Stories from Wednesday, May 18, 2016

A Purdy man is in Barry County jail on three felony charges alleging he molested and sodomized a minor. George Waltrip, 56, of Purdy, is charged with first-degree child molestation and two counts of second-degree statutory sodomy. According to a probable cause statement filed by Jay Jastal of the Monett Police Department, the victim, who is under 16 years of age, reported the abuse to Monett Officer Dennis Goss in October 2015, saying Waltrip had committed the acts on numerous occasions over the past five years at the home of a relative on Pearl Street in Monett.. ...

By Melonie Roberts reporter@monett-times.com Pierce City graduates did not get to undergo commencement ceremonies Sunday without one more lesson. Cheyenne Hill, class speaker, provided a Powerpoint presentation, complete with copies and ink pens underneath graduates' chairs for last-minute note-taking, on 16 pieces of advice to take with them on their next journey...

Sandra Castillo, left, and Lorena Castro laugh during a lighthearted portion of Wheaton teacher Jennifer Sullivan's address to the students during the class of 2016's graduation ceremonies Thursday night.

The county commission recently completed a planned capital improvement project to replace the roof of the county jail. In October 2015, the county began taking bids to replace part of the roof, and Guaranteed Roofing in Joplin had the winning bid at $28,640, compared to John Jamison Construction out of Springfield at $36,600...

With inside jokes and expressions of gratitude, seniors at Purdy High School completed graduation on Saturday before a full house in the high school gym. The 48-member Class of 2016 entered the gym having chosen the motto "What We Do Echoes in Eternity," which was written on the wall behind the speaker's lectern. ...

The seven candidates for sheriff and three candidates for public administrator have all been invited to a forum on Thursday at the Community Building in Wheaton, hosted by the Wheaton Fire Department. Lindy Lombard, assistant fire chief, said the idea came about as a way for firefighters and residents in the area to get to know the candidates better...

Purdy City Council members are exploring options for one of the more annoying issues facing the community -- poor property maintenance. Alderman Bo Prock, who last month was elected mayor pro tem, asked further about improving property appearances around town after resident Raymond Stapleton raised the issue concerning a lot from Edina to Highway C that has become so overgrown that vegetation blocks the view for motorists...

The Monett City Council will hear public comment on selling and use of fireworks inside the city limits, as well as changing the fee schedule for renting the City Park Casino, at its regular monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at Monett City Hall...

Preparations are nearing completion for the American Cancer Society's Festival of Barry County, the successor event to the popular Relay for Life, which will be held on June 3 at Monett's South Park. The build-up to the main event begins with the Survivors Dinner, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. ...

Nearly 1,300 children of all ages, and their families, filled the banks of Roaring River during Kids Fishing Day Saturday to cast their lines - and their bets, on collecting the best catch.

Tom Wolfe VFW Auxiliary will host a luncheon from 11 to 1 p.m. today at the Post, on Highway 60 west of Monett. The menu will be an open-faced roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, salad, dessert and beverage for $6.50. Carry-outs are available by calling 235-8394...

Monett's Katie Kurima earned a berth into the Class 4 sectional Saturday at Bolivar with a strong performance at the district track meet in Branson. To qualify for the sectional round, athletes need a top-4 finish at the district meet. Kurima took third in the 100-meter dash and fourth in the 200-meter dash...

A pair of Monett football players need some community support if their dreams of playing in an Australian All-Star game are to come true. Monett senior Michael Branch and Darian McCracken have been invited to play in the 2016 Down Under Bowl, presented by Down Under Sports in Brisbane, Australia...

The Monett tennis team will host its annual camp May 23-27 at the North Park courts. The camp is open for students in grade 9-12 and will be instructed by Bob Crain and Jason Smith. Girls camp runs from 9-10:30 a.m., and boys camp is slated for 10:30 a.m. to noon...

The 26th annual Mark Welch Memorial Benefit Golf Tournament will be June 5 at Honey Creek Golf Club near Aurora. Tee times are 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for five-person teams. The tournament benefits a family in need caused by a major illness. For more information, people may contact 417-678-3353...

The Monett WaterThrashers are holding signups for the 2016 summer season. For more information, people may go to http://tinyurl.com/z3mxsm6

Bonnie Jean Smith, 87, of Mt. Vernon, died at 2:25 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Sonshine Manor in Republic. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Mt. Vernon IOOF Cemetery. A celebration of Bonnie's life will be held at the Keen Bean Coffee Shop in Mt. Vernon immediately following the graveside services for family and friends...