Stories from Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Charlie Ann Hamm, 84, of Pierce City, died Sept. 9 at the Country Care Center in Monett. She has been cremated at her request. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements were under the direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City.

Virginia Pyle, 90, of Mt. Vernon, died Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center. A graveside service was held at Monday, Sept. 12 at the Summit Cemetery, northeast of Mt. Vernon. Arrangements were under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon...

With a full team, the Monett swimming and diving unit is making its presence felt in area pools. The Cubs face two challenging duals this week, with the first today at Springfield Central, and the second at the Webb City Invitational on Saturday. "We have gotten off to a strong start to the season," said Dan Janssen, Monett coach. "We have had a lot of success with a full 12-man squad and many experienced swimmers. They came into the season in great shape, and that is paying early dividends."...

There was a wide range of emotions from the Monett players after a heartbreaking, 49-34 loss to Lamar on Friday. Tight end and defensive lineman Alex Turner stood on the field after the game and was clear that he had no regrets about the Cubs effort...

The Pierce City Senior Center, 104 N. Locust, will host a fish fry at noon today. Cost is $5 for fried fish, salads, soup and dessert. For additional information, people may call 476-2464. The center will serve lunch at 11 a.m. on Sept. 16 with beef enchiladas as the main course...

One of the innovations at this year's Field Day at the University of Missouri's Southwest Research Center near Mt. Vernon was offering free pumpkins to children.

Several personnel moves were made by the Monett school district to start its new year. Board members also approved using 48 substitute teachers for the year. Five paraprofessionals were hired to assist teachers. Assuming their duties are Lorna Doss, Cinthia Cole, Rejeanna Williams, Sydney Shoemaker and Angela Hayter...

The Monett affiliate of Habitat for Humanity has received a fundraising challenge viewed as an opportunity for financing the next house project. According to Frank Washburn, affiliate president, a board member was approached by a local supporter who expressed a willingness to match local fundraising for the rest of 2016, up to $50,000...

Monday, the first day of Walk to School Week in Monett, brought out 101 students, according to Alex Severs, school district wellness coordinator.

Policies and procedures in place at the Monett Police Department, according to Police Chief George Daoud, should limit the circumstances that could put a Monett officer in conditions that led to a fatal shooting of a subject by an Aurora police officer on Aug. 31...