Community News

Contagious — even the word sounds deadly. COVID-19 and coronavirus now dominate our news reports. Coming into contact with contagion isn’t a good thing. Even so, nearly every Christian wants to be part of a contagious church. Though meeting together is difficult right now, I believe that the Christians in Cassville want to be characterized as people of infectious faith. We want churches that constantly experiences the joy of seeing others give their lives to Christ...

Meet Cali, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

The Health Department divides food service code violations into two categories; Priority and Core items. Priority items are more likely than other violations to contribute to food contamination, or illness and/or injury. Core items although important to the overall hygiene of the establishment, do not necessarily present an immediate threat to food contamination or illness and/or injury...

• Thomas Delmar Berry, Purdy, speeding, misd. B, suspended imposition of sentence (SIS), one year probation and court costs; seat belt violation, infr., $10; speeding, misd. B, SIS, one year probation and court costs. • William Anthony Bozman, Jr., Crane, speeding, misd. C, $70.50 and court costs; seat belt violation, infr., $10...

A passenger on a large jet was observed acting strangely. He looked at the magazine in the seat back pouch and whispered, “Wonderful!” He stroked the fabric of his seat cushion and repeated that word, “wonderful!” He looked out the window and said, “Wonderful!” He looked at the Hostess, and uttered, “Wonderful!”...

Meet Brett, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

• Christopher G. Nickle, Cassville, possession of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, misd. D, $200 and court costs. • Donald Eugene O’Brien, Shell Knob, speeding, misd. C, $70.50 and court costs. • Jonathan Perez-Mejia, Monett, speeding, misd. C, SIS, one year unsupervised probation and court costs...

Comedy, deception, romance and an Ozark resort proprietor whose pants keep mysteriously dropping to his ankles, these are the antics of the talented actors and crew of SKITS in the spring play, “Farce of Nature!” New actors and veteran players have combined forces to bring one of the funniest shows to ever grace the SKITS stage. ...

Meet Nero, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

The Area Community Action Corporation's Barry County Neighborhood Center is seeking participants for ideas on how to best implement a new project for the community called "The People's Pantry." The program revolves around an emergency food and hygiene items pantry offered to the public, accessible 24 hours a day, to individuals and families in need...

I ordered the “beans and greens” with cornbread at Cracker Barrel the other day. I guess I was missing the good old days. When I was a boy, my maternal grandmother insisted that we eat greens early in the spring time. “They are good for you,” she said...

• Brandon James Reynolds, Cassville, second degree tampering with utility meter, misd. A, two years unsupervised probation, $10 CVCF. • Joshua A. Shoemaker, Cassville, possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, felony C, probation revoked, fiche years supervised probation...

The Fraternal Order of Eagles of Shell Knob and the Auxiliary recognize the value of the Central Crossing Senior Center adds to the community and has partnered with the Center. 

The Barry County Democratic Committee will host a county-wide mass meeting on April 6 at the Barry County Courthouse, located at 700 Main St., starting at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Primary voters will caucus to be elected as Presidential delegates to the Congressional District and State Democratic Conventions...

Mary Wolf, president of the Parish Council of Catholic Women at Shell Knob’s Holy Family Catholic Church, recently presented a gift to Shell Knob Seniors, Inc.

Meet Spike, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

The word “civil” means “courteous and polite,” unless the word “Civil” is followed by the word “War.”  Civil War means “a war between political factions in the same nation.” In that case, Civil War describes civilians fighting against civilians. When that happens, civil becomes not at all civil...

The “7¢ for The Library” vote on April 7 is the topic of discussion at six public meetings across the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library District. “Everyone is welcome to the town-hall-style meetings,” said Greg Brown, District spokesman. “They will be held at local libraries throughout the district. Attendees will learn about the library’s situation and the property tax levy adjustment that voters will see on the April 7 ballot...

The Barry County Clerk’s Office will be open Saturday for absentee voting for the Presidential Preference Election from 8 a.m. to noon. Absentee voting in person continues through Monday at the Barry County Clerk’s Office in Cassville, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m...

Pythagoras Lodge No. 383 presented a 50-year pin to Brother Raymond Catron on Feb. 20.

Meet Tom Keen, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

When the seasons change, it causes me to remember things from boyhood. I like to remember good things, and I am sure that I romanticize some events in my mind. At the same time, I worry a little bit that my children and grandchildren are missing out on some of the experiences that I enjoyed...

State Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville, was honored on Jan. 31 by SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging and the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob for his work on behalf of senior citizens.

The worst possible thing that could ever happen is what I call a “church split.” You have probably heard horrendous tales of that terrible event. We had a split in our church just a few Sundays ago.  A crazy looking wolf adorned some sport shirts. Sourdough Sam adorned others. We were a congregation divided. Some of our faithful members were wearing red and white, others were wearing red and gold...

Meet Ruby, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

There is a new Cub Scout Pack No. 440.

Planting time will soon be here, and the fourth annual Barry County Master Gardeners “Let’s Get Growing” workshop can help residents in preparing for a successful year. The event will be at Crowder College in Cassville on March 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People can expect great speakers, door prizes and some tasty snacks...

Absentee voting will go through March 9 at the Barry County Clerk’s Office in Cassville, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the March 10 Presidential Preference Primary Election. If unable to vote in person, people may send a written request to the office of Jill H. ...

Jill LeCompte, Barry County Clerk, reminds those who wish to file for a county office that the first day to file will be Tuesday, February 25, 2020. For the first day only, a random number will be selected to determine placement on the primary ballot, per 115.395.2 RSMo Supp. ...

The last day to register to vote in Barry County is March 11 for those who are not current registered voters of Barry County and who wish to vote in the April 7 General Municipal Election. People may register to vote at the County Clerk’s Office; the Monett Chamber of Commerce; or the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce...

Meet Raymond Reddington, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

The professional football season is over, and Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his western Pennsylvania burrow and didn't his shadow, which, according to legend, means an early spring and above-average temperatures are on their way.   That was in Pennsylvania...

Prestige Assisted Living LLC of Holiday Island, Ark., has continued its partnership with Central Crossing Senior Center of Shell Knob.

Cassville’s newest Champions of Trivia will be crowned on March 6 at the Cassville Education Fund Trivia Night fundraiser. The informal evening of fun and games begins at 7 p.m. at the Cassville High School commons. Now in its 10th year, Trivia Night is the annual fundraiser for the Cassville Education Fund...

Meet Chalupa, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

It is time to shop for a Valentine's Day present for my wife. As I write, I still have five days to purchase something. That should be plenty of time. But, alas, it is not enough time. No amount of time will be enough. I never have the foggiest idea of what to do when it comes to gift shopping for my honey. I intend to leave this essay, under a magnet on our refrigerator, where she will see it tonight, as she begins preparations for my dinner. That should help...

Jennifer Evans, Cassville city clerk and finance officer, has again received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This recognition is from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada or GFOA. It is for the City of Cassville’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year 2018...

Anyone who is not registered to vote in Barry County must register by Feb. 12 to be eligible to vote in the Presidential Primary Election. People should notify the Barry County Clerk if they have moved and have not updated their address or had a name change...

Meet Ross Geller, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers to enroll now in the Agriculture Risk Loss (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. March 15, 2020 is the enrollment deadline for the 2019 crop year. Although more than 200,000 producers have enrolled to date, FSA anticipates 1.5 million producers will enroll for ARC and PLC. By enrolling soon, producers can beat the rush as the deadline nears...

Allow me to call her Allison. Busy moms will identify with her story. She had promised to bake a cake for the Church ladies' bake sale, but she forgot. At the last minute, she remembered. The morning of the bake sale Allison rummaged through her cabinets until she found an angel food cake mix. She quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, and helping her son, Bill, pack up for Scout camp...

The Health Department divides food service code violations into two categories; Priority and Core items. Priority items are more likely than other violations to contribute to food contamination, or illness and/or injury. Core items although important to the overall hygiene of the establishment, do not necessarily present an immediate threat to food contamination or illness and/or injury...

Meet Ralphy, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

Isaiah 62:2 and Revelation 2:17 indicate that someday, believers will receive a new name, known only to them, and to God. The Bible is full of people who have had their names changed, usually as an indication of a change in their character. We had a Dachshund. That’s a dog, not a motorcycle. ...

The sea of native warm-season grass on Gene Cowherd’s Barry County farm is a reminder of a time when buffalo grazed tall prairie grasses. Cowherd’s first-year grasses stand more than 6 feet high, with thick, green undergrowth. The grasses are part of a diverse grazing system that also includes alfalfa, Bermuda grass, orchardgrass, red clover and novel fescue...

People may sign up on Jan. 24 for the Senior Commodities Food Box USDA Program. Program openings are available and applications for Free Senior Food Boxes through the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program will be accepted from 1:30-3 p.m. on Jan. 24 at Cassville United Methodist Church, located at 601 Gravel St. in Cassville. ...

The Cassville Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) held its annual meeting of stockholders on Jan. 16. During the meeting, Devan Scroggins was elected by stockholders to fill the expiring board seat held by Stu Gatley. Gatley declined to run again for the Board...

Central Crossing Senior Center’s volunteer Medicare counselors recently finished their work with area seniors again this year. Due to their efforts, 134 clients were counseled and saved $13,113.20. This represents a significant savings and is money that can be saved or spent locally. While not all seniors saved money, each could rest easy knowing they had the best Supplemental Health Care Plan available for them.  ...

Meet Wompus, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

All are invited to the Central Crossing Senior Center for a short program followed by lunch in Shell Knob on Jan. 31 at 11 a.m., during which State Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville, will be recognized for his support of seniors. During the last session of the Missouri State Legislature, Sater was instrumental in the passage of what has been referred to as the Growth and Development Bill. ...