Stories from Saturday, November 7, 2015

Charges against Christopher Paschall, 37, in connection to an alleged double murder in Washburn, have been updated, as Darrell Moore, state assistant attorney general, is now assisting Barry County Prosecutor Amy Boxx in bringing Paschall to justice...

There's a practice that occurs at the McDonald's restaurant in Monett. At least once a day, according to breakfast manager Erica Harris, someone will decide to pay for an order, and then spontaneously "pay it forward" by also paying for the next person. The chain reaction often prompts the next person, who gets a free order, to pay for the next person, sight unseen. And so it goes...

On Thursday morning, students at Central Park Elementary School in Monett took part in a fire drill. Once outside of the building, faculty directed students to gather and walk across Sycamore Street to the nearby First Presbyterian Church. This was the first time Central Park staff had practiced relocating to another site, a new strategy under development at the school district this year...

Few fields change faster than education. While local school districts generally end up on the receiving end of strategies and new priorities, Monett school leaders recently had two unusual opportunities to share their discoveries with universities. "We've had colleges of education reaching out to districts asking, 'How is the product -- new teachers -- that we're sending you? What can we do better? What are they lacking in?" said Mike Evans, Monett assistant superintendent...

Donna Beckett, right, American Red Cross bloodmobile chairman in Monett, expressed surprise at being named the Red Cross's Blood Drive Chairman of the Year for the 28 counties in the Red Cross's Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region.

For the fourth consecutive year, Drury University will host a Leadership Summit, probing the dynamics of personal and professional leadership success. The event will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday at the Monett City Park Casino. It will be sponsored by the foundations of organizational leadership class of the Drury University College of Continuing Professional Studies, based at the Monett campus. The session will be preceded by a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m...

A Pierce City woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 37, half a mile east of Pierce City at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday. According to Pierce City Police Chief Mike Abramovitz, who worked the crash, Charene Walters, 30, of Pierce City, was driving west on Highway 37 in a 1996 Chevrolet Astro van and attempted to make a left turn across traffic into a private driveway. ...

Brickwork around the posts of the new electric marquee at Monett High School completed the new sign this week.

A Veteran's Day music program will be presented by third graders from Central Park Elementary School, under the direction of Rachel Murad, at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center. Those attending are asked to make reservations by calling 354-2168...

Officers have been installed to serve Tom Wolfe Memorial Post No. 4207, Veterans of Foreign Wars, for the 2015-2016 year.

Barbara Self, the new president of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, met with the Barry County Retired School Personnel at the local group's September meeting at the Scot Regional Technology Center.

Lawrence County Sheriff's Office deputies and employees raised $1,700 for the annual Holiday Central toy drive, which more than doubles last year's efforts.

Students in Natashia Garner's third grade class at Central Park Elementary School in Monett chose to make a special salute to veterans. Students made larger posters, then each made five cards, for a total of 100 items to hand out at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon...

For the Veteran's Day salute to area military veterans on Monday, Nov. 9 at Monett High School's Performing Arts, special artwork prepared by Lynn Morin's art 15 students will be on display in the lobby of the PAC.

Firefighters from Pierce City Fire District recently visited pre-Kindergarten students at St. Mary's Catholic School in Pierce City to teach them about fire safety.

The first quarter honor roll for Verona Middle School and High School has been announced by Principal Terry Winton. Those named to the A honor roll follow: Seventh grade: Olivia Gibson. Eighth grade: Rachel Callison, Jordan Clifford, Ashley Freiburger, Rachael Lietz, Jeremiah Ruiz Diaz, Vada Shramm, Caitlyn Stringer and Brandie Williams...

A new Cub painting was requested by Monett High School Assistant Principal Caysie Turner.

Purdy Elementary School has named winners of character medals for October, when students concentrated on honesty.

Honor roll students have been named for the first quarter at Purdy Elementary School. Principal Janet Boys recognized the following students for academic achievement. Students named to the A honor roll follow: Third grade: Kyle Bowman, Jarely Rodriguez, Samuel Salas, Eryn Schlessman, Mylee Stumph, Marlene Villa, Keele Allen, Alondra Canales, Levi Deditius, Ansley Gower, Hadassah Harris, Brandon Lee, Teagan Manwarren, Aidan Martinez, Gracie Patton, Zoey Webb, Dayten Farris, Miranda Garcia, Clayton Grant, Will Henderson, Kelsee Merritt, Waylon Morgan, Ruby Ramirez Salas, Levi Taylor and Ludi Venegas.. ...

The Monett softball team continued to roll in postseason honors with the release of the Class 3, All-District 12 softball and All-Region teams. The Lady Cubs secured five spot on the district list and two more on the region team. Earning First Team All-District honors were: Kelli McCallister, infielder; Katie Kurima, infielder; Ashton Ratliff, outfielder; and Haley Williams, utility...

Missouri's All-Region volleyball teams have been released by the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association, with Barry and Lawrence well represented on the list. Players named First Team All-Region are eligible to be considered for the All-State team, which will be released later in November...

Purdy volleyball Coach Ashley Brown was recently named All-Conference Coach of the Year for the 2015 season. Several of Brown's players also took post-season honors.

Kaden Palmer, 10, of Monett, bagged a 6-point during the youth hunting season near Verona.

Congratulations are in order for the residents in Purdy. Passing the revenue bonds to finally put an end to the dispute with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) over the city's sewer system will provide a new door to the town's future...