Stories from Monday, March 18, 2013

Local cattle producers pressed their case for protection against cattle thefts during the 44th annual Beef Cattlemen's Conference on March 5 in Monett. The target for action was the Missouri Cattlemen's Association. Dr. Chuck Massengill, president of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, spoke about the state organization's primary concerns. Massengill identified the Farm Bill as the main priority...

Mildred Ovelyn Blakley, age 90, of Purdy, Missouri, passed away on March 3, 2013 at the Red Rose Health and Rehab in Cassville, Missouri. Mrs. Blakley, daughter of Roland "Otto" and Oralea (Creasa) Yarnall, was born on Jan. 3, 1923, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On Nov. 24, 1945, she married Howard C. Blakley, who preceded her in death in 1997. Mrs. Blakley spent most of her life in Barry County. She enjoyed life, being with family, and watching her grandchildren grow up...

The Purdy Renewal Project and volunteers from the city and community gathered on Feb. 16 to install the Toddler's Choice playground equipment at the Purdy City Park. Acquired through special arrangement with PlayPower/Miracle Recreation Equipment in Monett, the apparatus is the latest in a series of park improvements undertaken by the Purdy Renewal Project and the Purdy High School Spanish Club...

Heidi Douglas, of Pierce City, is raising money to participate in a six-week trip to Bangladesh to help rescue girls from human trafficking in the sex trade. Douglas, 22, the daughter of Tim and Annette Douglas, is a 2008 graduate of Pierce City High School. She is working with Project Rescue, an international organization that focuses on the sexual slavery issue, particularly in India and Bangladesh...

The second annual Challenged Champions Field Day has been scheduled for May 18 at Pierce City practice field track, located behind the high school on David Sippy Drive. Izetta Osmond, LCDD board member, said the school district set up a special field day event for challenged students. Activities will be modified based on the participant's abilities...

The PDC/POP Dance Studio in Monett sent POP Cheer Factory students to their first competition at the Jamfest Nationals in St. Louis on Feb. 9. The group took second place. Those competing are pictured above. The studio is located at 812 E. Broadway in Monett...

Capt. Amanda Self, director of the Missouri National Guard ROTC program at Missouri Southern State University, will speak at the noon meeting of the Monett Kiwanis Club on March 19 at Happy House restaurant. The Monett Ministerial Association will continue its weekly Lenten services at noon on March 20 at the First Baptist Church in Monett. Rev. Paul Lanning will be the speaker. A light lunch will be served following the program...

If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1913, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. ...

A branding demonstration will begin at 1:30 p.m., March 26, at the Jackie Moore Ranch headquarters located two miles north of Highway 174 on Missouri 39 at 12592 Lawrence 2090, Mt. Vernon. Many beef cattle farmers are concerned about the continued problem of cattle theft in southwest Missouri according to Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension...

Rollo Lynn Foster, age 70, of Mt. Vernon, died at 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, at his home. A graveside service, under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield...

Herman William Pikert, age 51, of Mt. Vernon, died at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, at his home. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt. Vernon, with burial at Pennsboro Cemetery.

Anna Bell Robbins, age 84, of Cassville, died at 4:20 a.m., on Thursday, March 14, at Cassville Health Care and Rehab. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, March 16, in Corinth Cemetery, Cassville, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville...

Ernestine Marie Casner, age 88, of Cassville, died at 4:55 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13. No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville.

Bobby Ruth Showalter, age 82, of Golden, died at 11 a.m. Friday, March 15. Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob.

A Mt. Vernon teenager was hurt in a single vehicle crash at 4:33 p.m. on March 14. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Alexius Schmidly, 17, was driving north on Highway 39 near Mt. Vernon in a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, overturned and struck a fence...