Stories from Saturday, November 28, 2015

On Thursday morning, about 200 people gathered at the First United Methodist Church in Monett for the Turkey Trot, a fundraiser for the Monett Community Kitchen. A similar group gathered an hour earlier in Pierce City for the Pilgrim Run, a fundraiser for the backpack program at the R-6 School District...

HHR Custom Homes LLC in Monett recently held a grand opening and open house.

Six students from the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), the vocational education organization at the Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett attended the Central Region Leadership Conference in Kansas City on Nov. 20 through Nov. 22...

CoxHealth Systems has introduced a new way to manage heart failure, and is the only hospital system in southwest Missouri where it can be found. The procedure, which debuted at CoxHealth last week, consists of a sensor being implanted in a patient's pulmonary artery. Once implanted, the wireless sensor sends pressure readings directly to the patient's doctor -- which means that when there's a heart-related issue, the doctor knows right away and can help intervene before the problem gets worse...

The Monett Branch Library, Sixth and Bond, will host knitting classes for all levels at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1. Verda Brown will lead by class. All former Jumping- Jacks employees will gather for the annual Christmas reunion at Angus Branch Steakhouse Banquet Room in Monett at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 1. The meal will be from the buffet. Those attending are encouraged to make reservations By Nov. 27 with Marjorie at 476-2265 or Missy at 235- 6121...

Three business leaders, two based in Monett, recently provided perspectives and tips on success to those interested in gaining a leadership position or moving up in their workplaces. Scott Walker, chief executive officer of 3D Corporation Solutions, Monett School Superintendent Brad Hanson and Allison Cash, chief operating officer for Ashkinosie Chocolate in Springfield, offered their advice to those looking to gain leadership positions...

What to do next became the challenge for the Monett Board of Education to consider during its annual fall retreat. The session offers an opportunity to look at the district's building plan and where the next needs will develop. "We looked at attendance tables that project enrollment out into the future," said Superintendent Brad Hanson. ...

Access to information about the local history in the Monett area has become more available through the Waldensian Foundation, a new not-for-profit educational and cultural organization headquartered in Monett, and a separate entity from the Wadlendsian Presbyterian Church...

Miss Merrie Christmas and her court have been named at Monett High School.

The Pierce City school district will be searching for a new technology director for the next academic year. Superintendent Russ Moreland said Judy Wachter, the current director, is planning to retire at the end of this school year. For the past six years with the district, Wachter has been responsible for setting up over 900 Chromebooks and iPads for student use at the beginning of each academic year, as well as wiping all data off the hard drives when they are turned in at the end of the year. ...

Leadership in the Barry-Lawrence County Ambulance District has voiced an interest in squaring off the borders of the political subdivision, but board members expressed caution in how to proceed. Operations Director Andy McCaslin said the gray area between townships, not included in the district's original 1974 borders, have become a concern. ...

The Monett Middle School wrestling team continued its impressive season with a solid showing at the Branson Tournament on Nov. 21. The Cubs won 46 of 75 matches, taking home eight first place medals, two second place medals and two third place medals...

The Crane boys basketball team earned the No. 1 seed for the annual Pierce City Invitational tournament. The eight-team event tips off on Monday and concludes with the consolation and championship games on Saturday. The Pirates, defending tournament champions, open bracketed play against the No. 8 seed Exeter at 6 p.m...

Anyone looking at Daryl Bradley's demeanor can tell it is not hyperbole when the Monett wrestling coach tells his team he wants them to win every match this season. The Cubs' goal is a top-four finish at state or bust. Last year, Monett took nine qualifiers to the state tournament in Columbia. ...

Photos 1-5 will be printed in the Dec. 2 edition.