Stories from Friday, March 31, 2017

Monett voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to consider a quarter-cent sales tax to pay for a new, $3.1 million aquatic center, a proposal that has generated little opposition as supporters have rallied to pass the initiative. “I remember the old pool, before this one, with the grandstand on the west end,” said Mike Garrett, who has been working with Jack Prim on the Monett Splash Committee, which is promoting the effort. ...

In making preparations for the coming school year, the Monett school district has hired seven teachers and approved one retirement and five resignations. Retiring at the end of the school year will be Dolly Johnson, elementary special education teacher at Monett Elementary...

Play time at the Small Wonders preschool at the First United Methodist Church in Monett gave three-year-olds a chance to explore roles and play with different toys.

The Monett Chamber of Commerce has named its leaders for the coming year, identifying key people to assume duties on upcoming programs and projects. At the annual meeting of the incoming and outgoing Chamber boards, Keith McCracken, outgoing president, led discussion as Brad Anderson, incoming president, prepared to take over on April 1...

Local shutterbugs, get ready for your images to shine. The Pierce City Arts Council is hosting its first photography competition, taking place at the Pierce City Arts Festival at Jolly Mill Park on April 29. The event is sponsored by the Pierce City Arts Council and Last Chance Photography and Graphic Design...

The Pop Cheer Factory in Monett heads to Sedalia Saturday for the State Fair Spirit Classic.

Members of the Pierce City Arts Council hosted a reception at the Pierce City Branch Library on Tuesday for artists who competed in this year’s annual Draw Pierce City contest.

A fish fry will be held at 5 p.m. today at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 405 Seventh St. in Monett. Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. The Monett High School Student Council will host comic and ventriloquist Todd Oliver at 7 p.m. ...

For two years, Purdy junior Hallie Henderson did her part. As a freshman, she was a spot starter as pitcher for the Lady Eagles softball team, which relied on Brianna Keeler to be the work horse. As a sophomore, Henderson split the starts with Keeler and went 11-2 with a 1.28 ERA. This year, with Keeler gone to graduation, the pitcher’s circle is the junior hurler’s to command...

With just four returning starters, the Monett tennis team is facing the inevitable growing pains stage of its season. Monett opened the year on Tuesday with a 9-0 defeat at the hands of Neosho. The doubles duo of Naman Desai and Brennon Krueger came the closest to securing a victory, but fell 8-6...

Undefeated and planning to stay that way, the Monett golf team invades Cassville on Tuesday with a perfect 3-0 dual record. The Cubs topped Purdy, 165-231, on Tuesday at Windmill Ridge in their final regular season home dual. Clayton Kaiser was individual medalist with a 36. Teammates Lane Witt, 42; Caleb Long, 43; and Shane Pass, 44, all fell right behind him...

The Monett girls soccer team improved to 4-2 on the season with a 2-1 victory over Aurora on Tuesday. The Lady Cubs received a first half goal from Sarah Childress and the winning second half goal from Naiam Perez. Monett travels to Rogers, Ark., on Monday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m...

A Corey Spain two-out single scored a pair of runs in the fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie and propel the baseball Cubs to a 4-1 victory over Carl Junction on Tuesday. Jedd Anderson and Mason Swearingen had 3 hits apiece, and Spain collected 3 RBI. Spain also earned the victory. He threw 5-2/3 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 6. Cameron Johnson earned the save...

Billy W. Cape, 53, of Cassville, died Monday, March 27, at Cassville Health Care and Rehab. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31 at the White Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home...

James E. Hicks, 68, of Jenkins, died Wednesday, March 22, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville.

Regina Elaine Skogman, 100, of Marionville, died Monday, March 27. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Marionville United Methodist Church, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home of Cassville. A private burial will be at the Marionville Cemetery...

Esther McConnell, 83, of Carthage, died Monday March 27, at Oak Pointe of Carthage. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31 from 10-11a.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Chapel in Monett, with funeral services to immediately following. Burial will be at the Sparks Cemetery in Butterfield...

Regina Elaine Skogman, 100, of Marionville, died Monday, March 27. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Marionville United Methodist Church, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home of Cassville. A private burial will be at the Marionville Cemetery...