News

  A Monett man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy that distributed more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine in southern Missouri. Eric Eugene Akins, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 12 years in federal prison without parole...

The number of active COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County is above 200 for the first time, and one-third of the new cases have been recorded in a Cassville nursing home. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 1,064 (+182) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and four antibody positives. ...

It started as a bit of sinus congestion and a sore throat, but before the week was out, Mike Hemphill, of Monett, was in a fight for his life against COVID-19 (coronavirus). “I don’t remember anything from [the time I was watching] ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to when I woke up in the hospital five weeks later,” he said...

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic streak driving local sales tax receipts hit another milestone in October. For the first time since 2003, local cities and counties have topped the previous year’s monthly receipts for six consecutive months, topping the 2019 receipts to bi-county municipalities and county governments in double digits for the fifth time...

It’s one of the most child-friendly holidays to be celebrated and it’s coming up soon. Halloween, which occurs Saturday, is traditionally observed on Oct. 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide. ...

Sizing up the school year so far, the Vernon school board recently revised its 2020-2021 budget and heard reports on changes due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) on teaching operations. Among the changes around the school business this year, Superintendent Tony Simmons reported, was the postponement of the annual area Celebration of Schools, hosted by the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence. ...

Les Mace, left, Region 3 Trustee for the Kiwanis, presented Judge Victor Head, newly named Lt. Governor of Division 12 Mo-Ark Kiwanis, a gift for the ‘mounds’ of work he does for the local club, a Mounds bar.

The Caring People group for single mothers and their children has resumed on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church www.fumcmonett.org/moms The Monett Senior Center drive up menu for Wednesday, Oct. 28, includes beef and noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, chocolate chunk brownies and homemade bread. ...

The Barry County Health Department has announced four new deaths related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of four more Barry County residents to COVID related deaths,” a press release said. “This brings the total number of deaths in Barry County to 13.”...

Thousands of local supporters of President Donald Trump made their voices heard — and seen — on Sunday. When Mandy Clevenger started a Facebook group and organized a Trump Parade, she did not quite expect the level of participation the event would receive — a 6 mile line of cars traveling from Cassville to Monett via Highway 37...

It looks a little frightening, with a leathery, scale-like skin, but outward appearances can be deceiving. The exotic petals of dragon fruit cover a delightfully colored flesh that tastes of kiwi and pear. Better yet, one does not have to travel to the far reaches of Central America or Mexico to find these delectable fruits, they can soon be found at GC Riley and Co., located in rural Pierce City...

With colder temperatures expected to the four-state region soon, Crosslines of Monett is seeking donations of new hats and gloves to distribute to trick-or-treaters on Oct. 30. The Friday afternoon trick-or-treat event, hosted by the Monett Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to take place in downtown Monett between 3-5 p.m. Crosslines will be distributing hats and gloves from 2-4:30 p.m...

Pierce City aldermen recently heard concerns from a Pierce City resident concerning the elimination of some water line improvements from the water system project. Larry Carver, who lives on Lawrence 1032 outside the city limits, is on the city’s water system and questioned why the residents of Pierce City should have to pay for inefficiencies by the U.S. government...

The city of Verona met briefly recently, approving a use permit and setting the date for its annual Christmas parade. Aldermen approved amending Guy Lane’s conditional use permit to allow him to live in the mobile home on his property at 394 Old Aurora Road while he brings it into compliance with current city ordinances. He will have one year to bring the structure into compliance with city codes...

One of the most popular events during the upcoming holiday season is the Golden Age Dinner, hosted by the Monett High School Student Council. The event is always held the week prior to Thanksgiving, but because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the event will be canceled this year...

The 25th annual Missouri Health Care Association District IV Golden Age Games, usually held the last week of October, has been canceled because of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Golden Age Games presented an opportunity for the senior citizens in long term care facilities to participate in a fun outing and socialize with others their own age from this area. The events ranged from cow milking and hog calling to basketball toss and wheelchair races...

Area residents may not have the opportunity to take a tropical vacation this year, but they can bring the tropics inside their homes. With the right light and temperature, it is possible to keep tropical patio plants indoors for another summer of enjoyment...

City of Monett Fire Department Chief Tom Jones has issued a burn ban effective immediately inside the City limits of Monett. This burn ban remains in effect until there is another post stating that it has been lifted by the Fire Chief. For more information, people may contact Monett Fire Station #1 at 417-235-7799...

The number of active COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County nearly doubled in the past week, climbing to its highest point at any one time thus far at 181. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 882 (+166) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and four antibody positives. ...

Lawrence County’s longstanding need to replace the Lawrence County jail is getting a jump start through an eight-acre gift of land from the city of Mt. Vernon. The Mt. Vernon City Council voted to transfer the undeveloped acreage south of Interstate 44 with the condition that if progress on the jail construction isn’t made within 3-5 years, ownership will revert back to the city...

State House District 158 incumbent Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob, will have a challenger for his seat in November in Brenda McKinney, D-Seligman, and the two are focused heavily on the budget, jobs, healthcare and the environment. Cupps is a life-long Barry County resident who still farms throughout the county. ...

As the new Cox Monett Hospital nears completion, so does the Cox Monett Momentum Campaign’s efforts to raise $7 million. The campaign, identified as key to the hospital’s ability to meet all goals for space, technology and patient care, is now only $56,000 short of its goal...

The Lawrence County Health Department has confirmed at least three people who attended Apple Butter Day on Oct. 10 have tested positive for COVID-19. The Mt. Vernon Christian Church organized Apple Butter Day event, a 54-year-tradition in Lawrence County, after the original three-day celebration had been canceled by the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce in response to the pandemic...

With the COVID-19 (coronavirus) weighing heavily on operations, the board of the Monett Area Extended Employment, Sheltered Workshop elected new officers following the resignation of longtime board chairman Mike Hemphill and accepted an audit outlining the service’s major deficit in the past fiscal year...

The Fifth Street Sidewalk Improvement Project is underway and will include the replacement of approximately 1,950 linear feet of sidewalk on the east side of Fifth Street to Bond Street. This work also includes the construction of handicapped-accessible ramps at each intersection and new driveway approaches. There will be approximately 425 linear feet of sidewalk replaced on the west side of Fifth Street, primarily between Scott and Cleveland streets...

A two-vehicle crash at 3:34 p.m. Friday resulted in several people sustaining probable injuries, but only one transported to a local hospital. According to a Monett Police Department report, the incident occurred at the intersection of Highway 37 (Central) and Scott Street, when a westbound 2012 Toyota Avalon, driven by Rosaline Huffmaster, 80, of Monett, attempted to cross Central Street and collided with a southbound 2011 GMC Yukon, driven by Josh Osterloh, 35, of rural Monett...

The Monett Police Department has scheduled its annual Drug Take Back in an effort to prevent the abuse and theft of medications by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The Drug Take Back will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Monett Justice Center, located at 1901 East Cleveland Ave. in Monett...

Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick was the guest speaker at a recent Monett Young Professionals Network luncheon held at the Monett City Park Casino.

City of Monett Fire Department Chief Tom Jones has issued a burn ban effective immediately inside the City limits of Monett. This burn ban remains in effect until there is another post stating that it has been lifted by the Fire Chief. For more information, people may contact Monett Fire Station #1 at 417-235-7799...

The Barry County Health Department has announced its ninth COVID-related death. The individual is 79-year-old man who had no serious underlying medical conditions and lived independently in his home with his wife. Health Department and Emergency Management officials extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends on their loss...

Ezra Anderson, 18 months, enjoyed a spin on the merry-go-round at Monett’s South Park on Friday afternoon.

Two more people have been charged in connection with the Aug. 16 murder of Sarah Pasco, 27, of Aurora. Gary Hunter, Sr., 45, and his wife, Lisa Hunter, 47, both of Stotts City, were arrested Oct. 13 on charges for hindering the prosecution of their son, 23-year-old Gary Hunter, Jr., and remain in custody at the Lawrence County Jail without bond...

In the year of COVID-19, when so many events have been canceled, there is still hope for the Great Pumpkin and area children hoping to get their treat-bags topped off with goodies. Verona PTA will host a Trunk or Treat at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, on the high school teachers parking lot...

The Purdy City Council, operating with one member short until next April, this month waded back into business last taken up in May, only to find numerous roadblocks on the way. The election in June did nothing to fill the vacancies left by the resignation of Mayor Bo Prock at the beginning of the year and the death of Alderman Dan Musgrove, who was re-elected. ...

A set of skeletal remains found in May 2019 have been positively identified as those of Jason Lee Artrip, 36, of Aurora. The remains were discovered in the area of Elliott and Delta. No clothing, jewelry or personal items were discovered at the time...

The Barry County Health Department announced Friday it will return to curbside and drive through services at both Cassville and Monett locations. “Cases of COVID-19 have continued to rise and out of an abundance of caution, the Health Department will limit access to their lobby and offices until Nov. 2,” said Roger Brock, administrator. “We have a very small staff and our first responsibility is to protect them so they can continue our Public Health mission.”...

Janella Spencer, R.N., administrator of the Lawrence County Health Department gave Pierce City Police Chief Mike Abramovitz his annual flu shot Friday morning at a clinic hosted by Flummerfelt’s Town and Country Supermarket.

City of Monett Fire Department Chief Tom Jones has issued a burn ban effective immediately inside the city limits of Monett. This burn ban remains in effect until there is another post stating that it has been lifted by the Fire Chief. For more information, people may contact Monett Fire Station #1 at 417-235-7799...

The number of active COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County grew by 84 in the last week, 31 more than the week before. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 716 (+84) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

Barry County has announced an eighth COVID-related death has been confirmed. The individual was a 77-year-old man, with underlying health conditions, who was a resident of a congregant care facility. Health Department and Emergency Management officials extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends on their loss...

COVID-19 has changed the world in which we live, and many are suffering unprecedented hardship in its wake. Higher utility bills in the coming winter months can be daunting for those already on restricted budgets. For income-eligible residents, there is light at the end of the tunnel that does not necessarily signal a train bearing down with nowhere to run...

It’s yet another scam circulating within the city of Monett. A local business received a priority mail package from Freforw Logistics, LLC, out of Philadelphia, Penn., that included a legitimate-looking check and a letter with instructions on what to do with the funds...

Mother Nature provided a picture-perfect fall evening Saturday for dedication ceremonies to take place for the recently completed Freedom Silo, located at Seventh and Front Streets in Monett. The Ukuladies, Stephanie and Kaitlyn Schumacher,, entertained those in attendance with a variety of patriotic-themed music, followed by a few words from the artist, Raine Clotfelter. Jennifer Conner then performed ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’...

A lack of rain over recent weeks in parts of Barry County has seen the central and northern parts of the county moved into a D3 (extreme drought) status, and firefighters are urging residents to be cautious. Nick Mercer, Purdy fire chief, said his district and Monett City have issued burn bans, and others are considering it after the new designation on Thursday...

1. Why do you want the position of coroner? I want to serve the families and the communities of Barry County. By electing me as the next Coroner I will work to bring new things to the office. 2. What makes you more qualified than your opponents? I believe I am qualified for the job. I have served as a Assistant Deputy Coroner under the direction of Jim Fohn...

1. Why do you want the position of coroner? I feel it is my Christian duty to help other people and all of my life I have tried to put myself in positions where I can help others in any situation needed. When I was offered the opportunity almost 13 years ago to assist Jim Fohn, who was coroner, I saw another way to be available to help people in need. ...

1. Why do you want the position of coroner? Barry County deserves the most professional and educated person for this position - one with compassion and educated in death, investigative and crime scene investigation. I feel I have the most education of the campaign candidates. Through the years, I have witnessed every type of death from commercial airline crashes to sudden heart attacks...

An Aurora man was arrested Sunday following a wreck at 6 p.m. on Highway 248, four miles west of Cassville. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Parker Abramovitz, 31, of Aurora, was driving a 2007 Buick Lucerne westbound when his vehicle crossed the center line and sideswiped a 2007 Dodge Ram and its towed unit, being driven by Andrew Goans, 46, of Springfield...

A two-vehicle crash on Saturday resulted in both drivers being seriously injured. The crash occurred at 4:30 p.m. at Cleveland and Seventh Street in Monett. According to a Monett Police Department report, the crash took place when a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo, driven by Cody Priest, 31, of Exeter, was traveling westbound in the center turn lane and struck the back of a westbound 2009 Ford Fusion, driven by Randy Hanner, 64, of Carthage, that was preparing to merge into the westbound lane...

A three-vehicle crash on Monday sent one person to the hospital. According to a Monett Police Department report, the crash occurred at 7:10 a.m. on Highway 60 near Hess Drive in Monett. The report indicated an eastbound 2007 Lincoln Towncar, driven by Edwin Scheuerman, 73, of Monett, and a 2012 Mack truck, driven by Garry Barnes, 57, of Dexter, were stopped on Highway 60 at Hess Drive when the Scheuerman vehicle was struck from behind by an eastbound 1996 Freightliner, driven by Jason Wilson, 40, of Marionville, pushing the vehicle into the back of the Mack truck.. ...