Stories from Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Even with low turnout at the polls, 63 percent of voters gave endorsement to the proposed half-percent sales tax to address transportation needs in the city. The final vote was 281 in favor and 166 against (161-99 in Barry County, 120-67 in Lawrence County)...

In the only other bi-county election on Tuesday, Aurora voters passed a half-percent sales tax to support the city's parks and storm water control. The measure passed 185-150, with 55 percent support, carrying in all three precincts. The tax will generate approximately $550,000 a year, based on revenues from the city's two half-percent sales taxes in 2014...

Several projects are underway to improve facilities at the Verona school district over the summer. Superintendent Tony Simmons told school board members about the Toddler's Choice playground equipment from Miracle Recreation Equipment installation at the early childhood classroom building, east of the school. ...

The 16th annual Kings Prairie benefit concert will be held on the grounds of the historic Kings Prairie school on Saturday, southeast of Monett. An area staple of summer entertainment, the concert raises money to support the upkeep of the Kings Prairie school building as an activities center for the rural Monett community. Organizers will continue the framework of past performances with a selection of classic country, gospel and bluegrass music popular in rural Missouri...

Earthmoving has begun for a major new healthcare facility in Monett that may being up to 40 jobs to the city. Oak Pointe of Monett, a Missouri licensed assisted living facility and memory care center, will be located on Old Airport Road, north of the proposed location for the new Monett Branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library System...

State Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville, has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on the Sanctity of Life by Senate Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles. One of the responsibilities of the committee will be to investigate the recent accusation that Planned Parenthood is harvesting and selling fetal body parts...

The flag corps performed on the stage of the Monett High School Performing Arts Center for the opening of the band's mini-concert.

Monett Rural Fire District and Monett city fire trucks responded to the Brian Hull farm south of Farm Road 2225 and west of Farm Road 1100 on Monday afternoon to battle a controlled burn in a cut hay field that got out of control.

Weather permitting, Eisenhower Street in Monett will be closed one-half mile south of Highway 60 the week of Aug. 3 for repairs. The Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society will meet one week early this month, at 7 p.m. on Aug. 10 at at the Barry County Museum. Erin Smither from the Missouri State Historical Society will speak about the 1916-1917 Streetcar strike in Springfield...

The Monett boys soccer team is starting to become a dominant force on the pitch in southwest Missouri. Last season, Monett set a school record for victories with an 18-8 record. The Cubs won their third consecutive district title before falling to Springfield Catholic in the sectional round. This season, the Cubs are seeking to take the next step and not only secure their fourth consecutive district title, but make a solid run at a Final Four berth...

The diagnosis and treatment of concussions for area athletes continues to be one of the highest priorities for CoxHeath Systems. To further aid in the treatment of patients who have suffered concussions, Cox has added the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing program, or ImPACT for short...

Amy Lynn Szydloski, 39, Mt. Vernon, died at 6:27 a.m., Sunday, July 19, at her home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 8 at St. Susanne Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon. The church will open at 10 a.m. to begin receiving family and friends. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served by the church following the Mass at approximately noon...