Stories from Friday, May 16, 2014

Graduates declare themselves 'the only thing keeping [the school] going'

On Sunday, several students allegedly broke into Purdy School and vandalized some of the school's property. In what Purdy Police Chief Jackie Lowe classified as a "senior prank," 11 students, some of whom graduated on Friday, are now having to pay restitution, pay for clean-up and repairs of the damaged property, including a bench in the dugout at the baseball field...

EIGHTY YEARS AGO May 11-17, 1934 A pageantry of color, beauty and the zest of youth formed the gala promenade on the decks of "A Capital Ship," the theme selected for the junior-senior banquet, held at the City Park Casino. Festive decorations in pastel shades were artistically arranged at the windows. The chandeliers and electric fans resembled huge suspended flowers. A gangplank led to the stage, giving the impression of a night on the deep, with the moon and stars to steer by...

Monett High School recently recognized its four-year sports participants, pictured above, at its annual award banquet, are: Chase Brennan, Cooper Caldwell, Faith Schmidt, Aaron Morley, Christian VanLue, Connor Marshall, Breanna Homfeldt, Lexi Witt, Kelsey Wiseman, Casey Moller, Elizabeth Arnold and Bailey Petersen. Daryl Bradley/Special to The Monett Times...

After an early season 4-1 win over Marionville, Purdy felt good about drawing the Comets again to open Class 2, District 12 play. However, the Eagles (8-14) have lost a few players due to violation of team rules for the remainder of the season. "We can't focus on who we don't have," said Joshua Hughes, Purdy coach. "We are focused on the team we have now and helping them work toward a win on Saturday."...

NEOSHO-- Three wins are all that separates the Crowder College baseball team from a return trip to the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. The journey continues today as Monett graduate Aaron Patton and the 'Riders open play in the South Central District tournament at Roughrider field on the Crowder College campus in Neosho...

Ted Dorton remembers growing up on a farm in northeast Oklahoma. His father made a living raising about 25 head of cattle. "When I grew up on a farm, it wasn't fun," Dorton said. "It was hard. Here I am, back at it again. Can you figure? It's strange how things in life go."...

Applications are now being accepted by Monett Main Street for building façade grants. This will be the third round of matching grants and the first time with new design guidelines. Main Street offers to match money invested in façade improvements, including the addition of awnings, up to $1,500. Last year, Main Street reimbursed property owners for five projects...

For low-income families without prescription drug coverage, the lack of access to needed medications can lead to expensive visits to the hospital or emergency room, and further complicate serious health issues. The CoxHealth Foundation has donated $50,000 to the Community Medical Access Program, a local project to help bridge the gap for some of the area's neediest patients by connecting them to prescription assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies and helping them manage the application process.. ...

Kids Fishing Day will be held Saturday, May 17 at Roaring River State Park. Fishing runs from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. There is no cost to fish for children. The Lawrence County Museum in Mt. Vernon will open for the 2014 season on Sunday, May 25. Museum hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Betty Lamberson will present a program on quilts and vintage clothing for the Lawrence County Historical Society meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at the museum...

Monett Police Department officials are observing National Police Week this week. President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 declaring the May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that day falls as National Police Week...

Oneida Marie Lombard, "Needie" to those who knew her well, 91, of Monett, MO, passed from this life on Wednesday morning, May 14, 2014, while at Lacoba Homes in Monett. Oneida was born on November 18, 1922 in Plainville, IN, the only child of the late...

Lynn J. Hensley, 71, of Pierce City, Missouri left this earth for his heavenly home Tuesday, May 13th. He had fought a long battle with ALS. Lynn was born July 31, 1942 in Leroy, Kansas to Harry and Virginia Hensley. He served his country as a Marine. He was retired from the printing business and more recently raised horses and worked on his farm...

Melvin Hines, 91, of Cassville, died at 9:50 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Mill Street Church of Christ of Cassville under the direction of Fohn Funeral Home of Cassville. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church...

Ralph Raymond Nelson, 89, of Miller, died at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, at his home. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Morris-Leiman-Mosher Funeral Home of Miller. Burial will follow at Sycamore Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the funeral home...