August 2022

New ordinance opens up additional pool of candidates for positions BY MELONIE ROBERTS Monett commissioners have issued final approval of an ordinance changing the minimum age for city firefighters to 18. “The goal is with an additional pool of candidates, recruitment of potential employees will be enhanced,” said Chris Weiner, city administrator.

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. The Monett Senior Center is open for dinein lunches for a suggested donation of $3.50 for ages 60 and up. The price for those 59 and under is $6. The senior center will be open for dining from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Senior Center is also hosting BINGO every Wednesday at noon and Nell’s Nails will be serving seniors beginning at 9 a.m. the last Friday of each month. The Senior Center also hosts card games every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. and aid for residents on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and Food stamps. Call the Senior Center to schedule an appointment. Strike Zone in Aurora will host its first salsa contest from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at 815 W. South St. in Aurora.There will be no prizes for this friendly competition. Hailey Jane will also be playing beginning at 8 p.m. and Troy will be serving his famous Cajun pasta Friday and Saturday. The Pierce City Truck and Tractor Pull will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Pierce City Rodeo Grounds. To register or for more information, call 417-476-2515.

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. The Monett Senior Center is open for dinein lunches for a suggested donation of $3.50 for ages 60 and up. The price for those 59 and under is $6. The senior center will be open for dining from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Senior Center is also hosting BINGO every Wednesday at noon and Nell’s Nails will be serving seniors beginning at 9 a.m. the last Friday of each month. The Senior Center also hosts card games every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. and aid for residents on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and Food stamps. Call the Senior Center to schedule an appointment. A memorial candlelight service for those killed in the race riot in Pierce City on Aug. 19, 1901, will be held at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at Commercial Street and Walnut in Pierce City. Murray Bishoff will recount the circumstances of that event. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Bringing lawn chairs is recommended.

Freistatt is under investigation by the Missouri State auditor following a report from an anonymous whistleblower this spring. The State Auditor’s Office issued a letter to Freistatt Village Council Chairman Elmer Conway on May 6, requesting the village provide bank statements, including copies of canceled checks and deposit slips for all accounts held by the village; receipts and invoices supporting all debit card transactions on the bank statements; a printed listing of all receipts issued for funds received for payment of water and sewer bills that includes the date issued, the amount and the consumer’s name; and meeting minutes and all information provided to the board and board members.

As students and faculty prepare to kick off the school year in Verona, administrators are anticipating growth this year. School Principal Melody Whitehead said preliminary numbers show that enrollment at the beginning of this year will be up by 20 students when compared to the end of the school year in June.