Stories from Wednesday, December 21, 2016

JEFFERSON CITY -- Barry County Presiding Commissioner did something on Monday only 538 people across the United States had an opportunity to do -- cast Electoral College ballots for president and vice president. The 7th Congressional District representative, Warren and the nine other electors in Missouri each cast their ballots during a 50-minute session at the state capitol in Jefferson City, with Donald Trump receiving 10 votes for president, and Mike Pence receiving 10 for vice president...

A new community-wide wellness project is set to launch in Monett in January, creating free opportunities for residents to participate in events that improve health and well-being. Healthy Monett is a project of Cover Missouri, a group of organizations that help people in Missouri get, keep, and use health insurance. ...

Barista Dani Wieferich pours a cup of java at the newly opened Starbucks, located inside Price Cutter on East Cleveland in Monett

In recognition of his dedication to the community and animals, Monett Animal Control Officer Glenn Palade was recognized as the Officer of the Year at the Monett Police Department. According to Police Chief George Daoud, Palade was selected by supervisors within the department...

The Purdy school board has approved continuing its annual property and liability insurance with the Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) despite an 8 percent increase in the premium. Superintendent Steven Chancellor recommended making two additions to the insurance coverage...

Foster parents never know when they will get a call for a child who needs a home. It could be in the middle of the night, or in an emergency situation where they are given little to no notice to prepare, and the child often arrives with none of their clothing, supplies or toys...

Camp Barnabas is inviting Barry County residents to give a child with a disability, special need or a chronic illness a special gift this season that will not break, does not require batteries, will not go out of style or be eventually forgotten, but will last a lifetime -- the gift of a unique camp experience tailored just for them...

The 40-member Monett High School Concert Choir sang eight selections for the school choral Christmas concert on Monday night at the performing arts center.

Teaching the concept of gratitude in children is an important, life-long character trait parents can instill, especially during the gift-giving season of the holidays, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists. From the time children are young, most parents attempt to teach their child basic manners, such as saying "please" and "thank you" when they receive a gift. ...

Monett and Verona schools will have early dismissal today for Christmas break. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The Monett Rural Fire District board will meet at 6 p.m. on Dec. 27 at the rural fire station on County Road in Monett, east of the standpipes...

The Monett City Council recognized employees for milestones of service at its December meeting.

The 2016 Purdy High School Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas were crowned on Dec. 16.

The final set of all-state awards were released with the Media All-State results, and as expected, the Cubs were a prominent force on the list. Five Monett gridiron stars, along with the head coach, earned spots on this year's squad. Derrek Uhl, Monett coach, was named Class 3 Coach of the Year...

A few years ago, Lance Parnell, Cassville football coach, was asked about his team's state ranking during the season. "I don't care anything about being ranked during the season," Parnell said. "The only poll that matters is the final one after the season is over."...

Lee Roy Tomlin, 99, of Mt. Vernon, died Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon. A graveside service, under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt. Vernon, will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield...

Loren Dwain Smith, 83, of Purdy, died Monday, Dec. 19 at the Roaring River Health and Rehab in Cassville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Chapel in Monett. Burial will follow services at the Purdy Cemetery...