Stories from Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Quality over quantity is how Monett Swimming Coach Dan Janssen looks at his 2014-2015 girls swimming team. With just seven swimmers, Monett is at a disadvantage at most meets, forcing its athletes to swim multiple events. However, Janssen doesn't see it that way...

Faculty and staff at the Scott Regional Technolgy Center in Monett participated in the inaugural Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest on Friday. Pictured, from left, are: Laurie Woolfolk, Toni Williams, Beth Garrett, Betsy Anderson and Pam Wormington. A panel of judges, who will remain anonymous, determined the winner based on sheer outrageousness, functionality and the ability for the sweater to be worn at any other time. ...

A Tipton man suffered minor injuries in a wreck Sunday morning on I-44, two miles west of Mt. Vernon. Brian Schmidt, 42, of Tipton, was driving a 2012 Toyota Corolla eastbound on I-44 at about 11:20 a.m. when his vehicle ran off the right side of thew roadway and overturned...

Winners have been announced in the judging from the Monett Christmas parade, held on Saturday in downtown Monett. Bands: Pierce City Eagle Pride, first; Purdy Marching Band, second. Floats: Countryside Christian Church, first; Scott Tech childcare class, second; Tim Gripka and family, third...

Crosslines is busting at the seams, leading the board to begin the search for a larger facility. "We need a bigger building," said MaLinda King, director of the charitable organization, located at 510 E. Cleveland in Monett. "We need more room." The current facility is slightly under 10,000 square feet, but the floor plan is not conducive to customer flow...

The second annual Alternative Gift Fair, held on Dec. 6 at the Monett Area YMCA, has been declared a success by organizers. Just under $4,000 in donations were made to 21 not-for-profit organizations, either as direct gifts or as gifts given in other people's names...

A new ordinance changing city restrictions on concealed and carry firearms permits will chance how those with permits may carry weapons. According to Police Chief Tim Schweder, the new ordinance brings the city in line with revised state law. "If you have a concealed and carry weapons permit, you can carry the weapon openly," he said. "We cannot restrict it."...

Monett Wrestling Coach Daryl Bradley got a good look at his Cubs Saturday, as they took second at the Carl Junction Tournament. Bradley was focused on his team's conditioning and overall growth. "We had a good showing on Saturday," Bradley said. "I thought the kids competed. We will need continue to progress with our technique and shape if we want to achieve our goals."...