Stories from Saturday, March 11, 2017

Despite an intensely restrictive budget for this fiscal year, Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay has not had to lay off any personnel as yet, although by April, that may no longer be the case. It is why, in part, he is strongly advocating a half-cent sales tax on the April 4 ballot, the proceeds of which will be dedicated to public safety...

The Monett Chamber of Commerce honored Bob Berger with its highest honor, the Community Service Award, at its annual membership banquet on Thursday at the Scott Regional Technology Center. In a related tip of the hat, the Pride and Progress Award was presented to City Administrator Dennis Pyle, largely for his contribution to downtown redevelopment...

1. How do you plan to address getting test scores for Monett’s higher grade levels to match districts like Webb City or Nixa, which do not dip after seventh grade? The answer to better test scores is quite simple: Get back to the basics with a greater emphasis on reading, writing, and vocabulary. ...

1. How do you plan to address getting test scores for Monett’s higher grade levels to match districts like Webb City or Nixa, which do not dip after seventh grade? This question singles out the communities of Webb City and Nixa in a curious manner. My response will be based on the information we current board members have reviewed and gleaned from the subsequent discussions. ...

1. How do you plan to address getting test scores for Monett’s higher grade levels to match districts like Webb City or Nixa, which do not dip after seventh grade? This question is misleading and unfair to ask without acknowledging some specific and appropriate differences between Monett R-1 and the districts of Webb City or Nixa regarding the large number of students on free and reduced meals in Monett, the vastly different ethnic student base and socio economic status of the Monett community compared to the other two. ...

1. How do you plan to address getting test scores for Monett’s higher grade levels to match districts like Webb City or Nixa, which do not dip after seventh grade? It is unfortunate that standardized testing is really the only tool being used to measure the efficacy of our education system. ...

There’s something about Monett that inspires affection that makes people want to give back to the community. Decade after decade, the attraction remains. You can look way back in Monett’s history and find it. The way the story goes, Monett contractor M.E. ...

A rollover crash around 4 p.m. on Thursday resulted in no injury to driver Tommy Sangston of Monett.

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 15 at the First Presbyterian Church, 700 Sycamore. Paula Lively will be the speaker. A light lunch will follow the services, around 12:30 p.m., at the host church. All are welcome...

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office has announced it is joining with statewide law enforcement for an aggressive youth seat belt mobilization to crack down on Missouri's seat belt law violators and to reduce highway fatalities. The effort will run from Wednesday, March 15 through Friday, March 31...

The Artopia arts center, run by the Pierce City Arts Council at 106 W. Commercial St. in downtown Pierce City, has announced a scheduled of activities for the month. On Mondays, classes will be offered in watercolor basics from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $30. Registration in this ongoing class is available by calling Pam at 417-592-1136...

Lawrence County Historical Society will soon have a copy of a rare Civil War document of local significance in its collection. Campbell's Company Camp No. 2252, Sons of Confederate Veterans, from Republic, will present a copy of an enlistment roster for a Lawrence County Company of the Missouri State Guard which fought under Sterling Price at the Battles of Carthage and Wilson’s Creek. They will make the presentation and give a program at the 2 p.m. Sunday, March 19, Historical Society meeting...

Lawrence County deputies will be out in full force as part of the annual nationwide St. Patrick's Day Holiday "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" substance-impaired driving crackdown. The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Lawrence County, will run from Thursday, March 16 through Sunday, March 19...

Students of the Month have been named at the Scott Regional Technology Center for February.

Officials at Monett Elementary School have chosen students demonstrating the characteristics of being hardworking as Students of the Week for March 6.

Colby Boyd, Purdy High School speech and debate team member, took top honors in humorous interpretation at the district speech tournament in Carthage, on March 2.

The Purdy High School FFA Chapter recently chose junior Daniel Roller as February Member of the Month.

Adrenaline Apparel and Design and the Trunk, the downtown Monett clothing store, has transitioned across the street and has settled into 313 E. Broadway, the former site of Brownsberger's, which closed when its owners retired last year. According to store associate Maddy Burdett, the move was made quickly, over a weekend, providing the clothing store with at least double the room that had been available at 314 E. Broadway...

For four years Jordan Cruz was an imposing force on both sides of the ball for the Pierce City High School football team. As a fullback, he used his 6-3, 240-pound frame to churn out tough yards. He frequently surprised team with his deceptive speed that allowed him to hit the holes quicker than most defenses anticipated...

The Big 8 Conference released the lists of its best boys and girls basketball players for the 2016-2017 season. Two Monett players made the list in Katie Schmidt and Alex Turner. Both were awarded Honorable Mention status. The complete All-Big 8 squads are as follows:...

Sheldon Steuber, 64, of Green Forest, Ark., died Tuesday, March 7, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville.