Stories from Friday, January 8, 2016

My wife is great at remembering dates. In nearly eight years of wedded bliss, she has committed to memory the date of all the birthdays and anniversaries on my side of the family. Her learning mechanism is repeating the dates over and over again until committed to memory because of their importance and significance...

With less than two weeks left in the filing period, several changes have developed in the candidates seeking office in the Monett area in the April 5 election. Filings close on Jan. 19. With the death of Mayor Jim Orr, changes have taken place on the ballot for Monett City Council. Mike Brownsberger, serving as acting mayor, has withdrawn his filing for commissioner and refiled seeking the mayor's post...

The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library will seek a tax levy increase on April 5. Library board members will determine the exact amount at their January meeting, but discussed seeking an increase between 5 and 10 cents per $100 of assessed property. Under present state law, a new library district incorporating today would have to begin at a 20-cent tax base. Barry-Lawrence presently has a 15-cent levy...

Monett Police are seeking information about two graffiti incidents that have taken place at Burl Fowler Stadium in Monett. Graffiti, mainly words and some drawings, have been spray painted onto the old concession stand and the field house. One incident occurred last week and another this week, either on Monday or Tuesday. The graffiti is similar to previous incidents but may not be limited to one perpetrator, said School Resource Officer Jay Jastal...

Two vehicles were towed from the 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue intersection in Monett following a two-vehicle crash at 11:53 a.m. on Thursday.

As seasons change and the calendar progresses, Monett Electric Department electrician Daryl Fenski uses a department bucket truck to change the banners on the light poles downtown.

A controlled burn around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Farm Roads 1050 and 2220, northwest of Monett, prompted a visit by Monett Rural Fire District firefighters after the fire grew to a significant size and threatened to spread.

The Monett session in the program, "A Parents Guide to Internet Safety" will be presented 9 to 11 a.m. on Jan. 9 at the Monett Justice Center by former Monett Police Officer J.J. Goulbourne, in conjunction with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department and the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library. ...

CRIMINAL CASES The following defendants pleaded guilty or were found guilty of the charges listed. Jonathan R. Horner, misdemeanor stealing (amended from felony), suspended imposition of sentence, probation for two years, pay $55 restitution, $25 prosecuting attorney's fees and perform 50 hours community service...

It was not much of a fist pump, but it was enough that Monett post player Alex Turner's teammates and coaches noticed. The usually reserved and quiet junior celebrated after he grabbed an offensive board and stuffed it back in the goal for his 11th and 12th points during the Cubs' 67-61 win over Reeds Spring on Tuesday...

The Monett wrestling team will welcome 10 squads from three states to the 44th annual Monett Wrestling Tournament on Saturday. This year, the tournament field has shrunk by two teams. Westminster Christian Academy had a conflict with a conference tournament, and Harrisonville moved up to Class 3...

A Kansas man was injured Thursday in a wreck at 3:43 p.m. on Highway 96, two miles east of Avilla. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Nichol Holmes, 42, of Mt. Vernon, was driving a 1992 Dodge 3500 northbound when his vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a 2015 Toyota Sienna, being driven by Stanley York, 68, of Derby, Kan...

Rodney Ray Walker, 78, of Cassville, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Cassville. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, at Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville...