Stories from Friday, December 2, 2016

The Monett City Council has approved a cost appropriation agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to make improvements on the intersection at Highways 37 and 60. The deal will enable the city to partner with the Southwest District office to tap into a fund saved for intersection improvements...

Pierce City Police Chief Mike Abramovitz recently reported several incidents of alleged forgery to members of the Barry-Lawrence Chapter of Crime Stoppers. "This guy is writing checks on his dad's account," Abramovitz said. "His father is deceased, but they share the same name, so [merchants] don't think to ask."...

Following the Mt. Vernon Christmas parade on Tuesday, people gathered around the square so that children could enter the lighted courthouse and visit Santa Claus.

The Monett Police Department has assisted area officers in transitioning to the new Missouri Criminal Code, the first major revision since 1977. The Monett City Council gave final approval to adopting a new Chapter 215, detailing the new code, on Monday, and repealing the old code. Police Chief George Daoud said some of the revision only involved classifying offenses from one category into another...

The City of Monett received an award for its help in initiating programs under the Healthy Schools/Healthy Communities Initiative, presented by Shawn Hayden, who coordinates the community outreach through Cox Monett Hospital. Funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health, the initiative, now in its fourth year, extended its range into the Monett community during the past year. ...

In December, Monettans and their neighbors migrate to South Park to enjoy the spectacle of the Festival of Lights.

The dome for the new home for the Monett Museum at Fifth and Broadway arrived in town on Tuesday as renovations on the building at 422 E. Broadway advance rapidly.

A spirited dodgeball tournament at Monett High School raised $1,227 to help send artwork and money for holiday gifts to children in Colombia, South America.

Today is the deadline to sign up for the Monett Christmas parade on Dec. 10 and be judged for vehicles, bands, floats and marching units. This year only bands received an invitation by mail to participate. All other interested persons should either contact the Monett Chamber of Commerce at 235-7919 or pick up a form at the Chamber office, 200 E. Broadway...

CRIMINAL The following defendants plead guilty or were found guilty of the charge listed. An Alford Plea does not admit guilt but indicates defendant believes there is enough evidence for a conviction, SES is Suspended Execution of Sentence, SIS is Suspended Imposition of Sentence, ITC is Intensive Treatment Center, CVCF is Crime Victim's Compensation Fund, LERF is Law Enforcement Restitution Fund. Additional court fees may apply...

With the season culminating in the ultimate team accomplishment -- a state title -- the time has now come for individual honors for the Monett football team. The Cubs secured 19 spots on the All-Big 8 Conference football team. Gathering First Team accolades for the Cubs were: Michael Branch, running back; Brian Parra-Navarro, receiver; Kurran Bartkoski, offensive tackle; Onis Howard, linebacker; Mason Swearingen, defensive back; Alex Turner, tight end and defensive end...

The Purdy girls basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 58-29 win over College Heights on Monday. Layne Skiles led the way with 15 points for the Lady Eagles. Sami House chipped in 14, and Rion Boyd recorded 8. Purdy hosts Walnut Grove on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m...

The Monett football team will serve as the Grand Marshal in this year Monett Christmas Parade, slated for Dec. 10. The parade is set to begin at 11 a.m.

The Monett eighth grade girls basketball team improved to 5-5 on the season with a 54-17 win over Marionville. Kaity Ingle led the way for Monett with 18 points. Taylor Southard recorded 9, Gabby Zengotita added 8, Kim Parris and Abby Jastal contributed 6 each, Abby McCaffery recorded 4 and Caitlyn Calhoun finished with 3 points...

Michael Joe Stubblefield, 53, of Cassville, died Monday, Nov. 28. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Burial, with military honors, will be at Corinth Cemetery in Cassville. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville...

Richard Dean Shearhart, 75, of Aurora, died Monday, Nov. 28 at his home. A graveside service, under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at the Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora.

Lou Edith DeVore, 85, of Mt. Vernon, formerly of Miller, died Nov. 28 at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center. A graveside service under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 at the Williams Cemetery west of Mt. Vernon...