June 2023

Ball for All an evening for dancing, community

Healthy Family Fast, a local business that promotes wellness through a healthy diet and lifestyle, held the first annual “Ball for All” at the Monett YMCA on Saturday, May 20. The formal event featured dancing, healthy finger foods and community- based interaction. Chantel Vandevelde, owner of Healthy Family Fast, said she hosted the event with the help of her husband Branden, daughter Shyanne and son Gabriel.
Read MoreBall for All an evening for dancing, community

Roberts named new Pierce City alderman

The Pierce City Board of Aldermen gathered at Pierce City City Hall on Monday, May 8 for their monthly meeting. Early in the meeting, the board approved the appointment of Pierce City resident Melonie Roberts to fill the board’s vacant Ward Four seat. Roberts was appointed to the city’s Board of Aldermen during their meeting on Monday, May 8, after Mayor Todd Killingsworth nominated her to the position. City Clerk Julie Johnson administered the Oath of Office.
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Community weighs in on dog park

Nearly 200 residents fill out survey, majority favor downtown location Nearly 200 community members completed survey regarding the proposed Monett dog park, with the vast majority stating they would like the dog park built in downtown Monett. A total of 192 questionnaires were returned, with 155 respondents stating they would like the dog park located in downtown Monett and 36 saying their preferred location would be in Monett’s South Park.
Read MoreCommunity weighs in on dog park

Barry County inmate still at large

Seven inmates at the Barry County Jail allegedly broke out from custody after assaulting two correctional officers and fleeing the jail building, however, their freedom was short lived. Axel Agans, 22, of Purdy; Derson Pelop, 37, of Monett; Rolando Saldivar, 42, of Monett; Jonathan Saucedo, 31, of Golden; Andrew Madewell, 19, of Monett and Harley Joe Wilkins, 29, of Purdy, were all recaptured quickly after the jail break.
Read MoreBarry County inmate still at large

Crash kills four, injures seven

Community members in Aurora are reeling following a fatal crash on Highway 39, three miles north of Aurora that took the lives of four local residents. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Aurora resident Theresa Manetzke, 51, was traveling southbound on Highway 39 in a 2016 Toyota Corolla when she crossed the center line and struck five motorcycles, killing four and seriously injuring six Aurora residents.
Read MoreCrash kills four, injures seven

BACK IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS

• In the marble tournament held on the Central School playground, part of the summer recreation program, Franklin Stacey seems to be the “doogie” shark of the younger set this season. In three games in the 8-to-12 yearold class, he knocked out a total of 18 marbles, a record no one came near.
Read MoreBACK IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS