held at Pettus-Turnbo, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7...

Norma Jean (Burk) Brechbuhler, age 82, of Crane, died at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, at Mercy Villa in Springfield. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 11, at the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora, with burial at Maple Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, in the funeral home chapel...