Stories from Saturday, July 18, 2020

David George Vendelin, 66, of Mt. Vernon, died at 8:23 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Due to travel concerns and restrictions related to Covid-19, an on-line celebration of life will occur. Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon...

Harold Smith, 79, of Purdy, died Sunday, July 12. No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements are under direction of McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton.

On April 19, 2020, Sy Rogers passed into eternity after struggling with cancer for nine months. Born Sinclair Ulrey Rogers II, to the late Sinclair Rogers and Barbara (Walker) Rogers on December 15, 1956, in Cassville, Mo. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Grace Lobato, and son-in-law, Steve; two grandchildren, Avi, 9 and Lucia, 4; and his mom, Jane Rogers...

Thomas Robert Rosser Jr., 78, of Aurora, died Thursday, July 9, at his home. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora.

Eldon Lee McCracken, 82, of Monett, died Thursday, July 16, at the Truman Healthcare and Rehab Center in Lamar. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, at Buchanan Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Carver officiating. Interment will follow at the Arnhart Cemetery, Purdy...

Elvert “Al” E. Garver, 81, of Monett, died Saturday, July 4, at the Bentonview Park Health and Rehab Center in Monett. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Liberty Baptist Church, 610 S. Eisenhower, Monett. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett...

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The United States Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776...

If there’s anybody I don’t want to be right now, it’s a school superintendent or member of a school board. Many boards met this week or last to discuss how their students would reenter schools in a month’s time, and with the ongoing, ever-changing pandemic, those decisions are not easy ones to make...

Monett alumnus Riley Brown was selected to become member for the 2020-2021 Missouri Southern State University cheerleading squad. Monett fans can see Riley on the sidelines this fall in Joplin.

The million dollar high school sports question on everyone’s mind has been, will the schools play sports this fall due to COVID-19 (coronavirus)? The answer, as of today, is a tentative “yes.” The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) issued an eight-page guidance this week for high schools to follow in an attempt to play sports in a socially responsible manner to combat the spread of coronavirus...

Those having business at the Lawrence County Judicial Center in Mt. Vernon are now required to wear masks upon entering the facility. Victim impact statements and restitution can be returned by e-mail to cvestal@lawcopa, or by regular mail to: P.O. Box 69, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712. For more information, call 417-466-2846...

Thar she blows! When the water tower at the Monett Aquatics Center lets loose, children flock to the deluge to enjoy the cooling spray.

The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library's Summer Reading Club is now underway, using “Imagine Your Story” as a storybook theme for the first-time online package. The program encourages reading, especially by younger readers, but also has a focus for teens...

Meeting for the second time since the election, members of the Verona City Council wrestled with the city's manufactured home ordinance in a debate that hinged on returning alderman Michael Haynes, a frequent critic of selective enforcement of city laws...

Age: 61 Current Occupation: Cattle rancher Past Experience: 27 year career at Mercy Hospital - Marketing Education: B.S. Education Political party: Republican Website: MikeMoonforMissouri.com 1. What do you see as the No. 1 issue facing residents of the 29th District and how do you plan to address it?...

Age: 56 Current Occupation: Lawyer Past Experience: Attorney with Ellis, Cupps and Cole in Cassville since 1992. Barry County Prosecuting Attorney, 1995-1998 Education: Wheaton High School, Wheaton, 1982; Missouri Southern State College B.S. in Business Administration; University of Missouri-Columbia, J.D...

With COVID-19 positive cases on the rise in the bi-county area, school administrators are wrangling how to safely resume classes in August. The Monett School District has developed a re-entry plan based on recommendations from both Barry and Lawrence County Health Departments, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and other medical resources...