Stories from Friday, July 21, 2017

Pierce City School Superintendent Russ Moreland has difficulty in answering a simple question: ‘Where will the money generated from the proposed tax levy be used?’ The answer is not so simple. “I know people want a concrete answer,” Moreland said. “But funds will go to the operating levy, as opposed to a bond issue where the funds are restricted to one project.”...

The Monett school board has revised its wellness policy to make improvements after three years of use, and a sticking point in the changes came when discussing the amount of time a student should be given to eat lunch. According to Superintendent Brad Hanson, the original policy was shaped by a committee from a suggested policy offered by the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA). Over time, the need for tweaks became more obvious...

For several months, the Verona school board has taken action in preparation for the new school year. Board members amended the calendar after Superintendent Tony Simmons discovered he had scheduled one too many days in school. He had scheduled April 3, 2018 as a day for classes. To reduce the overload, Simmons suggested and the board agreed to drop a day off the end of the calendar, making May 10 the last day of school. Classes will start on Aug. 10. Graduation will be on May 4, 2018...

The Monett school board signed agreements to work with the Springfield school district and the Beacon School in Joplin to expand learning opportunities for Monett students in the coming year. Board members approved participation in the online educational program LAUNCH, developed by the Springfield school district. ...

Vacation Bible School held jointly this week by the First Presbyterian, Waldensian Presbyterian, St. Stephen’s Episcopal and First Christian churches in Monett offered a wide range of activities.

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stones Prairie will hold its annual picnic two miles northwest of Purdy on Friday, July 21, beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature a picnic menu of hamburgers, bratwurst, homemade desserts, games, a country store and a show of antique farm equipment, Jeeps and motorcycles. ...

Motorists enjoying the first signs of summer are advised to maintain the speed limit as they travel. Starting Friday, July 21 and continuing through Sunday, 23, Lawrence County deputies will join participating law enforcement from Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas and Oklahoma in a regional speed enforcement campaign. Officers will be on the lookout for those who are traveling above the speed limit on all roadways...

A new rule is literally changing the face of softball in Missouri this season. Beginning this fall, all pitchers must wear protective masks while in the pitcher’s circle. Last season the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) tucked a one sentence statement into the rulebook announcing the change for this season...

The Monett Soccer Club, a local competitive team will start practice on Aug. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the South Park fields. Children born from 2003 to 2009 are encouraged to come out and be evaluated for a team. For more information, people may contact Jeff Meredith at 417-489-7919...

The 2017 Monett Youth Baseball and Softball League 12-and-under softball team sponsored by the Bayou Restaurant.

Debra Jean Reeves, 63, of Wheaton, died Tuesday, July 18. No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements are under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.

Ronnie Kingrey, 82, of Purdy, died Tuesday, July 18, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, at the White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, with Pastor Ronnie Howerton officiating. A private family burial will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Butterfield at a later date...

Mary Ann Nordyke, 71, of Exeter, died Sunday, July 16. Services will be held at a later date in California. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Donald Ray Cox, 86, of Aurora, died Friday, July 14, at the Cox South Hospital in Springfield. A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora.

Lonna Louise Edens, 69, of Cassville, died Wednesday, July 19. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Burial will be at Corinth Cemetery at Cassville. Visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30a.m. Saturday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville...