Stories from Saturday, May 7, 2016

For the second time in just more than two month, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon made the hike to Roaring River State Park, this time to cut the ribbon on a piece of the park's history that has received new life. The CCC Lodge, which has not been available for lodging for the past 40 years, has officially opened its doors to park-goers, with the first reservations already booked for Sunday...

There's a fundamental disconnect in our culture these days that's hard to explain. When Congressman Billy Long visited Architectural Systems Inc. this week, he and co-president Scott Beckwith talked about labor issues. Long said manufacturers across the 12 counties in the Seventh Congressional District are scrambling to find workers...

State and national legislators representing Barry and Lawrence counties each plan to back presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in November. State Rep. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, said he doesn not plan to officially endorse Trump, but will support the New York businessman should be the the Republican nominee...

The Monett City Council has scheduled public discussion on proposed ordinances allowing the sale and discharge of fireworks within the city limits for its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. on May 20. A special meeting was held on April 26 to introduce the two ordinances, allowing the scheduling of public comment and council action at the regular meeting...

Seventh District Congressman Billy Long heard about manufacturing processes and labor needs during his stop at Architectural Systems Inc. in Monett this week, part of Long's annual manufacturing tour. Representatives of the Missouri Industry Council, the city of Monett and the Monett Chamber of Commerce also took part a tour of the plant. ...

Honor graduates have been announced for the Class of 2016 at Monett High School, along with the schedule of activities for the last week of classes next week. There are 163 in the Class of 2016. Principal David Williams has announced the top 10 percent of the class. ...

A total of 45 Pierce City High School graduates will receive their diplomas during commencement exercises, slated for 6 p.m. on May 15 in the high school gym. Valedictorian of the class is Katherine Jane Still, daughter of Kirby and Laura Still. The salutatorian is Evan Maurice McDunner, son of Maury and Lisa McDunner...

Sonya Kew, a fifth grade teacher at Monett Intermediate School, was recently named the February Teacher of the Month. Kew has worked at the Monett School District for five years, but has been a teacher for 10. "I am a firm believer that with work we can learn anything," Kew said. "It's been a great year, and I hope we all continue to dream big."...

A family fun event for boys ages 5 to 13 interested in learning more about the Cub Scouts will be offered from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church, 1600 N. Central in Monett. Boy Scout Troop 38 will help run activities, which will include BB gun target shooting, archery and refreshments, including hot dogs...

New directors have assumed their duties on the board of directors for the Monett/Purdy affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

Trinity Lutheran School will celebrate the graduation of its grade class at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the school gym.

Hollie Murray and Trevor Convirs would like to announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.

Often times in the playoffs, coaches will make phone calls or scour sources to get information about their opponents. However, for the Purdy and Mt. Vernon softball teams, those calls will not be necessary ahead of their sectional meeting on Monday. The two teams will meet for the fourth time on the softball diamond this season...

The Monett Youth Wrestling Club sent 10 members to the youth wrestling state tournament in St. Louis, with four Cubs placing and Ethan Umfleet taking home a state title. "We always officially end our season at the state tournament, and every wrestler in the state is striving to be there," said A.J. ...

Verona's Landin Reid earned a berth into the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) national tournament in Louisville, Ky., on May 12-14. Reid's national tournament qualification was a two-step process. He earned entry into the state tournament with a personal best 283/300...