Stories from Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Hopes have been revived for movement on building a new branch library in Monett. Gina Milburn, library director, reported an anonymous donor asked about a possible donation to move plans for a new Monett branch forward. In the planning stages for more than a decade, the Monett branch plans raised approximately $750,000 in donations and pledges, approximately half of the projected cost. ...

For the fourth consecutive month, sales tax receipts to bi-county cities and counties dropped, compared to a year ago, leaving only five months of 2017 with gains and putting over half the recipients in danger of lower tax revenues for the calendar year...

The Purdy Elementary School select choir, the Eagle Echoes, under the direction of Christina Harmon, opened the Purdy Christmas Concert on Thursday,

In an effort to keep up with the times and make themselves more visible in their respective communities, which in turn demand a presence on social media, the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library system plans to step up marketing by hiring a part-time marketing and social media manager...

Purdy school board members gained a greater appreciation for a new strategy used at Purdy Elementary School, introducing student learning folders to the classroom through which students can take ownership in their learning process. Assistant Superintendent Mindi Gates discussed how last school year, faculty concentrated on essential learning standards. ...

In today's ever-changing world, organizations must continually evaluate what is best for its patrons, keep up with changing technology and trends, and conserving funds to continue operating efficiently. For the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library system, it is no different...

Preparations are complete for the Monett Chamber of Commerce's annual Christmas parade, slated for 11 a.m. on Saturday. According to Jeff Meredith, executive director for the Chamber, 85 entries have been lined up for the procession, which will head west from Eighth Street to Central. Monett's state champion softball team will serve as grand marshals for the event...

To celebrate the season and spread holiday cheer, area communities will be hosting their annual Christmas parades. Wheaton will host its annual Christmas parade on Saturday at 6 p.m. Lineup will begin at 5 p.m. at the Body of Christ Ministries on Highway 86. The parade will travel from 86 Highway to Main Street...

The fifth annual Alternative Gift Fair will be held from 10 am. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Monett Museum Events Center, located at 418 E. Broadway. Seventeen not-for-profit organizations will have representatives assembled in one place, offering the opportunity for visitors to learn about their efforts and either give a gift for the holidays, or to make a donation for someone else as a gift...

Children and families heading into the Purdy Elementary School Christmas Concert on Thursday had a chance to shop at the school’s fall Book Fair.

The Senior Life Solutions program offered through Mercy Hospital in Cassville will hold its next networking group meeting at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7 at the Cassville Hospital, 90 Gravel St., in Conference Room A. Lunch will be provided. Service program representatives are urged to attend...

The final postseason honors for the football season were released late last week with the All-Region and All-State teams published. For Monett, 11 Cubs claimed honors on the All-Region teams and had one, in Coy Butterworth, named to the First Team All-State list...

The basketball season got off to a late start for the Cubs this season. Monett (1-0) opened the season on Monday with a 75-68 win over El Dorado Springs. The Cubs had four players finish in double figures: Jackson Spencer, 19; Clayton Kaiser, 16; Gavin Carr, 14; and Alim Miftari, 12...

Pierce City senior Trenton Byers terrorized teams on the field with his football play, and he has now received the ultimate recognition for his play off the field.