Stories from Friday, June 23, 2017

Pierce City School Superintendent Russ Moreland recently hosted a series of informational meetings to inform patrons of the need for an increase in the district’s operating levy to be voted on at the polls in the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 8 election. The district has approved placing on the ballot Proposition K.I.D.S. ...

Monett Main Street is again accepting applications for grants to improve the appearance of downtown businesses by upgrading their façades or other exterior work. In 2016, Main Street awarded three grants, offering a maximum grant payout of nearly $11,000 in the historic downtown district by local businesses. The local area runs along Broadway from Second to Seventh Street, and north and south along connecting streets between Front and Bond...

The Purdy Police Department is investigating a burglary at 701 Washington St. in which someone entered a garage and broke into two vehicles parked inside. "A Zumo 550 Garmin GPS with XM receiver was stolen from one of the vehicles, along with money," said Purdy Police Chief Jackie Lowe. "A second vehicle burglary occurred at 205 Seventh St. in which money was stolen. The suspects also attempted to steal a large stereo speaker from the vehicle as well."...

A Mt. Vernon woman received moderate injuries after a rollover crash on Highway H, three miles north of Monett, just north of Farm Road 2210 on Wednesday. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Cortney Richmond, 27, of Mt. Vernon, was driving north in a 2003 Ford Explorer on Highway H at 2:38 p.m. ...

Monett firefighters made short work of a house fire at 908 Third St. that was discovered shortly after 8 a.m. on Thursday. Fire Chief Tom Jones said the fire developed in a middle bedroom, spread into the walls and up in the attic. The house was rented by Gailynn Burkett, who said her two teenage daughters first detected the smoke...

In the final week of Summer School at Monett Elementary, Misty Calhoun taught her class of incoming third graders how to enjoy a camping outing.

The Monett/Purdy affiliate of Habitat for Humanity broke ground for its 10th home on Saturday on East Nellie in Monett. Christy Kearns and her children Kodie, Kameron and Sierra will be the family partners on the project. Dedication ceremonies included comments by Frank Washburn, Habitat president, and Linda Schelin, expressing thanks to the Groundbreakers Club that helps underwrite new projects...

Karen Hamer, left, and Carol Stidham prepared bread for the Thursday night meal offered by the Monett Community Kitchen at the First United Methodist Church, located at 1600 N. Central in Monett.

A Pierce City girl will compete this weekend in the Missouri finals of the National American Miss pageant at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Columbia. Megan Miller, 14, daughter of John and Rosie Miller of Pierce City, who will be a freshman at Pierce City High School this fall, was picked to compete from nominations submitted. She advanced following interviews in Springfield, then was selected in May as a state finalist...

The Monett Museum will hold its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. An official ceremony, led by Bob Hubbard, and a ribbon cutting will be held at 2 p.m. Tours will be offered at 422 E. Broadway. The Monett Lions Club is offering its annual chicken barbecued dinners as part of festivities on July 4, from 11 a.m. ...

A familiar face to Cubs Nation can be spotted on the sideline on Saturday when alumni from Monett and Cassville square off in the Barry County Brawl: Alumni Edition. When the game was officially announced, one thing was apparent, the team needed a coach. One named quickly rose to the top of the Monett alumni players’ list and resonated with the group — Alan Spencer...

The 2017 Monett Youth Baseball and Softball League Major League team sponsored by Schreiber Foods.

The 2017 Monett Youth Baseball and Softball League T-ball team sponsored by Adrenaline Apparel.

Larry A. Richardson, 81, of Monett, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett. Larry was born January 20, 1936, to Kenley and Kate (Lewis) Richardson in Monett. After graduating from Monett High School, he was a Monett city police officer and then worked as a tool and die machinist. After retirement, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a Civil War enthusiast...

Maxine Ruth Crider, 96, of Exeter, died Saturday, June 17, at her home. Services were held Thursday at the Ridgley First Baptist Church under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Burial was at Leann Cemetery at Leann.

Bebe Rae King, 87, of Aurora, died Thursday, June 22, at Aurora Nursing Center in Aurora. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora. Arrangements are under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora...

Donald Lee O’Banion, 76, of Monett, died Friday, June 16. Visitation and funeral services were held on Monday, June 19 at the New Site Baptist Church in Monett. Burial was at the New Site Cemetery in Monett. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett...

Ray Gene Richardson, 95, died Sunday, June 18 at his home. A funeral service under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon was held June 22 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Burial was at the Mt. Vernon IOOF Cemetery...

Doots VanDerhoef, 76, of Cassville, died Tuesday, June 20, 2017. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24 at First Baptist Church in Cassville, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.