Stories from Wednesday, July 23, 2014

It is a sign that every die-hard football fan lives for, and anticipation begins to grow when they drive by the Monett football practice field and see it occupied by the Cubs. To the gridiron faithful, it means the season is near. This week marks the unofficial start to the football season for Monett's youth and high school teams...

By Jared Lankford sports@monett-times.com Car counts, crowds and the weather have been very good recently at the Monett Speedway. For track owner Randy Mooneyham, the season has gone better than expected. "People have been in a better mood this year," Mooneyham said. "The economy is better and we have more drivers out each night. That is a good combination."...

The Regal Athletic 14-and-under softball team, recently repeated as undefeated state champions in the Missouri USSSA tournament in Kansas City.

Five teams provided excitement for the bathtub races at the Purdy Festival.

The Barry County Commission meets two days per week from 9 a.m. to noon, and if elected, one candidate for presiding commissioner hopes to make some changes. Terry Burgess, 31, of Seligman, said he believes the county commission is not open enough because of the meeting times, and he hopes to change that...

Purdy residents for the present time will see no changes in their billing following passage of a new city budget. Aldermen reviewed options on again raising sewer rates but delayed action while talks continue with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR)...

Amy Boxx, 42, of Monett, Matt Weatherman, 30, of Golden, and Steve Dunker, 50, of Cassville, each have ideas for how residents can help the prosecuting attorney's office and local law enforcement when it comes to stopping crime. Boxx said one of the big things that can help is for residents to have more watchful eyes, especially around their homes...

The Purdy School District has made a major commitment to technology and signed a $359,800, three-year deal with Apple Computers. The decision will bring new devices to Purdy for the opening of classes in August. School board members liked the groundwork laid by Superintendent Dr. Steven Chancellor and chose to take immediate action at the June meeting...

As the presiding commissioner race heats up, finance reports filed show that incumbent Cherry Warren spent no money on his campaign through June 30. Warren received the most in contributions at $5,600, and according to the report, $5,000 of that amount was a loan from Warren, and $3,388.27 has been repaid. ...

Candidates for Barry County prosecuting attorney have released campaign finance reports, detailing each candidate's contributions and expenditures. Amy Boxx, 42, of Monett, raised the most money for her campaign at $3,800. All of her fundraising, less a $50 donation, is listed as a 6-month loan from Boxx...

To mark the 19th anniversary of V.B. Hall Antique Warehouse and Flea Market in Monett, owner Viga Hall was back in town last week and greeted visitors who came by 201 Main St. on Saturday for the occasion.

The Barry County Clerk's Office has released information regarding absentee and in-person voting in the upcoming primary election. Those who have mobility issues, like walking or standing in lines, may send a written request, with the information listed below, or stop by the office and vote absentee...

Monett Schools will offer preschool and kindergarten screenings that will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 4 and Aug. 6 The screening team will check motor skills, speech and language skills, concept development, vision and hearing. Screenings take approximately one hour. To make an appointment, people may call 235-3411. Parents should bring the child's birth certificate and immunization records...

Burnice Riggs Burnice Maxine Davis Riggs, 93, of Monett, passed from this life on Tuesday, July 22, at Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett. Burnice was born on September 13, 1920, in Aurora, MO., daughter of the late Edward and Flo (Short) Bradley. On April 3, 1944, in Monett, Burnice married Reverend Winford Davis. ...

Leroy Herman Wiese, 83, of Mt. Vernon, died at 11:50 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 25, at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Mt. Vernon...