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Lawrence County budget finds ground for consensus (1/19/19)Negotiations during the past week turned what looked like a showdown between the Lawrence County Commission and Sheriff Brad DeLay over the county’s 2019 budget into a surprisingly equitable exchange on Thursday as commissioners unveiled their spending plan for the year... -
Filings close for April 2 election (1/19/19)Monett voters were left with no races in which to cast ballots as filings closed on Tuesday for the municipal and school board election on April 2, while other towns will see changes in elected officials, with or without public votes. No races emerges for Monett school board as only two candidates filed for the vacant seats, though there will be a change. One-term incumbent Brian Hunter was assured of a second stint...
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Monett law enforcement, school take security step (1/19/19)The Monett school district and the Monett Police Department have taken one more step to improve communications when it comes to student safety. School Resource Officer Jay Jastal reported the department and school district split the cost to purchase two radios that can broadcast on both ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF)...
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2 arrested after children test positive for meth (1/19/19)2Two people were arrested in Monett recently and face multiple felonies after three children in their care tested positive for having methamphetamine in their systems. Amber Benbrook, 27, and Percy Rollins, 38, both of Monett, are both charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Rollins also has a misdemeanor order of protection violation charge...
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Bob Mareth honored as Legionnaire of the Year (1/19/19)Legionnaire of the Year honors, presented to Bob Mareth of Monett, and holiday festivities were marked by Hobbs-Anderson American Legion No. 91 in December. Legion members and spouses joined together for the annual Christmas dinner, attended by more than 50 members and guest were in attendance celebrating the season together...
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Youth mental health training offered in Monett (1/19/19)An unusual offering for training to community members on mental health for youth and first aid training will be offered by the Community Partnership of the Ozarks from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 2 at the Monett Area YMCA. According to Samantha Sherman, prevention specialist, “Youth Mental Health First Aid is a public education program which introduces participants to unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and most importantly – teaches individuals how to help a youth in crisis or experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.”. ...
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Pierce City students go all out for Homecoming week (1/19/19)Students at Pierce City High School will be getting into the spirit of homecoming week, with the theme “PC’s got Game” and a variety of activities. Tuesday, students are encouraged to participate in Cranium/Nerd Day. On Wednesday, students are urged to fake an injury or dress as a doctor or nurse for “Operation.” Thursday will be a day for spelling champs as students paint or draw a letter of the alphabet on their shirts to play “Words with Friends.” Friday, students can show their Big ‘ol Green Pride by wearing green and white.. ... -
Varied agenda planned for Monett City Council meeting (1/19/19)The Monett City Council plans to introduce several ordinances at its monthly meeting on Jan. 21, ranging from sidewalk improvements on Central Avenue to animal control fees. The meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Monett City Hall. As previously announced, the city has received grant funding to help build new curbs and sidewalks on Central Avenue from Broadway to Cleveland Ave. ...
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Pierce City students check out college options (1/19/19)Dendra Abramovitz and Kella Loyd discussed available courses at Ozark Technical College with OTC representative Jordan Schreiber during the College Fair, held Wednesday at Pierce City High School. -
News in brief (1/19/19)A watch for migrating bald eagles will be offered at Roaring River State Park at 3 p.m. on Jan. 19. Those attending will gather at the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center, should dress appropriately and bring field glasses if possible. Information is available by calling 417-847-3742...
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Barry County weighs 12 percent budget hike (1/16/19)With a new presiding commissioner and a year of generally conservative spending, county commissioners in Barry County appear poised for new priorities, but they still have to whittle down requests from office holders from a 12 percent increase in spending requested for 2019...
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Fitzpatrick sworn-in as State Treasurer (1/16/19)Scott Fitzpatrick was sworn in as Missouri’s 47th State Treasurer Monday in a ceremony officiated by Barry County Associate Judge Johnnie Cox. Following his swearing-in, Fitzpatrick reiterated his commitment to fiscal restraint as well as supporting small businesses and Missouri families... -
Weekend fire destroys home (1/16/19)On Saturday morning, Pierce City firefighters were called to the scene of a residential structure fire in the area of Farm Road 1000 and Farm Road 2190 in Lawrence County. -
Rewards offered for arrest of Pierce City park vandals (1/16/19)Pierce City Mayor Kenny Smith is fed up with the antics of vandals and juvenile delinquents causing damage to city resources. “Our park is being overrun with vandals,” Smith said. “They’ve damaged or stolen the picnic tables. One is just gone, one is in the lake and one was just torn up. They’ve also thrown stuff into the pool...
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Cattle producers take expanded view of forage at conference (1/16/19)With a wet spring and a dry summer, local livestock producers wanted to hear forage options for their cattle, and that was the focus for the 95th annual Lawrence County Soils and Crops Conference at the University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center this month...
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17th annual Dining for Diabetes fundraiser slated (1/16/19)Tickets are now on sale for the 17th annual Dining for Diabetes fundraising dinner supporting the diabetes education program through Cox Monett Hospital. This year's theme is “Cirque de Cox Monett,” and guests are invited to don their favorite carnival wear or dress as a favorite performer...
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Big year expected at Southwest Research Center (1/16/19)Prospects are pointing at a big year for the University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center near Mt. Vernon, Director David Cope reported at the annual Lawrence County Soils and Crops Conference. Cope said during the past year, more than 4,800 people visited the center for workshops and Field Day. Moved to a Thursday and held only on one day in 2018, Field Day will continue in that format on Sept. 12 this year... -
The royal treatment (1/16/19)Senior Katie Schmidt was crowned Rose Homecoming queen Friday. -
News in brief (1/16/19)The Cox Monett Hospital Dining for Diabetes fundraiser will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26, beginning with dinner at St. Mary’s Catholic School fellowship hall in Pierce City. The event has a circus theme. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. For details, people may call 417-354-1280...
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Fire heavily damages Monett home daycare (1/12/19)4A home daycare center serving 14 children erupted in flames shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, destroying the garage and damaging much of the house as the rapidly moving blaze spread through the attic. Monett dispatch received a call at 2:18 p.m. of a fire at 920 Rosewood, which Detective David Curts, arriving momentarily on scene, said started in the garage. ... -
LawCo budget heading for collision with sheriff (1/12/19)Lawrence County commissioners planned another round of discussions with county officeholders on Monday in preparation for the annual county budget hearing at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the historic county courthouse in Mt. Vernon. Commissioners are considering a $3,540,594 budget for fiscal year 2019, not including an additional $1.5 million anticipated from the law enforcement sales tax that largely goes to Sheriff Brad DeLay for running the Sheriff’s Office and the jail. ...
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Central Ave. project to get grant (1/12/19)One of the next big plans for Monett’s transportation system received a big boost last week with the approval of funding under the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for new sidewalks on Central Avenue between Broadway and Cleveland Avenue...
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Monett model helps spur Drury outreach (1/12/19)The success of the Somos program at the Monett campus of Drury University has helped inspire Drury to use a new grant opportunity to reach potential students in the Springfield area. Drury's Somos ("We Are") program, a five-year College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP) grant through the Department of Education, is an outreach to help students from a migrant background seek a college education, now in its third year in Monett. ...
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Fire guts senior apartment in Verona (1/12/19)A flash fire at senior citizen apartments in Verona on Friday damaged a building with four units but resulted in no injuries. According to Aaron Siegrist, chief for the Aurora Rural Fire Department, the fire took place at 301 W. Ella, where a resident was smoking while wearing an oxygen tank. The fire burned the oxygen tube in two and spread through the apartment. Monett city, rural and Freistatt firefighters joined the Aurora Rural district in fighting the blaze...
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City of Verona settles on new phone system (1/12/19)The Verona City Council resolved its ongoing telephone problem recently by contracting with Losh Network Systems from Springfield to convert to a voice-over-internet system, abandoning its long-standing association with Windstream. Clerk Laura Hazelwood reported initially receiving three quotes for voice-over-internet phone service. ...
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Wheaton school prioritizes projects for renovation (1/12/19)The Wheaton school district has set goals for some projects that need attention in its buildings, and will be purchasing a new air-conditioned trip bus. Lance Massey, Wheaton school district superintendent, said CTS is a company that the district has done business with before, a group that will come out and give a no-obligation, no-cost estimate...
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Legislation changes, proposed bills will affect school districts (1/12/19)Wheaton School District Superintendent Lance Massey attended two different state legislature meetings recently in Springfield and Webb City, learning about a few topics up that stuck out to him regarding proposed state laws. “One thing that will actually take effect next year is the way that we count school days,” Massey said. “Currently, it is a combination of hours and days, and it will be moving to an hours-only system.”...
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Boxx selected to AG’s transition team (1/12/19)Barry County Prosecutor Amy Boxx will serve the state in an advisory capacity in coming months, as she was selected as one of 12 advisors on incoming Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s transition team. The team will focus on reviewing the Attorney General's Office and gathering information relevant to Schmitt’s top priorities as Attorney General...
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Salvation Army efforts raise nearly $7,000 for Crosslines (1/12/19)Volunteers from across the Monett community and many churches helped ring bells for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. -
News in brief (1/12/19)Filings for the April 2 municipal and school board elections run through Jan. 15. All branches of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library will be closed on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Cox Monett Hospital Dining for Diabetes fundraiser will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26, beginning with dinner at St. Mary’s Catholic School fellowship hall in Pierce City. The event has a circus theme. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. For information, people may call 417-354-1280...
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Missing man found in Monett (1/11/19)A man reported missing from Springfield on Thursday morning was located in Monett Thursday night, and Springfield police are continuing to investigate the incident...
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Monett man injured in wreck (1/10/19)A Monett man was injured Wednesday in a wreck at 3:20 p.m. on Farm Road 1100, four miles southeast of Monett. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Jimmie Copley, 75, of Monett, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox westbound when his vehicle pulled into the path of a 2001 GMC Yukon, being driven by Ladonna Drezinski, 33, of Monett...
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Single-car wreck injures Aurora man (1/10/19)An Aurora man was injured in a wreck on Wednesday at 10:55 p.m. on Highway 60, one mile east of Monett. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Nicholas Fields, 24, of Aurora, was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier westbound when his vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned...
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MOD scheduling to end (1/9/19)2Monett High School Principal David Williams announced this week that flex-modular scheduling at will come to an end with the present school year. The experimental scheduling system, closer to a college routine than a traditional high school block or hourly schedule, has been controversial from the beginning. ...
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Year-end sales tax totals show gains (1/9/19)An anticipated, drop in sales tax revenues in December left a mixed bag of results for 2018. After increases in five of the first six months of the year, drops in three of the last six months erased annual gains for 6 of the 13 municipal recipients, including Monett...
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Monett Behavioral Center aims for August opening (1/9/19)The Monett school district is looking to add another regional offering for students in area districts — the Monett Behavioral Center. Russ Moreland, Monett superintendent, said the idea took root while Brad Hanson was still superintendent, and he is only continuing to roll the ball...
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After New Year’s, sheriff urges residents to celebrate safely (1/9/19)New Year’s Eve saw many area residents, both inside the city limits and in rural areas, firing off weapons on the stroke of midnight in celebration of the start of 2019. Gunshots rang out throughout Lawrence County, echoing through valleys, fields and forests...
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Man faces drug charges after shots fired call (1/9/19)A Purdy man is facing five felony charges after a call for shots fired resulted in a search of his residence and police finding multiple marijuana plants. Kenneth Snider, 33, of Purdy, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, manufacture of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and manufacture of marijuana...
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MHS ‘Winter Wonderland’ homecoming this week (1/9/19)"Winter Wonderland" is the theme for Monett High School's Rose homecoming this week, as the Cubs wind up for a basketball battle against Aurora on Friday. Rose royalty will include both a king and a queen, and girls from the freshman, sophomore and junior classes as the remainder of the royal court... -
BarCo Soils and Crops to focus on beef production (1/9/19)The University of Missouri Extension will host the 90th annual Barry County Soils and Crops Conference on Thursday, Jan. 24, at the First Christian Church, 905 Old Exeter Road in Cassville. According to conference coordinator Reagan Bluel, presenters will focus on helping local producers manage their bottom line...
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Spring conditions bring out the adventurous (1/9/19)Temperatures in the 60s on Monday made an atypical January day in the Ozarks. Around a dozen people took advantage of the opportunity to go the Monett Skate Park at North Park. -
Students tackle downtown beautification (1/9/19)Students participating in the GO CAPS program at Monett High School received a challenge from the Monett area Chamber of Commerce to submit ideas on how to improved the downtown shopping area in order to encourage the community and target markets to shop downtown with merchants... -
Baby boy is first arrival at Cox Monett in 2019 (1/9/19)The first baby of 2019 born at Cox Monett Hospital arrived on Jan. 3, a 7-pound, 4-ounce boy born at 4:22 p.m. to Matt and Paige Farris, of Cassville. -
News in brief (1/9/19)The Monett/Purdy affiliate of Habitat for Humanity will have its regular monthly board meeting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the First Christian Church, Fourth and Wishart. All branches of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library will be closed on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day...
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Fields expand for April 2 election (1/5/19)With filings for the April 2 municipal and local government election closing on Jan. 15, several additions have created more interesting contests to date. The only election where all Monettans will vote is for the school board. No changes have taken place in the candidate field since opening day. ...
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Verona school leaders move closer on gym plan (1/5/19)The Verona school board reviewed plans for a new gym at its December meeting, as strategies for offering voters a chance to upgrade the 64-year-old high school facility takes shape. Superintendent Tony Simmons described his discussion with representatives from the CTS Group construction management company, hired in May to oversee the project. ... -
Pierce City police seeking information on vandals (1/5/19)Members of the Pierce City Police Department are seeking information about who vandalized and stole tables from Pierce City’s South Park the week before Christmas. A reward of $100 has been offered by an anonymous individual for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crimes...
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Monett resident receives Kentucky Colonel commission (1/5/19)David Compton, of Monett, wears many hats. He’s the director of the Barry County Office of Emergency Management, a coordinator for CoxHealth Clinical Excellence, teaches emergency management classes throughout the state and nation and continues to work with both state and federal emergency management agencies during times of local disaster... -
Entries sought for annual Draw Pierce City contest (1/5/19)Pierce City artists are invited to enter the 2019 Draw Pierce City contest, open to any public, private or home-schooled student in the Pierce City school district. Adult artists over the age of 18 are also invited to compete, but need not live within the Pierce City school boundaries. Adult entries must be framed and wired to hang...
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Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office releases December stats (1/5/19)Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay has release the December 2018 statistics for calls answered by deputies, the number and type of traffic stops, and the number of people arrested during the month. In traffic, deputies made a total of 109 stops and issued 14 citations and 103 warnings. ...
News
Photo Galleries
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.
Ozark Empire Fair
Purdy Festival 2018
PCHS demolitionDemolition of the 1922 Pierce City High School