Stories from Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Thomas Williams, 85, of Monett, passed away Monday morning, July 6, while at his residence. Thomas was born on May 29, 1930, in Blue Jacket, Okla., the son of the late Lenard and Anna (Ryan) Williams. He graduated from Vinita High School in Vinita, Okla., and later worked for Thorco in Cassville, until his health forced him to retire. Thomas was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and enjoyed raising animals, dancing and watching western movies...

The 2014-2015 Check Cashers T-ball team is pictured.

The 2014-2015 CPA Group T-ball team is pictured.

Monett football coach Derrek Uhl, right, teaches proper lifting and grip technique to Dillon Smith during Monett's summer weight training program.

All sports fans have places they hold as their holy grails, a place or event they want to visit and cross off their bucket lists. For Purdy resident and golf enthusiast Randy Henderson, that place was the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. "I've always enjoyed golf," Henderson said. "Whether it is playing a round or talking about the sport, I've always enjoyed the game. As an enthusiast, The Masters is the tournament that I've always wanted to attend."...

St. John's Lutheran Church on Highway H, north of Monett, will offer Camp Discovery Vacation Bible School July 12 through July 16 from 5:30-8 p.m. All ages are welcome. Advance registration can be made online at http://tinyurl.com/oe3wuz8 Southwest Missouri Solid Waste Management District N executive board will meet at 11:50 a.m. on July 14 at Alice Irene's restaurant in Marionville...

The band Sober as a Judge, with players from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma (the judge is from Lamar), returned to perform popular hits from the 1960s and 1970s on Friday at Mt. Vernon's Fourth of July celebration, held on Friday at the Spirit of 76 Park...

3 fire departments team up to battle blaze By Murray Bishoff times-news@monett-times.com Three fire departments combined forces to stop a fire in a residence at the corner of Caldonia and Highway C in Purdy on Sunday. According to Fire Chief Nick Mercer, firefighters were dispatched at 8:58 a.m. on Sunday due to smoke coming from the one-story residence. Shortly after their arrival, flames broke through the front window...

The Monett Police Department was involved in a drug bust on Tuesday in the city, arresting five adults on drug-related charges. According to Tim Schweder, Monett police chief, the department, assisted by the Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, served a warrant at 607 Frisco Ave. Tuesday, searching for methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, marijuana and other items used for sale and distribution of controlled substances...

On a day with perfect, mild weather conditions, Monett's Freedom and Fireworks celebration brought large crowds to South Park for food and entertainment, concluding with the more expensive fireworks show in the 69-year history of the local organized festivities...

Cassville-area residents and organizations took to social media Tuesday morning in response to flooding in the area. Emergency personnel are warning residents to stay off the streets, if possible. More details will be released as they become available...

Gerald R. "Jerry" Bass, 68, of Shell Knob, died Monday, July 6. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Walnut Valley Memorial Park, El Dorado, Kan., under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Lakeside Christian Church, Shell Knob...