Stories from Thursday, September 5, 2013

Leaders in Purdy explored ways to develop greater support for community projects during a gathering on Aug. 22 at the Purdy Community Center. Gerry Wass, faculty sponsor for the Purdy High School Spanish Club which runs the recycling center, served as moderator for the occasion. Several board members from the Purdy Renewal Project, the Purdy school board and officers of the Spanish Club attended...

Responding to reports of gunshots on Aug. 26, the Barry County Sheriff's Department has taken a rural Monett man into custody for improper use of a firearm. Troy Hinkle, 35, was taken to the Barry County Jail for allegedly discharging a handgun from a motor vehicle...

A torch makes quick work of a decommissioned gas tank at the former Gas and Groceries convenience store, located next to Little Caesars, on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Steve "Rug" Yewell, pictured above, used a propane torch to cut the massive tank into more manageable pieces. Yewell is a worker for CRL Enterprises, of Springfield, a sub-contractor hired by Leigh Environmental, of Nixa, who is the lead deconstruction team at the location...

The KFC and Long John Silvers, in Monett, closed its doors on Sunday, Sept. 1 for undisclosed reasons. Employees were told at the end of their shift. KFC has been in operation in the Monett area since the mid-1970's. The Monett Times attempted to contact the YUM! Brands, Inc. on its reasons for closing the restaurant, no comment was given as of deadline...

The Monett YMCA is offering its annual after-school program for area students. The program will be extended to members and non-members of the YMCA. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible. Participants will be provided with a healthy snack, games, homework time and arts/crafts...

Assignments for the school year and reports on construction provided direction for the new school year for the Verona R-7 Board of Education at its August meeting. Board members hired Ginger Velasco as the new administrative secretary in charge of recording student data for Student Identification System (MOSIS). Velasco has previous experience with the Verona district...

The Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency will host a storm spotter class at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center (the Marc), at 822 W. Mt. Vernon Blvd. in Mt. Vernon. The class introduces storm awareness and storm composition. Emergency services personnel are encouraged to attend, in addition to any interested persons. There is no charge for the class...

A Wentworth woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash two miles south of Pierce City on Sept. 3. Linda Fenske, 53, was driving east on Highway 60 in a 2010 Chevrolet Impala when she reached the intersection at Highway 97 at 7:32 a.m. A northbound 1989 Lincoln Town Car, driven by Matilda Brottlund, 17, of Pierce City, pulled into Fenske's path and was struck broadside...

EIGHTY YEARS AGO Sept. 5, 1933 The Monett delegation to the three-day state American Legion and Auxiliary convention at Jefferson City earned honors. The Hobbs-Anderson Auxiliary unit received first place for Americanism. The Barry County Office For Federal Relief And Reemployment will be located in Monett above Millsap's store...

Steve and Joyce Williams, of Pioneer, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept 7. Steve Williams and Joyce Roberts were united in marriage on Sept. 7, 1963 at First Baptist Church in Grove, Okla. In 1979 they moved to Pioneer where they have resided the past 34 years...

Greg L. Wilkins, age 62, of Seligman, died at 4:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2. Services will be held at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, in New Beginnings Ministries in Seligman. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville.

Nadine Lee, age 93, of Columbia, died at 5:47 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, in Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville. Burial will be in Washburn Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m. Friday, in Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville...