Stories from Wednesday, November 30, 2016

For generations, students have been standing up, placing their right hands over their heart and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school, and with the passage of House Bill 1750, it is now law to recite the patriotic ritual once per day in all Missouri schools that receive public funding...

With four more states legalizing medicinal marijuana this year, changes in how it is viewed nationally is opening the floodgates for passage into uncharted waters. At least 25 states have legalized the drug for medicinal purposes, and Colorado; Alaska; Washington, D.C.; Oregon for recreational used in the last decade, and in the Nov. 8 election Arkansas, Florida, North Dakota and Pennsylvania legalized it for medicinal purposes...

After extended discussion, the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library board voted to move forward with a proposal to digitize the Wheaton Journal newspaper, the first such preservation effort of local newspapers sponsored by the library. The project, proposed by Purdy resident Mark Ingram, will cover the entire run of the Wheaton Journal, from 1906 to 2005, held by the Wheaton Historical Society. ...

It was all smiles as holiday revelers visited the Monett Chamber of Commerce's Festival of Lights, open nightly at South Park.

While four more states legalized marijuana for medicinal use in the November General Election, local legislators said they are still against Missouri following a similar path, citing marijuana as a gateway drug and medicinal use as a slippery slope to recreational legalization...

The fourth annual Alternative Gift Fair will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday at the Monett Area YMCA. More than a dozen not-for-profit organizations will have representatives assembled in one place, offering the opportunity for visitors to learn about their efforts and either give a gift for the holidays, or to make a donation for someone else as a gift...

Open enrollment in the health insurance marketplace ends Jan. 31, 2017, and Cox Monett Hospital has created another opportunity for those not enrolled to sign up or switch plans. On Dec. 9, nonpartisan, licensed counselors will be available from 4-6 p.m. at Cox Monett Hospital, located at 801 Lincoln Ave. in Monett, to offer free assistance to individuals that need to enroll or re-enroll in a health insurance plan through the health insurance marketplace, online at www.healthcare.gov...

Friends of Jolly Mill will host the Jolly Mill annual Christmas open house and visit with Santa Claus on Dec. 2 and 3 and the historic mill, 10 miles southwest of Monett, south of Highway 60 on Farm Road 1010 and west on Farm Road 2025. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Santa will visit with children from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Children are welcome to bring an ornament for Santa's tree. Families are welcome to take photos...

Monett Elementary School has chosen students demonstrating the characteristic of being respectful as Students of the Week for Oct. 31.

Matt Street, Pierce City basketball coach, has a good problem on his hands this season -- too many players capable of contributing on the hardwood. On Monday, the Eagles rolled to a 76-65 win over Verona to open the Pierce City Invitational. "Our depth is a good thing," Street said. "With the ability to bring so many guys off the bench, we want to keep the pressure on the teams we play."...

Starting three freshmen last season, Coach Brad Stewart knew that there would be some growing pains with his Verona boys basketball squad. The Wildcats finished the season at 12-15, but they did advance to the district semifinal game against state runner-up Walnut Grove...

Wheaton High School announced that Emily Killion, daughter of Shawn and Michele Killion, signed with Cottey College.

Donna Hanson, 88, of Chadwick, formerly of Shell Knob, died Nov. 27. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.