Stories from Friday, December 9, 2016

The Monett City Council has introduced a .25-percent sales tax to be put to voters for construction of a new municipal aquatic center, which includes a new swimming pool and other water features adjacent to the Monett Area YMCA. Public comment and action on the proposal has been scheduled for the monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 20 at Monett City Hall. Passage on that occasion will place the matter on the April 4, 2017, ballot...

The Pierce City Arts Council (PCAC) will host Santa Claus and his friends on Saturday as part of Christmas festivities in Pierce City. Artopia, the arts council's studio at 106 W. Commercial St. west of the bandstand in downtown Pierce City, will have Santa Claus as its guest, along with his helpers, from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday. Children and their families are invited to have their pictures taken with the Jolly One for a $5 donation. Hot cocoa and children's activities will also be available...

Levi Butler, 7, of Pierce City, shyly shares his Christmas wish list with Santa during the annual Jolly Mill Christmas celebration at the park.

Volunteers for the Monett/Purdy affiliate of Habitat for Humanity were busy at work over the past weekend undertaking rehabilitation work on Habitat's first home, located at Sixth and Bond streets. "Great progress is being made on the remodel of the house in the 300 block of Sixth Street," said Bill Van Eaton, spokesman for Habitat. "There have been several people and organizations working to get his home ready for a new family."...

The Monett Veterinary Hospital at 215 Dairy St. in Monett is seeking toys for the 11th consecutive year to help children in need during the holidays. "We hope that this will help to brighten some children's holidays," said Dr. Brent Herrin, hospital owner. ...

Ricky Velten received a lesson on how to spread icing on a gingerbread man from culinary arts student Montana Swadley of Aurora, while Priscilla Haddock looked on with great interest.

Second-graders at Monett Elementary School, led by music teacher Sarah Gripka, presented a fable of Santa Claus with amnesia.

The toy drive to provide Christmas gifts to children who might not otherwise have a holiday is underway.

Scott Beckwith, with Architectural Systems Inc., gave a presentation at the Monett Young Professionals meeting Tuesday.

The Monett Christmas parade will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow in downtown Monett. A candlelight Christmas vespers service will be hosted by the First Congregational Church, Washington and Walnut, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 11. Musicians from several Pierce City churches will participate. The public is welcome...

With just one full-time starter returning this season, the Monett basketball team knew it had a steep road to travel if it wanted to match last season's 19 wins. With an extended football season, the team was late getting together in practice, and the rust showed in two season-opening losses in the Carthage Invitational...

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors recently approved a recommendation which would place a daily limit on pitching for student athletes based on their year in school. In short, instead of limiting pitchers to 10 innings in any five-day period, coaches will track total pitches thrown, and availability will be based on a pitch-count chart...

Marjorie Ellen Thomas, 89, of Monett, died Wednesday, Dec. 7 in her home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12 at the First United Methodist Church in Monett. A private interment will follow the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home...

Charles Edward Amos, 79, of Aurora, died Wednesday Dec. 7 at the Republic Nursing and Rehab Center in Republic. Memorial service arrangements are pending. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett.