Stories from Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Derrek Uhl, Monett football coach, was cautious not to give any bulletin board material about the upcoming game with the Cubs' chief rival. Uhl was honest in his assessment of Cassville. "Their quarterback [Leigh Cox] scares me," he said. "He runs the option well and makes smart reads. The [River] Phelps kid at running back is scary when in space. He could go to the end zone every time if he isn't stopped."...

Lance Parnell, Cassville football coach, is not known for eloquent speeches and over-the-top flattery. He is a man that gets to the point and is matter-of-fact in his approach. When he watched this week's opponent, Monett, on video, it did not take him long to assess the situation...

Two weeks after Monett took over dispatching services for Lawrence County and emergency services for Mt. Vernon and Miller, operations have smoothed out after facing several significant tests. Bonnie Witt-Schulte, Monett 911 communications director, reported the transfer on Sept. 1 brought several problems to light that have since been resolved...

The opening of the new performing arts center at Monett High School creates new opportunities and challenges for the school district. In particular, the school has no signage to announced events. With the performing arts center located next to the high school, facing David Sippy Drive instead of Cleveland Avenue, even the facility's location is not obvious to the public passing on Monett's main east-west thoroughfare...

Making Raku pottery can be more exciting than some may want.

Roaring River State Park will host Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School Oct. 9-11. Participants are invited to discover and learn outdoor skills at the hands-on event, which will feature 35 different courses in a variety of topics designed to introduce individuals and families to the great outdoors...

Monett High School Cheerleaders revved up spectators' school spirit during the annual football homecoming parade Friday afternoon. Melonie Roberts reporter@monett-times.com

Monday evening's shower in Monett left a partial double rainbow visible downtown, more proof that gold at the end of the rainbow is nearby. Murray Bishoff times-news@monett-times.com

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 91 will offer a Loaded Potato Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the Legion Home, 717 E. Broadway. Cost is $5, including dessert and beverage. Carry-outs are available. Proceeds will benefit ALA children and youth programs...

The football rivalry between Cassville and Monett plays second fiddle to no other. It is as intense a rivalry as can be found in not just southwest Missouri, but in the entire state. "The thing that really heats up the rivalry is the fact that the parents from both schools work together at many of the area factories," said David Large, former Cassville coach. "One set of those parents is going to have bragging rights for an entire year."...

For two of the last five years, the Miller football team has ended Pierce City's football season with playoff or district losses. If fact, the Eagles have lost eight times in the last seven years to Miller, their Spring River Valley Conference rival...

Phyllis Spain, 79, of Joplin, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, while at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the IOOF Cemetery, Monett. Arrangements have been entrusted to the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett...

Monett kicker and goalie Cameron Cody is slated for his fifth surgery, a bone reconstruction, in the last 11 days today at Mercy Children's Hospital in Kansas City.

Charles Warren "Chuck" Hull, 64, of Monett, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 15, at Cox-Monett Hospital after a sudden illness. Chuck was born June 26, 1951, in Dade County, the son of the late Bill Ray and Thelma (Stevenson) Hull. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Lombard on Sept. 28, 1974, in Monett...