Stories from Saturday, August 8, 2015

With school starting Wednesday, steps have started to transform the Ninth Street intersections at Cleveland Avenue and south one block on Scott Street. The Monett City Council's approval to close the block of Ninth Street in front of the school gym and cafeteria authorized the Monett School District to take steps to enhance student safety...

Only one bid, from Guarantee Roofing, was submitted for a roofing project at Pierce City School District, which board members ultimately accepted for the proposed projects. The bid specifications include a portion of the high school roof from the original high school hallway to the gymnasium over stage area, as well as a portion of the roof at the entranceway at Central Elementary School...

One way to enjoy a summer evening is a few spins around the lawn on a four-wheeler.

Paramedic Andy McCaslin has been hired as the new operations manager for the Barry-Lawrence County Ambulance District. McCaslin has served as the temporary operations manager since the board and staff changes following the April 7 election. He was one of two candidates interviewed for the post, established by the current board to separate personnel responsibilities from the office manager, both previously held by Jeaniettia Pierce, who resigned in April, not long after receiving $135,000 in a back pay resolution passed by the previous board. ...

The Monett Community Kitchen will complete its fifth year of service in November. To help the service continue, the Barry-Lawrence Area United Fund presented a $3,000 check to the operation. In its history, the Community Kitchen has now served more than 70,000 meals. The kitchen serves meals at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 11 a.m. on Saturdays at the First United Methodist Church in Monett...

Longview resident Judy Harper has been named the new principal at St. Mary's Catholic School in Pierce City. Harper replaces Gary Holder, who served in that position since 2013. Harper brings 26 years of public educational and administrative experience to the parochial school, having taught at the Wheaton school district for five years, in Arkansas for a year and as an English teacher at East Newton High School for nine years...

State and federal representatives joined Freistatt Housing Commission members in dedicating a FEMA-approved storm shelter recently completed for residents of the Freistatt senior housing complex. The facility was built to provide shelter for up to 30 people. Presently the senior housing complex has 21 residents in 19 units. The shelter cost approximately $16,500 and was paid entirely by the Freistatt organization from its general fund, without tapping into reserves...

Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay received the Patriot Award in recognition as an employer that supports military service by civilian employees. The award was given during graduation ceremonies of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association Training Academy...

Thirteen new educators join the faculty of Monett Elementary and Central Park Elementary schools for the coming year.

Volunteers from New Site Baptist Church will help the effort at the Habitat for Humanity house construction today at 117 E. Nellie. Crews this week will work on siding. All volunteers are welcome. For additional information, people may call Ron Overeem at 235-7710...

A service of praise and thanksgiving celebrating 50 years in ministry by Rev. Ben Schumacher will be held Sunday, Aug. 16, at Grace Lutheran Church, located at the intersection of Park and Elm Streets in Aurora. The event will begin at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow in the church basement. Special guest speaker for the service will be Rev. Dr. Ray Mirly, president Emeritus of the Missouri District of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. The public is invited...

Jim and Rose Meeks will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Perch of Neosho will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 16.

The family of Robert Banks will celebrate his 95th birthday Sunday, Aug. 9th with a private event.

Monett receiver Gunner Halloway works on his receiving skills during a drill this week at a Cubs practice.

Julie Dalton, Monett volleyball coach, has big plans in her second year at the helm of the Monett volleyball team. Dalton inherited a squad last season with seniors who had seen three different coaches in the previous four seasons. In 2014, Monett spent time trying to implement Dalton's system and style. When it concluded district play, Monett had limped to a 2-21-1 record...

While at Missouri State University, I had a very influential agriculture guidance counselor and instructor in Dr. Weston Walker. What I appreciated most about Dr. Walker was his ability to cut through fluff and be candid, yet respectful, in delivering his message...

On Tuesday, the Monett Chamber of Commerce held its annual breakfast for new teachers. This event, which has evolved since 2001 from an initial luncheon that included a tour around town, introduces new educators to the community. This year, Chamber executive director Jeff Meredith recruited Dr. Ralph Scott, Monett's esteemed retired school superintendent, to speak...