Stories from Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Monett's boys soccer team is looking to break into the win column today as it travels to Republic for the second game of the season. "Republic is a solid team that has some speed in the middle," said Cristobal Villa, Monett coach. "They won't make it easy for us, and we need to be ready to play."...

The post-game huddle and speech after Pierce City's 24-14 loss to Diamond was upbeat and positive. Coach Brad Hocker told his team he was proud of them and that they had taken a huge step forward as a program. "You guys competed against a bigger and aggressive Diamond team and didn't back down," Hocker said. "We had some chances, especially in the second half, to get closer, but we are still a young team. We need to clean some things up, but we showed heart tonight."...

Michael Branch received a ton of attention, and rightfully so, for his three first quarter touchdowns against California on Saturday night. The senior at Monett (1-0) easily strolled into the end zone with runs of 2, 7 and 13 yards, and he finished the night with 14 carries for 132 yards...

A total of 47 donors contributed blood at the American Red Cross blood drive on Aug. 15 at the First United Methodist Church in Monett. Hitting milestones with their donations were Paul Renfro at 24 gallons and Mabel Brubaker with one gallon. Donors include: Kenneth Spencer, Julius Abramovitz, Tracy Archer, David Beckett, Donna Beckett, Marilyn Bell, Gerry Bounds, Mabel Brubacker, Ruth Brubaker, Sarah Brubacker, Roy Cash, Latricia Davis, David Foster, Jeffery Gates, Howard Gentry, Gene Halbert, Douglas Harris, Sheila Harris, Samuel Helmkamp, Roxane Hill, David Hood, Angela Johnson, Molly Johnson, Judy Kitchen, Marty Lewis, Felisha Martin, Robert McGuire, Mark Meyer, Mark Nelson, Danny Potter, Lana Reavis, Gorden Renfro, Paul Renfro, Rita Scarborough, Cheryl Schad, George Schad, Chad Shaw, Roger Spencer, Diana Swanson, Donald Swanson, Ronnie Veith, Deanna Warran, Lana Beck, Marlene Mareth, Bob Mareth and Mary Brubacker.. ...

The Kings Prairie Special Road District commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Angus Branch Steakhouse in Monett. The Verona City Council will meet at 7 p.m. today. Council members will vote to repeal a portion of land annexed acquired when the city annexed the Highway 60 right of way. Action is also expected to place reauthorization of the sales tax for public safety on the Nov. 8 ballot...

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, one of the smallest hummingbird species, can only grow to a length of 3 to 3.5 inches and weight of about 3 grams.

The Southern Gospel trio Sunday Drive will present a free music concert at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of Monett, located at 700 Sycamore St. The concert will take the place in the sanctuary of the church. No admission will be charged, but a free will offering will be taken...

Amy Irwin has been hired as the new executive assistant at the Monett Chamber of Commerce. Irwin began last week. She succeeds Meghan Shaner, who took the human resources director position with Tyson Foods. Irwin will work closely with Chamber Executive Director Jeff Meredith...

Criminals are finding more and more ways to obtain merchandise and services by illegal means, and targeting senior citizens is just another avenue they use to achieve that goal. Jay Jastal, public information officer at the Monett Police Department, recently spoke to a number of seniors at Oak Pointe Assisted Living in Monett, providing tips on how to protect their personal information, especially in the digital age...

The Monett City Council has taken steps toward major changes at the Highway 37 and 60 intersection to correct the long line of traffic the backs up in the eastbound lane back to Eisenhower. In July, council members approved an application to participate in the Missouri Moves cost share program. ...