Stories from Monday, March 11, 2013

The Monett Chamber of Commerce awarded its top honor, the Community Service Award, to Mary K. Scott during the annual membership banquet on March 7 at the Scott Regional Technology Center. The Pride and Progress Award was presented to the Monett Area YMCA's Capital Campaign Committee...

Monett Municipal Court had one of its busiest years in 2011, according to the annual report issued by Mechele Tharp, municipal court clerk. The city court saw 1,971 cases entered in 2012, 124 fewer than the previous year. The number of cases dismissed was 132, down two from 2011. Most of the cases going before the court were traffic issues, but notable increases showed up in the more severe offenses. Police requested 723 warrants, up 138 from 2011...

Area residents have the opportunity to take part in a Life Line Screening offer for stroke or osteoporosis, in an effort to reduce their risk of having a stroke or bone fracture. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at the First Free Will Baptist Church, located at 107 W. Sycamore St. in Monett...

The Freistatt Village Board of Trustees continued to review traffic problems in town and seek solutions. Mayor Mike Ortwein reported several residents commented on the lack of patrolling by sheriff's deputies despite requests from the village board. Village Clerk Deborah Schoen said she received accounts of county emergency vehicles speeding through Freistatt at speeds unsafe for pedestrians...

"Enthusiastic, fun and passionate" is how Nicole Salsman described Monett Elementary School second teacher Nicole Ross in a Teacher of the Month nomination letter. Salsman's description captured the attention of the selection committee, and on Feb. 28, Ross was honored as EFCO's January Teacher of the Month with a surprise announcement during an early morning assembly at the school...

The Monett Ministerial Association's weekly series of Lenten services will continue at noon on Wednesday, March 6 at New Site Baptist Church, southwest of Monett. Dennis Burge will be the speaker. A light lunch will be served following the service. Lutheran High School North, of St. Louis, presents its Concert Band Spring Tour at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt...

This past Wednesday, March 6, school districts across the state celebrated School Principal Day. This day is set aside to honor our building-level leaders for the contributions they make on a daily basis to lead teachers and make a positive impact on the lives of our children. ...

Becca Hatfield, a senior at Pierce City High School, signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit. "I knew I wanted to leave home after school and Longview gives me that opportunity," said Hatfield. "Of all the sports I play, I felt the most comfortable when on the volleyball court."...

Monett senior baseball player Aaron Patton signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Crowder College in Neosho next year. "It has always been my goal to play baseball at the collegiate level," said Patton. "It's a game that I have enjoyed since I was 4 years old. Now I get to continue that dream."...

A Fairview woman was hurt in the motorcycle crash near Wheaton at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 9. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, James Masters, 59, of Neosho, was driving west on Highway W, two miles east of Wheaton, when the motorcycle ran off the road and overturned...

Jimmie Lee Land, 67, of Purdy, passed away Thursday, March 7, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12 at the Purdy Cemetery in Purdy. Arrangements are under the care of Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett...

Edna E. Shipman, age 89, of Monett, died at 9:30 p.m. on March 6 at Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 11, at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City. Burial will be at 1 p.m. on March 11 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield...

Doyle Leroy Dalton, age 81, of Washburn, died at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 11 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Burial with military honors will be in Roller Cemetery, Washburn.

Randy Lynn Baldwin, age 57, of Monett, passed died on Saturday, March 9 at his home following a sudden illness. A memorial visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 at Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett.