Stories from Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Members of multiple area fire districts battled a massive structure fire Monday that destroyed the Holloway Farms building by the Payless Auto Salvage property on Highway 37, about half a mile north of Butterfield. According to initial reports from Randy Kalbaugh, Barry County sheriff's deputy, witnesses said the blaze may have been started by a faulty electrical box on the east side of the building...

CASSVILLE -- After 28 years in law enforcement and five consecutive terms as Barry County sheriff, Mick Epperly announced he will not be seeking re-election this year. Epperly made the announcement Tuesday afternoon in front of 23 of his office's employees, fighting back emotions as he thanked his staff and discussed his reasons for leaving the post in 10 months...

Ronald McDonald Houses have launched their 23rd annual Share a Herat campaign, aiming to raise funds to provide families who have a hospitalized child a home away from home, so they can remain nearby while the child undergoes medical treatment. Last year, the organization, which in Springfield has had a home near Cox South Hospital for 28 years and a home inside Mercy Children's Hospital for three years, served more than 800 families seeking treatment for their child. ...

Jacob Brower, publisher of The Monett Times, was among local residents who recently took part in the MDA Lockup at Scott Regional Technology Center. For more information or to make a donation, visit MDA.org.

Two people accused of stealing a vehicle, as well as multiple items belonging to late Army Spec. Christopher Stark, of Monett, have been released from the Barry County jail. Terri Jones, 43, of Seligman, who is facing felony charges of receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of an illegal weapon, was ordered to be released from the Barry County jail on Feb. ...

There's a new face at Mercy Clinic Family Medicine in Monett. Family nurse practitioner Daina Kays has joined the Mercy team. Kays, an Ozarks native, has been a nurse since 1999. She received her bachelor's in nursing from Missouri State University, and later received her master's in nursing, family nurse practitioner, from Cox College...

The Southern Missouri Beekeepers will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the First United Methodist Church, 1600 N. Central in Monett. Beginner classes will focus on installing foundation and cross wiring. A training DVD devoted to beekeeping will also be shown. The meeting will begin with a potluck dinner. For additional information, people may call Joseph Holmes at 417-737-9935...

Just four games remain in the Monett boys basketball team's regular season. While the season is short in terms of length, the list of things the Cubs are trying to accomplish is still sizable. With a rare off day this week, the Cubs' only slated game is Thursday against Seneca. According to Coach Jeremy Land, the free day came at a great time for his team...

Friday night, the Purdy school district will celebrate its annual basketball homecoming with the theme, "Under the Big Top." The Eagles are slated to battle McAuley Catholic on the floor beginning at 6 p.m., and the district, in conjunction with the festivities, will also host its second annual Purdy High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony...

The Purdy girls basketball game on Thursday has been designated as Pink Night. The Lady Eagles welcome McAuley Catholic to town and are attempting to fill the gym with pink hearts, according to Coach Eli Ernst. Hearts can be purchased from a member of the girls' basketball team or at the game for a $1 donation...

The Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association released its 2015-2016 Academic All-State volleyball teams on Friday. Among the lists were 19 area players for Purdy, Wheaton and Pierce City. To qualify for the all-state squad, players must have a 3.6 cumulative GPA from all semesters of their entire career and played in 75 percent of varsity matches...

Joyce Elaine Kelly, 68, of Monett, went to be with the Lord in Heaven Sunday, Jan. 31, at Cox Hospital South in Springfield. She was born Sept. 24, 1947, in Purdy, the daughter of the late Norman and Lola (Henson) Terry. She was united in marriage to Leon Kelly Dec. 3, 1964, in Miami, Okla. He preceded her in death April 12, 2011...