Stories from Friday, November 21, 2014

A traffic stop turned foot pursuit led to a lockdown at Monett Elementary School Thursday, with one suspect being captured after being found in the bed of a nearby truck. According to Monett Police Chief Tim Schweder, Christopher Sanford, 33, of Monett, was allegedly driving a vehicle on Pearl Street at about 10:40 a.m. when a Monett police attempted to initiate a traffic stop...

Monett Elementary School patrons did not receive notification during the Thursday morning lockdown at Monett Elementary School, implemented for 10 minutes during a police pursuit that ended within a few blocks of the Monett Elementary School campus...

In the face of losing 75 percent of state funding for upgrades at the Monett wastewater treatment plant, the city of Monett has chosen to significantly downsize the plan. The city had planned $4,830,000 in improvements at the municipal plant with announced approval of a $2,415,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and a matching low interest loan through the State Revolving Fund. ...

The city of Purdy heard from Barry-Lawrence Library officials recently concerning issues with limiting restroom access in the Purdy Community Center. Library Director Gina Milburn presented a letter to the city council detailing incidents such as feces and urine on the bathroom walls, with material sometimes spattered on the ceiling after rental of the community center. ...

Taking a conservative position, the Verona School District approved its budget for the 2014-2015 school year, leaving some spending commitments open while the major capital improvements project takes shape. "The board approved a balanced budget," said Superintendent Tony Simmons. "There's not a lot for extra projects."...

A Cape Fair man was injured Wenesday in a wreck on Highway 39 at Leann, at about 5:40 p.m. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Darrell Blackburn, 77, of Cape Fair, was driving a 2006 Nissan Extera southbound on Highway 39 when he attempted to avoid a dog in the roadway, causing his vehicle to run off the highway and strike several signs...

A Washburn man was seriously injured Tuesday after bing involved in a tractor wreck about 10 miles south of Washburn near Farm Road 1000 and Highway NN. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Jimmy Benson, 85, of Washburn, was driving a Montana tractor northbound at about 3:45 p.m. when he struck a tree, causing it to fall...

Loose leaf collection by the Monett Public Works Department will begin on Dec. 1. Leaves must be raked to the curb. Collections will begin on the north side of town and progress south. For additional information, people may call 235-3495. The fourth annual 5K/one-mile run/walk Turkey Trot in Monett will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 27 at the First United Methodist Church, 1600 N. Central. Volunteers can sign up to marshal the race by calling 235-7444...

The Purdy High School National Honor Society hosted a special assembly to honor the nation's veterans and active duty military personnel on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The program featured performances by the Purdy High School Choir and the Purdy High School Band, as well as a showing of the video, "I Fought for You."...

The Barry-Lawrence Area United Fund recently granted $1,000 to the Tri-County Pregnancy Resource Center in Aurora.

As part of the 70th anniversary celebration at Westco, the Monett store gave away a recliner in a drawing.

Outside of the juggernaut Webb City, Lamar has been the most dominating force on the football field in southwest Missouri in recent history. Over the course of the last four seasons, Lamar has played 21 playoff games and outscored its opponents 1,203 to 193, averaging 57.28 points per game to its opponents' 9.19...

Licenses issued at the Lawrence County Courthouse Shane Eugene Gramm, 51, Mt. Vernon, to Marda Loy Thompson, 51, Mt. Vernon, Aug. 29. Tommy Loren Morris, 50, Stotts City, to Sheila Renee Roden, 50, Stotts City, Sept. 2. Jeremiah Carl Dee Brashers, 29, Crane, to Samantha Jo Alcala, 23, Crane, Aug. 31...