Stories from Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Outside of the years he went to the University of Arkansas, Tyler Rickard has been a Monett mainstay. A standout athlete in his high school days, Rickard was thrilled to find a job at his alma mater upon the completion of his college education. After five years with the district, the true son is bidding adieu to Monett and has accepted a position at Kearney High School for the 2017-2018 school year...

Technical issues received the main attention of Purdy school board members as they discussed progress on the FEMA shelter and early childhood building. Kirsten Whitehead, project manager with Paragon Architecture, reported geotechnical and topographics studies had been done. ...

Purdy school board members voted to move forward with a deal to add solar panels to building roofs but wanted to explore additional financing options. John Conger III, director of solar projects for Brightergy, brought some engineering analysis for board member to review. ...

The Purdy Road District commissioners face an uncertain summer of work after rains in April set back efforts to repair roads from the December 2015 flooding. According to Rick Scott, new board chairman now that David Henry did not run for re-election, rains in April measured up to 14 inches. ...

Colton Breazzeal, 5, of Purdy, hangs on for a 90.5 score and first-place finish in the mutton busting competition at the 75th annual Cassville Rotary Rodeo on Friday.

The University of Missouri Extension is encouraging residents to consider adding beets to the table for their incredible nutritional value. “Both beets and beet greens are very nutritious,” said Dr. Pam Duitsman, nutrition and health specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Some beet varieties were developed just for growing greens. The greens of beets contain many phytonutrients including carotenoids and flavonoid antioxidants, and they are an excellent source of vitamin A.”...

Members of the Monett Young Professionals Network had the opportunity to hear a short history of The Monett Times at the group’s monthly networking luncheon sponsored by The Monett Times, Jack Henry and Associates, State Farm Insurance and the Monett License Office...

The Monett Job Center will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 23 at 100 S. Maple in Monett. A free lunch is available. Businesses interested in participating should call Stephanie Roberts at 417-435-7877. That Dalton Gang will perform in an old-time bluegrass revival tent as part of the 150th anniversary of the First Christian Church, 703 S. Hickory in Mt. Vernon from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 24...

The Compassus program serving Monett and the surrounding areas is proud to recognize Heather Hendrickson during National Nursing Assistants Week, June 15-22. for providing the highest level of quality hospice care for patients and their families. “We are proud to recognize Heather for her tireless efforts to provide our patients and their families with superior care that goes beyond fulfilling their medical and emotional needs, delivering a more meaningful end-of-life experience for our patients,” said Janet Gard, executive director for Compassus – Monett. ...

Monett’s North Park continues to be a beehive of activity and a Mecca for sports fans from around the area on summer evenings.

The 2017 Monett Youth Baseball and Softball League 16-and-under softball team sponsored by EFCO.

The 2017 Monett Youth Baseball and Softball League T-ball team sponsored by Schreiber Foods.

John Richard Gray, of Aurora, died Sunday, June 18, at his home. A funeral service under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, at the United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Carnation, Aurora. Burial will follow at the Maple Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. at the church...

Merle Eaton, 87, of Marionville, died Sunday, June 18, at her home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the Williams Funeral Home in Marionville with burial to follow at the Yocum Pond Cemetery in Reeds Spring.