Stories from Tuesday, March 7, 2017

The Monett Fire Department had one of its better years in 2016, recording less than $200,000 in damage and seeing types of incidents fairly similar to 2015. Fire Chief Tom Jones reported firefighters made 1,271 runs in 2016, an all-time record, a vast change from a 25-year low of 169 in 1992. The estimated fire loss was $157,500, the smallest amount in three years, leaving a fire loss ratio of 6.43 percent on property valued at $2.4 million...

A former Monett woman is seeking funds to extend her career as a music performer on a national platform singing country and gospel music. Stacey Ramsay, 42, daughter of Robert McMillan and the late Shelvey McMillan of Monett, has opened a GoFundMe account seeking donations to help cover her expenses competing in the National American Country Music Association International competition next week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. ...

The Freistatt Board of Trustees authorized an exploration into adding fire hydrants on the north end of town, though the village’s water operator expressed doubts about the viability of the idea. Mayor Mike Ortwein, who serves on the Freistatt Fire Department, said he saw a need for potentially six additional hydrants along residential streets. He received permission to discuss the possibility of adding hydrants with Simmons Engineering, which designed the upgraded village water system...

The Purdy school board has taken steps to advance plans for constructing the new storm shelter and performing arts center. Board members approved hiring the investment banking firm of Stifel, Nicolaus and Company to serve as underwriters for the $2.3 million bond issue approved by voters in August 2016. ...

The Monett Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Showcase, offering businesses a chance to show off their locally made products, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 8 at the Monett City Park Casino, which will be held in conjunction with this year's Easter Egg Hunt...

A reception was held on Saturday in honor of physical therapist Tomas Saaf, who is celebrating 25 years at Lowry and Associates.

A father and son from Verona were hurt in an all-terrain vehicle crash at 1:29 p.m. on Sunday on two miles west of Verona. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Ricky Buller, 36, of Verona, was driving west on Farm Road 2200 when his 2001 Honda ATV travelled off the west side of the roadway and struck a fence post...

An Aurora man received minor injuries in a single vehicle crash at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday one mile east of Jenkins. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Shirley Wolfe of Aurora was driving west on Highway EE when her 1999 Buick Regal began skidding on a curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking the ground, a fence and a tree...

Finding what was yummy posed no problem for Drew Randall, age 1, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church fish fry on Friday, especially when provided by mom Martha Randall.

The Monett Ministerial Association will host a weekly series of seven Lenten services at noon on Wednesdays. The next service will be held on March 8 at the First Christian Church, Fourth and Wishart. Aaron Weibel will be the speaker. A light lunch will follow the services, around 12:30 p.m., at the host church. All are welcome...

• Cecilia D. Barron, no proof of insurance, $26.50 and six months probation. • Shanna D. Campbell, two counts of failure to register a vehicle, $102 on each count. • Matthew D. Cantrell, no proof of insurance, $26.50 and 60 days probation. • Dustin A. Cash, possession of marijuana, $177...

Pierce City’s dream of advancing to its first Final Four since 1998 quickly faded in a 67-24 loss to Skyline in the Class 2 quarterfinal on Saturday in Springfield. The Lady Eagles (25-5) knew that the contest would be tough against a Lady Tigers (29-2) team that was aiming for its fifth-straight trip to Columbia for the Final Four...

The Monett boys basketball season came to an end on Tuesday in the form of a 70-46 loss to Carl Junction in the opening round of the Class 4, District 10 tournament at McDonald County High School. “We weren’t built to score 60 or 70 points this season,” said Jeremy Land, Monett coach. “I thought our first half went well. Carl Junction banked in two 3-pointers and got a 3-point play when the kid stepped out of bounds. You take away those nine points and we led at halftime.”...

Roland “Butch” Rich, 70, of Cassville, passed away died Tuesday, Jan. 3. Memorial services with military honors were held Saturday, March 11 at the White Funeral Home and Crematory. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville...

Loyd V. Heckart, 70, of Goodman, passed away March 4, at his home, following a lengthy illness. Loyd was born June 23, 1946, at Colorado Springs, Colo., the son of Marvin E. and Geneva (Allen) Heckart. He was a resident of the Neosho, Pierce City and Goodman area and also lived in Syracuse, Kan., where he graduated in 1964. ...

Joseph Daniel Burton, 34, of Aurora, died Thursday, March 2 as a result of a motor vehicle accident. A memorial service was held Monday, March 6 at the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora.