Stories from Friday, December 27, 2013

Smaller and somewhat nostalgic, the 29th annual Christmas community dinner in Monett on Dec. 25 once again provided a holiday gathering for all ages. Held at the First United Methodist Church for the third year, the event continued the tradition established by Linn Thornton, who died in June...

William "Hank" James, age 79, of Monett, Mo., passed from this life on Tuesday morning, Dec. 24, 2013, while at his home. Hank was born on Feb. 4, 1934 in Lawrence County, Mo., son of John Monroe James and Mary Matilda (Ballay) James. Hank graduated from Monett High School and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 8, 1954. He had served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on Jan. 7, 1957...

Once again it's time to take out the crystal ball and look ahead to 2014. Surprisingly, the rather cautious forecast for 2013 ended up right on target. We saw incremental improvement in the economy. Despite some of the watchers who say Christmas shopping has not reached expectations, crowds are back if you get out and look around. Indicators are 2014 will reflect at least the same growth seen in 2013. Businesses are gearing up for better times...

In the Capitol, there is a group called Capitol Commission. Through their state director, Paul Meinsen, Capitol Commission provides ministerial services to legislators as they are away from home. Once per week, Paul provides a bible study at 7 a.m. in a hearing room at the Capitol...

EIGHTY YEARS AGO Dec. 27, 1933 Mayor L.E. Lines, of Forest Park, is having difficulty obtaining sufficient work to keep busy the 15 women employed in the Civil Works Service work. The women have bee making rag rugs, patching and repairing old clothing and repairing hose. There is sufficient work now at the headquarters to keep them busy for two weeks. A print dress will be made for anyone who will furnish material for two dresses, the extra going to charity...

The Monett Chamber of Commerce said thank you to its supporting members on Dec. 20 with its Jingle Mingle holiday gathering at the Chamber's community room. Food treats were served, many of which are in the Chamber's new cookbook, along with Meredith's own "not quite famous" chili...

Off to a solid start. Monett alum Kyle Meyer is off to a solid 5-3 wrestling start in his senior year at Stanford University. The Cardinal team has been ranked as high as 22nd in the nation. A 2009 graduate of Monett High School, Meyer was a four-year letter winner in wrestling. He also earned three letters in football and one each in baseball and track...

Positions are currently open at Cox Monett Hospital for volunteers to work at the information desk, gift shop and at Cox Monett Rehab and Sports Medicine. For more information, call 354-1404. The Christian band New Road will be in concert at 6 p.m. on Saturday Dec. ...

Avoiding a possible shutdown thanks to the addition of a second sales tax in 2012, the Barry County 911 service received an upbeat report on finances in its annual audit report. Board President Jon Horner prefaced the financial report by summarizing the conclusion of litigation with the City of Monett over Monett's tax increment financing (TIF) program. The 911 service, claiming Monett's TIF was illegitimate, lost two appeals of Judge Neal Quitno's ruling in favor of Monett...

Mocha Jo's in Monett has announced plans for the fourth Mocha Jo's Idol contest, which has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. "The Mocha Jo's Idol contest is designed to be a fun event to give local talent an opportunity to sing on the Mocha Jo's stage," said organizer Debbie Berger. "Any amateur singer, 13 years or older, is eligible. Contestants must be prepared to sing two songs on Jan. 4."...

EFCO, a Pella Company, will have a new logo in 2014. Company president Mike Farquhar announced the change as the Monett-based manufacturer anticipates improving conditions as the national economic recovery progresses. "EFCO has a logo that has looked the same for the past 20 years," Farquhar said. "Over time the business has changed. The old logo looks dated. We've used this opportunity to think about how we market the EFCO brand and what the brand stands for in the eyes of our customers."...