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Goetz named assistant principal at Monett High School (4/20/19)With a month remaining before the end of the regular school year, the Monett school board has filled many of its outstanding vacancies. One open administrator post, created by elevating Stephanie Heman to the job of high school principal, was filled from within as the board tapped Ty Goetz as the new assistant principal at Monett High School, beginning his duties on July 1...
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Monettan sentenced for meth trafficking (4/20/19)A Monett woman and a Mexican national have been sentenced in federal district court in Springfield for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Rebecca Castillo, 37, and Heradio Rios-Zarate, 27, a citizen of Mexico, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on April 15...
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Parking lot construction underway downtown (4/20/19)Monett Street Department crews have busily worked on completion of the new parking lot at Fourth and Front, on the lot of the former New Beginnings ice cream parlor, acquired by Monett Main Street as parking to support events at the Glen and Sharon Garrett Park... -
Pierce City aldermen set pool prices, season opening (4/20/19)Pierce City council members recently discussed repairs to the municipal pool, as well as set an earlier opening date for this season. According to Shelby Berry, public works, some cracks have developed in the pool and he has had difficulties in getting someone from Springfield or Joplin in to determine the scope and cost of repairs...
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Many hands perform acts of mercy (4/20/19)Students at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Pierce City are taking their teachings to heart with a new program called Mercy Mondays. Students typically have a four-day school schedule, Tuesday through Friday, since their schedules are based off of Pierce City public school’s calendar. ... -
‘Monett Rocks’ spring campaign underway at Monett High School (4/20/19)The Monett High School National Honor Society Chapter is again launching its Monett Rocks campaign, and invites the public to participate. According to Susie Kinlock, NHS chapter sponsor, participating is easy and fun. She suggested three options for joining the effort upon discovering a painted rock around town:...
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Monett school board firms up plans for new center (4/20/19)The Monett school board has acted to expand the new consortium to help educate severely autistic children and heard about strategies for dealing with soaring healthcare costs. In preparation for the coming school year, the board approved adding the Wheaton school district as a member of the Monett Regional Support Center, the new consortium of districts sending severely autistic students to Monett for class. ...
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Freistatt Village Board reorganizes (4/20/19)Two faces changes on the Freistatt Board of Trustees during the reorganizational meeting on April 11, and two recipients were announced for the 2018 Freistatt Community Service Award. Following approval of the election results, Clerk Deborah Schoen administered the oath of office to Larry Howard, elected to office for the first time; Richard Knight, who returned to office after a previous term; and Elmer Conway, who has been on the board since 2002... -
Flowering crabapple rains petals in the breeze (4/20/19)This flowering crabapple tree, located at the home of Charlotte Bounous in Monett, sprinkled showers of delicate petals on the breeze early Wednesday morning. -
Marionville aldermen tackle variety of concerns (4/20/19)Marionville aldermen heard from Jon Wezner, of Azavar Audit Solutions, an Illinois-based company that evaluates whether municipalities are receiving all the fees, franchise taxes, utility service fees and other revenue sources to which they are entitled...
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Easter Egg Hunt stirs imaginations at Marionville library (4/20/19)Children attending story time for preschoolers at the Marionville Branch Library on Thursday had fun seeking eggs during an in-house Easter Egg Hunt. -
News in brief (4/20/19)The annual Salad Luncheon hosted by the St. Lawrence Council of Catholic Women will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 24 at the church fellowship hall, 405 Seventh St. in Monett. Cost is $7. Tickets are now available from ladies at the church...
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Aurora man accepts plea bargain for multiple crimes (4/17/19)A 20-year-old Aurora man, Mason Farris, accepted a plea bargain for multiple felonies on April 12, and will serve seven years with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Farris was originally charged with second-degree murder, two counts of first degree assault on police officers, armed criminal action and a class E felony of resisting arrest, following an incident that occurred May 5, 2018, in which Farris attempted to flee from officers making a traffic stop at Casey’s General Store on Business Highway 60 in Aurora.. ...
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32 bridges flagged during inspection (4/17/19)According to an inspection by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) on Barry County bridges in 2018, 106 bridges, plus three bridges that were not on the inventory, were inspected. Of the three bridges that were not on inventory, two of them are new structures, and one was not on inventory because it was not 20 feet or more, which qualifies it for a bridge by MoDOT, but it is now...
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Monett opens door for new home insurance (4/17/19)The Monett City Council acted on a utility warrant contract recently, as well as revised its utility operations policy. Council members approved an agreement with Utility Service Partners, doing business as Service Line Warranties of America, a subsidiary of HomeServe USA Corporation, as a way to help private property owners...
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Wind turbine project advancing in Barry County (4/17/19)5A major push to secure property to build approximately 100 wind turbines for energy production in Barry County appears to be close to completion. The Chicago-based firm Invenergy, which calls itself North America’s largest independent renewable power generation company, has had representatives in the Monett area last week talking to property owners about land deals. ... -
Purdy City Council reorganizes, makes few changes (4/17/19)Reorganization of the Purdy City Council prompted a single change in appointments and a review of property plans for the benefit of new council member Bob Mosier. Mayor Bo Prock returned for a second term. Scott Redshaw, from the East Ward and Austin Hammen from the West Ward, both one-term incumbents were sworn in for two-year terms, and Mosier took the vacant one-year seat in the East Ward, winning as a write-in... -
Monett City Council to act on zoning, construction (4/17/19)The Monett City Council will act on a zoning change request and award a contract for construction of the new public works building during the monthly meeting slated for 9:30 a.m. on Friday at Monett City Hall. Following up on a recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission, council members are expected to approve a change for 215 Dairy Street, the Monett Veterinary Hospital, from mutli-family to commercial use. ...
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Wheaton schools doing part to clean air (4/17/19)The Wheaton school district will be replacing a bus through the Volkswagen Trust Grant, which offers the district $22,000 for bus replacement on the bus’ total price of $97,665. Lance Massey, Wheaton superintendent, said the district applied by Sept. 14, 2018, and received notification of its selection on Oct. 2, 2018...
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Time for change presents upgrade opportunity (4/17/19)Software Unlimited offers the Wheaton school district access to an upgraded system that will cut down on doubling a process that takes time. Lance Massey, Wheaton superintendent said, the schools accounts payable and accounts receivable company that it has been using for a number of years, called Chalkable, has sold out to a group called PowerSchool...
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Wheaton hosts Vegas-themed prom at Monett Casino (4/17/19)Sarah Brattin got her spin on, with the help of Jack Mitchell, during the song Boot Scootin’ Boogie at Wheaton’s Vegas-themed prom Saturday, held at the Monett Casino. -
Girls weekend rocks for campers (4/17/19)Abigail Couch ran through the cheering crowd of camp counselors on Friday for the first ever all-girls weekend at Camp Barnabas. Campers were greeted with tiaras and an unforgettable welcome. -
Screen-Free Day offers varied experiences in Monett (4/17/19)Students at Monett Elementary also engaged in Screen-Free Day by making artwork that hung on display, offering some pride in creation as well as learning away from technology devices. -
Purdy library closes with a sale (4/17/19)Friday was the last day for the Purdy branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library. -
A dog’s life can be pretty cushy (4/17/19)After a snowy Sunday, Monday became a banner day for getting out in the spring weather. -
OFO concludes season with Pops in the Park (4/17/19)The Ozark Festival Orchestra held its 13th annual Pops in the Park gala concert, its inaugural Marty Beckwith Memorial Concert, at the Monett City Park Casino on Sunday. -
EFCO parking lot undergoing renovation (4/17/19)Those familiar with the old parking lot in front of the main office for EFCO Corporation’s headquarters plant at County Road and Bridle Lane may be startled to find the lot completely excavated. -
News in brief (4/17/19)The final service in the Monett Ministerial Association’s series of midweek Lenten services will be held at 12:05 p.m. today, April 17, at New Site Baptist Church, with Pastor Paula Lively from St. Stephen’s Episcopal speaking. A light lunch will be available after the service...
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Memorial to V.B. Hall unveiled (4/13/19)1A dedication ceremony was held Wednesday for the unveiling of a new monument in downtown Monett for past mayor and community leader Viga Burns (V.B.) Hall. Located at the southwest corner of Fifth and Broadway, the monument is across the street from the Monett Museum and within view of Monett City Hall. ... -
Ministers hear strategy for homeless outreach (4/13/19)Obstacles for outreach to homelessness in Monett and what to do about it became the focus of a presentation to the Monett Ministerial Association in its new effort to address homeless conditions. Dr. Dennis Edwards, an adjunct professor with Drury University, presented a study to the association with specific findings:...
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Action needed to keep Pierce City recycling project viable (4/13/19)After 10 years of working as a volunteer with Southwest Missouri Solid Waste Management District N, John Archer, of Pierce City, is hanging up his recycling hat. “In the 10 years that I have done recycling, I've had two adults assist,” Archer said. “I'm giving it all back to the city. I'm done with it.”...
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Emerald ash beetle scam surfaces in Monett (4/13/19)The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) teamed up with the City of Monett this week to squelch false reports about the presence of a tree pest in Barry and Lawrence counties. The emerald ash borer (EAB) – a non-native beetle that causes fatal damage to ash trees – has not been found in either Barry or Lawrence counties,, according to Department on Conservation foresters. ...
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Monett school board makes personnel changes (4/13/19)The Monett school board accepted nine resignations and hired 15 teachers for the coming year during its March meeting. Resignations were accepted from the following teachers: • Alyssa Kennedy, high school science teacher and girls basketball coach • Jennie Hickinbotham, teacher at Central Park Elementary...
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Kermit Daniel recognized for service to sport (4/13/19)1Kermit Daniel, of Liberty, formerly of Monett, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Missouri USA Softball for his 40 years of service to the Missouri Amateur Softball Association (ASA, since renamed to USA Softball). Daniel served as the Missouri state umpire in chief for 23 years and has served as umpire in chief for 19 national ASA softball tournaments. In addition, Daniel served on the national ASA council for 15 years. ... -
Barry-Lawrence Ambulance board approves new unit (4/13/19)3Members of the Barry-Lawrence County Ambulance board approved the purchase of a new Braun unit, at a cost of $220,269 at a special meeting recently. The board requested bids from four ambulance vendors and only received two responses – one for a Demers unit and the other for a Braun unit, both from Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles...
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Eric Halvorsen becomes new senior center director (4/13/19)The Monett Senior Center received a new director recently. Eric Halvorsen, who also serves as director for the Mt. Vernon senior center, succeeded Theresa Morgan. Morgan, the director at the Hudson House senior center in Aurora, reported she encountered issues there that require her full attention... -
Relay for Life planned in Monett on April 27 (4/13/19)Preparations are underway for the Barry County Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, slated for 2-8 p.m. on April 27 in Monett. According to Sherry Hull, chairperson, the event this year moves to a new location, as well as an afternoon schedule, for the first time. The Relay will be held at the Jerry D. Hall Memorial Pavilion in the Glen and Sharon Garrett Park at Fifth and Front streets...
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Verona school board takes personnel action (4/13/19)The Verona school board recently made decisions for the coming year on faculty, meals and construction. Board members approved resignations from Leigh Ann Self at the preschool, elementary teacher Shannon Cooper, high school communication arts teacher Kathy Taylor, and physical education teacher Fred Lundien...
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Monett man killed in bike wreck (4/13/19)A Monett man died Thursday after a motorcycle wreck at 4:13 p.m. on Highway 97, two miles south of Yonkersville. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Gregory Klein, 54, of Monett, was riding a 1996 Honda Shadow southbound when his vehicle went off the right side of the roadway, impacted a sign, then continued and impacted an embankment, ejecting the driver...
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Pierce City School Board reorganizes (4/13/19)A special meeting of the Pierce City School Board was held Wednesday evening to swear in new members elected on the April 2 ballot. -
OFO prepares for pops concert Sunday (4/13/19)The Ozark Festival Orchestra’s Pops in the Park concert on Sunday at the Monett City Park Casino will include the OFO’s famous silent auction for arts lovers. -
News in brief (4/13/19)The final service in the Monett Ministerial Association’s series of midweek Lenten services will be held at 12:05 p.m. on April 17, at New Site Baptist Church, with Pastor Paula Lively from St. Stephen’s Episcopal speaking. A light lunch will be available after the service...
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Fire destroys historic First Christian Church in Aurora (4/10/19)Monett city and rural firefighters assisted in battling a nearly six-hour blaze at the historic First Christian Church, a block off the square in Aurora on Saturday night. According to Aurora Fire Department Captain Chris Wirth, firefighters received the call at 5:30 p.m. ... -
New animal control officer takes over (4/10/19)Karen Griggs has begun her duties as the new animal control officer in Monett. Griggs succeeded Glenn Palade, who has retired for the second time from the position. Griggs started her duties on March 25, working with Palade up to his retirement on March 29...
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First on Front concert series to return in Monett (4/10/19)First State Bank of Purdy has announced plans to sponsor a second year of First on Front Street concerts at the Jerry D. Hall Memorial Pavilion in the Glen and Sharon Garrett Park on Front Street in Monett, between Fourth and Fifth streets. Like the 2018 series, First State will host a live outdoor music concert on the first Friday of the month in May, June and July, beginning at 6 p.m. ... -
Monett Chamber of Commerce changes leadership (4/10/19)The Monett Chamber of Commerce reorganized for the coming year and assigned leadership positions for upcoming projects and programs during the joint meeting of the outgoing and incoming board at the Chamber office. Brad Hill took over as president from Lenny Davis and encouraged the new board members to get involved. ...
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Police pursuit leads to wreck on Hwy. 86 (4/10/19)A Berryville, Ark., man was arrested Monday following a head-on collision at 10:52 a.m. on Highway 86 at Farm Road 1247. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, James Harp, 34, of Berryville, Ark., was driving a 1978 Chevrolet 1500 eastbound when his vehicle pulled into the path of a westbound 2006 Nissan Murano, being driven by Scott Stottle, 50, of Washburn, hitting the vehicle head-on...
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New camera at Wheaton doubles for security, sports (4/10/19)What started as a security measure in Wheaton schools has lead to an external benefit, as the security camera that was installed in the gymnasium may double as a way to stream the games played in the gym. Lance Massey, Wheaton superintendent, said a few months ago, during an “Intruder on Campus” drill, Wheaton Police Chief Clint Danforth had concerns about blind spots in the gymnasium that weren’t viewable by current cameras...
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CoxHealth launches seventh annual diaper drive (4/10/19)CoxHealth System and Cox Monett Hospital are currently underway on its seventh annual diaper drive to help young families having difficulty meeting the expense of diapers. “Families have many expenses they have to deal with, and it can be difficult to bring diapers to the top of the priority list,” said Melissa Freeman, coordinator of CoxHealth’s Diaper Drive. “This drive offers CoxHealth and the community the chance to do something to help families in need.”...
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Local blacksmiths to gather in Newtonia (4/10/19)Area blacksmiths will gather on Saturday to celebrate their art at the historic Ritchey Mansion in Newtonia for the fourth annual Hammer In. Blacksmiths from around the area will demonstrate their skills and be selling their wares. On-site visitors will be able to witness the creation of metal product from the lowly nail and bolt to fancy ornamental iron...
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Photo Galleries
Roaring River Opening Day 2019
Opening day of trout season at Roaring River State Park near CassvilleCrowds packed Roaring River State Park near Cassville from the early morning hours through the 6:30 a.m. gunshot for the chance to fish in God's Country and enjoy the fellowship and tradition of the annual opening of trout fishing season in Missouri.
Quarterfinal round 2019 state wrestling
Nurses and friends visit the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. VernonFilipino-American nurses and friends serenade Missouri Veterans with Christmas carols on Dec. 23, 2018
Christmas Eve 2018Many Monett area churches held Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24, 2018. Here are views from St. Steven's Episcopal, First Baptist, First Christian and First United Methodist churches in Monett, Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt, and Midnight Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City.
Purdy Christmas paradeThe Purdy community held its annual Christmas parade on Dec. 15 on Highway C.
Verona Christmas paradeThe Verona community held its Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 15, running from the school, north through the downtown and back to the school. Winners at the parade follow: First place winners: Verona Band,Verona Christian church float, Gene and Theresa Cochrane 1950 chevy, Verona Lunch Ladies float,Kemin, Santas helpers float, and Santa on motorcycle. Second place winners: Verona Baptist Church,Stuart Carson 1957 chevy, Tillers and Toliers float, Downs Trucking, santa and his elf on motorcycle, Verona FFA. Third place winners: Youngberg church, Chris Ruscha 1965 Chevy, Claude Carr 1939 Ford sedan, Welters tractor pulling small manure spreader,Ted and Pam Dorton, Home Sheild Pest Control,Verona Cheer.
Pierce City Christmas parade
Monett Christmas parade Dec. 8, 2018The Monett Chamber of Commerce held the annual Monett Christmas parade on Dec. 8 in downtown Monett.
Monett High School homecoming paradeThe Monett High School Homecoming Parade was held on Sept. 28 in downtown Monett.