Stories from Thursday, January 9, 2014

One man in in jail and law enforcement officials are seeking his brother in connection with a kidnapping incident that originated in McDonald County on Friday. Matthew Jeffrey Miller, 21, of Eagle Rock was arrested in McDonald County and charged with the felonies of kidnapping, burglary and tampering with a motor vehicle in connection with the kidnapping and robbery of a rural Washburn woman...

A recent high school summit on bullying has led to a new intervention effort at Monett High School. Assistant principal David Williams, teacher Beth Nation, counselors Kara Tinklepaugh and Princess Fox recently attended a teen bullying summit hosted by the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence at Carl Junction High School, along with 20 MHS students. Between 300 and 400 students from other districts also attended...

Robert L. "Bob" Stringer, age 84, of Exeter, died at 3 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 in Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, under the direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

rry County residents should receive their personal property and business assessment sheets no later than mid-January. The forms, which were mailed on Jan. 2, document property owned as of Jan.1. Barry County Assessor Sherry Sears said residents should double-check the shaded box area which displays last year's vehicles, trailers, boats, livestock and other property assessed last year...

With flashlight in hand studying the ground, Fire Marshal Rob Sterner, from the Joplin area, examined the house at 509 N. Central in Monett on Tuesday, seeking the cause of the fire that erupted shortly before 1:30 p.m. This was the third structure fire Monett firefighters have responded to in the past week...

Melting snow this week provided ideal conditions for Clara Lindsay to show her artistic talents. The 12-year-old daughter of Amy and Brian Lindsay, Clara sculpted a snowman with a pipe, a baby and their cat in their lawn at 204 E. Bond.

A roof leak at the Purdy Community Center, where the library leases space from the city, damaged 55 books worth nearly $1,000 that had to be discarded. A roof leak at the Cassville Branch, traced to ice dams in the gutters, caused water leaks that damaged 11 books, valued at nearly $300. Golubski Roofing corrected the problem and reported no soffit damage. Some carpet staining has occurred...

Many people will take the time to reflect on their lives and identify areas where they believe change is desired as the old year passes and the New Year begins. This time-honored practice of making resolutions dates back to ancient cultures and seems to fill a need in many individuals to change and grow with the passage of time...

Monett-based Jack Henry and Associates will provide its financial institution clients with the ability to send and receive international payments via American Express' FX International Payments service. JHA's DirectLine International solution now includes access to FX International Payments' competitive foreign exchange rates and fees, dedicated customer service, and straight-through processing of payments...

Officers with the Monett Police Department generated 126 offense reports during the month of December, along with 10 collisions involving 19 vehicles. Two injury collisions were documented and 19 vehicles were damaged during December. In the 126 offense reports for the month, three involved juveniles. Other reports included 77 arrests and 50 general-purpose reports, three of which involved juveniles...

The Pierce City School Board's public meeting on a proposed tax levy increase has been re-scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan.22. The session will be held in the superintendent's office. The Lawrence County Local Emergency Planning Committee will not meet in January. According to Bonnie Witt-Schulte, emergency management director for Monett, there are currently no funds to support any LEPC activities. If funds become available we will meet March 26...

Two years ago the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) altered the district football playoff system. Outside of needing an abacus, ibuprofen and a degree in mathematical theory, many call it a success. The greatest mystery remaining was the playoff schedule itself...

EIGHTY YEARS AGO Jan. 9, 1934 Enthusiasm ran high at the opening of the adult classes at Monett High School. More than 40 persons enrolled in each of the two classes. Art classes are being taught by Mrs. Grace Tinker, of Pierce City. At a meeting of the Monett Music Club, Mrs. Harry Westbay brought a scrapbook showing the club's original 12 members from about 33 years ago...

Eighth grade students from Monett Middle School toured the Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett to discuss career exploration and determine educational opportunities available at the school. "It's important for student to be aware of their options now," said Janet Reppert, student career advisor. " As eighth-graders, they will develop a personal plan of study outlining their high school courses."...

Kimberly Lynne (Godwin) Trace, 48, passed away on January 7, 2014 at Cox-Monett Hospital after a lengthy illness. Kim was born on April 12, 1965 in Mt. Vernon to Gene W. and Judi (Head) Godwin. She grew up in Springfield, Mo., and graduated from Central High School in 1983. ...

Dorothy Louise Moore, 84, of Monett, died at 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Cox Hospital South in Springfield. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Monett...

Carol (Miller) Avondet, age 77, of Monett, MO, passed away on January 7, 2014. Carol was born March 2, 1936 to Perry and Martha (Bounous) Miller of Pierce City, MO. Upon graduating from Pierce City High School in 1954, Carol attended William Jewel College in Kansas City, MO. She was active in her church, First Baptist Church of Monett, and she loved spending time with family, especially playing with her grandson...