August 2022

Bridging the gap

Workers with the Missouri Department of Transportation continue their work on bridge over Dry Branch on Hwy. 37 east of Pierce City. Demolition of the old bridge began May 23, and construction on the new 28-foot wide structure, which is slightly wider than the former platform, is expected to be complete later this month. The original bridge was built in 1960 and was deteriorating. Approximately 3,300 vehicles cross the bridge each day. The work is part of a three-year project to improve 25 bridges within 15 miles of I-44 across the Southwest District. All work in 2022 will be in Lawrence County, where crews are expected to replace five bridges and rehabilitate four others. Melonie Roberts/mroberts@cherryroad.com
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News in brief

The Pierce City Senior Center will be serving lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome and lunch is $5 for those ages 55 and older, and $6 for those under 55. Carry-out meals will be available to those who contact the center at 417- 476-5006 before 10:30 a.m. Also, Nell’s Nails will be serving seniors for a nominal fee at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month.
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Mike Gervais: No joking matter

A number of Verona community members took issue with an alderman’s comments as reported in the July 1 edition of The Monett Times. In that article, which dealt mainly with the city’s efforts to implement an e-citation system to protect officers by streamlining the citation process, I also covered the council’s decision on the dates and times fireworks would be permitted in the city during the Independence Day celebration.
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Verona approves fireworks ordinance

Verona city leaders approved a standing fireworks ordinance that will govern how the city regulates fireworks during future Forth of July celebrations. Mayor Joseph Heck said the city has traditionally voted each year on a new set of rules and regulations regarding Independence Day celebrations and he proposed adopting a set of guidelines that would ensure a consistent schedule for fireworks in the future.
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Consistent and special

Special teams can be overlooked for some prep football teams, but Monett Coach Ethan Lewis said the punts, kicks and returns deserve their just attention, as any can have a major impact on a game. While a few of the special teams positions are figured out, Lewis said the team has a few personnel issues to iron out.
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For the love of the stage

From left, Jeannie Abeln as Clairee, Jazmin Carrol as Annelle and Meg Saffer as M’Lynn perform live in Steel Magnolias in Monett. The play was staged this past weekend at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center with crowds of residents watching. Actors, producers, set designers and other crew had been preparing for the play for a number of weeks. Mike Gervais/ mgervais@cherryroad.com
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