Stories from Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Lena Chapin did not have what most would call a normal childhood by any stretch of the imagination. According to investigators with the Barry County Sheriff's Office, Lena and her siblings became accustomed to the ever-changing father figure in their lives, often having to what police would call "cover" for their mother's alleged extra-marital activities, at times even being called upon to allegedly lie on her behalf...

Looking ahead to the new school year, the Purdy Board of Education adopted its preliminary budget from figures that closed the 2015-2016 school and determined salaries for administrators and teachers for the coming year. Amounts projected for the annual Secretary of the Board Report to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education showed revenue for the 2015-2016 year at $6,993,348.93 and spending at $6,574,792.41. ...

After bi-county municipal and county governments recorded gains in sales tax in five of the previous six months, revenues plummeted in July, compared to a year ago. Comparing the same taxes or taxes adjusted to comparable levels, July totals from the Missouri Department of Revenue fell by 22 percent, with Aurora recording an even bigger drop than Monett...

A Monett woman was charged recently with two felonies after allegedly assaulting a man at a home on Second Street in Monett. Veronica Hall, 42, of Monett, is charged with first-degree burglary and domestic assault. According to a probable cause statement filed by Officer Dennis Goss, with the Monett police Department, Hall unlawfully entered the home on Second Street on July 27 through an unlocked door. ...

The Stuff the Bus campaign to collect school supplies for children last week was successful, according to its organizers. A joint effort between First State Bank, Cox Monett Hospital, Jack Henry and Associates and 3D Corporate Solutions, the bus sat at three of those businesses last week collecting donations, wrapping up on Saturday at Walmart under the supervision of the 3D Corporate Solutions team, which started the effort two years ago year. ...

The Pop-Up Library, a popular innovation offered through the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library introduced last summer, has returned in Monett and will offer service to people who might not otherwise access library resources. "With reducing our hours, we need to still do community outreach," said Gina Milburn, library director. "The Pop-Up Library is a good way to do that."...

Crowder College and Missouri State University recently made official a partnership that will allow students to pursue bachelor degrees while remaining on a Crowder campus, including Cassville's. According to a press release provided by the Neosho Crowder campus Office of Public Information, Crowder students may pursue the following bachelor degrees through MSU on certain Crowder campuses...

Pierce City residents have been watching carnival rides and booth stations going up in South Park this week in anticipation of the annual Howdy Neighbor Days celebration.

Orange and pastel hues painted the sky as the sun set on Monday.

Open houses are planned on Aug. 11 at Monett schools. Monett Elementary School will hold its open house from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Central Park Elementary School in Monett will have its open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The intermediate school will have its open house from 5 to 6 p.m. Also on Aug. 11 will be the Monett High School freshman orientation and the student orientation at the Scott Regional Technology Center, both from 6:30 to 8 p.m...

Out to prove last year's quarterfinal playoff soccer berth was no fluke, the Monett soccer team has reloaded this season. The Cubs finally defeated their playoff nemesis, Springfield Catholic, in the sectional round last year, sending notice across the state that Monett was ready to challenge the status quo of southwest Missouri soccer powers...

For the truly enthusiastic football fans, jamborees serve as a chance to whet the appetite. They are more of the dining equivalent of an appetizer, something to take the edge off, before the main course arrives. For the players, jamborees are a chance to finally punish an opponent in a different-colored jersey...

The Pierce City football team has filled its Sept. 9 void, created when McAuley Catholic canceled its season. The Eagles will instead host Pleasanton (Kan.) on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. in an 8-man format.

Monett's Aug. 22 freshman football game at Reeds Spring has been cancelled due to the Wolves' low freshman numbers. Monett Athletic Director Daryl Bradley is currently seeking a replacement game to fill the void.

The Monett softball team welcomes Willard, Webb City and Seneca to North Park on Friday for jamboree action. Monett will play Willard at 5 p.m. and Webb City at 6:30 p.m. The jamboree will be played as a situational game. Admission is free and concessions will be available...