News

On Friday, Gov. Mike Parson issued a new order called “Stay Home Missouri,” imploring Missouri residents to avoid leaving their homes as much as possible to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Locally, David Compton, Barry County Emergency Management director, said the order essentially emphasizes what officials in Barry and Lawrence counties have been asking residents to do for nearly two weeks...

Building on Missouri’s efforts to control, contain, and combat COVID-19, Governor Mike Parson today issued a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. ...

A Cassville man is being held on a first-degree assault charge after allegedly hitting another person with his vehicle. According to a probable cause statement filed by Justin Ruark, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, at about 2:25 p.m. Sunday, Prather was traveling in a 2019 Nissan Versa and struck the victim at a high rate of speed near the 10,000 block of West 6th Street in Cassville...

Filings have closed for county elections in 2020, and three positions will see races in August, and one of those will also have a race in November. For Barry County sheriff, incumbent Gary Davis filed to keep his post. Challenging him are former state trooper Travis Hilburn and current Cassville Police Department Det. Danny Boyd. All three filed as Republicans and will square off in the Aug. 4 primary...

Cox Monett Hospital has been working to be prepared in the event COVID-19 (coronavirus) becomes more prevalent locally. As of Tuesday morning, there were more than 1,000 cases of coronavirus statewide, including one in Barry County. Janell Patton, community relations manager, marketing and planning with Cox Monett, said CoxHealth is prepared to help serve patients in Monett, and southwest Missouri as a whole, as concerns around COVID-19 grow...

Local dentists and optometrists are using best practices for dealing with patients during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. In Cassville, Dr. Jared Spears has closed to all but emergency cases, as has the Young Family and Cosmetic Dentistry clinic. Both are monitoring answering systems and will return calls to emergent patients as soon as possible...

Despite the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, professional health care providers have been continuing to see patients at both the CoxHealth and Mercy clinics in Monett as usual, though some changes are expected in the coming weeks. During a news briefing on Thursday, Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth, said clinics were running “at full speed.” Staffing levels have been normal, but were likely to decline as a greater emphasis is placed on taking advantage of Cox’s telemedicine services.. ...

Even in a time of crisis, Americans know how to get most of their basic needs met. During this COVID-19 pandemic, local eateries are helping out by making sure people have access to their favorite comfort foods. In Cassville, The Farmer’s Daughter is closed until further notice...

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, schools have closed their doors, and many businesses have cut employee hours or shifts altogether in order to help fight the spread of the virus. As a consequence of families spending more time at home, another pandemic is on the rise — food insecurity...

The economy on a local level is not exempt from issues created by COVID-19 (coronavirus). In the bi-county area, people have seen businesses closed down completely or change their operating status to curbside, and some have decided to push through the pandemic...

Communities standing together during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak are essential to beating the unforeseen consequences of the event. At this time, many families are left without paychecks, or limited income, people at risk are isolated from the public, and being there for each other can show immense strength...

While the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has impacted even agriculture markets, cattlemen have been impacted in other ways, but not through the closing of the livestock yards. Eldon Cole, livestock specialist for the University of Missouri Extension, said the Joplin Livestock Yard was open for business on March 25. The Springfield Stockyard was also open, but with the restrictions on gatherings of 10 people or less, conditions were more difficult...

Briley Artherton, 9, left, and, Reese Artherton, 2, played in mud puddles recently to keep busy while out of school due to COVID-19.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce dances at the Seligman Chamber Event Center are canceled until further notice. People may call 417-662-3612 for more information. The Cassville school district has announced screening dates for Kinder Academy and kindergarten have been postponed...

The location, age and gender of the person in Barry County who tested positive for COVIDS-19 (coronavirus) will be withheld to protect the person's identity. Barry County Health Department, as part of the disease investigation, will determine and notify any close contacts with the individual...

The following is a listing of businesses affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus) and altering their hours or services.

The Barry County Health Department has reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Barry County. The case was community acquired, meaning the person has not traveled any COVID-19 hotspots domestic or internationally. To protect to privacy of the individual and their family we will not release individually identifiable details. The individual is quarantined at home and being monitored closely by the Barry County Health Department...

Due to the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus), schools in the Barry and Lawrence county area have decided to extend their wellness breaks through April 24. “The ongoing impact of COVID-19 in our region requires school districts to be flexible and make decisions that are in the best interest of public health,” said Ricxhard Asbill, Cassville superintendent. ...

Kevin Lingle uses the Protexus Px300ES sprayer to help disinfect areas on Cassville campus to prepare for students to return from the wellness break.

Sater Pharmacy in Cassville and Plaza Pharmacy in Shell Knob, which have the same owner, pulled resources together to help the fight against COVID-19 in a big way. The pharmacies donated 1,000 Hydroxychloroquine tablets to Cox Hospital in Springfield to aid in the treatment of COVID-19...

Cassville Heights is gearing up to expand by 32 units with its $1 million Phase 2 development project. “The project could start as soon as fall 2020,” said Steve Walensky, Cassville city administrator. “But, building projects are dependent on so many factors, including the current concern of COVID-19.”...

The city of Seligman has been approached with the idea of opening a rodeo inside the city limits, which brings concerns to the council on the topic. Brian Nichols, Seligman city clerk, said a group of individuals inquired about the idea, which has been discussed at city council meetings and planning and zoning meetings over the last couple of months...

The Cassville school district has announced screening dates for Kinder Academy and kindergarten have been postponed The Cassville High School Alumni Association will hold its annual Alumni Banquet on May 23 in the commons area of CHS high school. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. Dues are $15 to cover dinner and a scholarship donation. Any class holding a reunion may contact Kay Baker at 417-847-4219 to reserve tables. All CHS graduates are invited to attend...

About 25-30 school district leaders in Barry, Lawrence and Newton counties met via conference call Wednesday morning to review their responses to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Richard Asbill, Cassville superintendent, said due to Greene and Christian county schools extending their wellness breaks through April 24, local districts are reevaluating...

The Barry County Commission and the Barry County Health Department have each made an emergency declaration, aiming to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) with multiple cases in adjacent counties, as well as prepare for the need for any state or federal assistance...

Out of an abundance of caution and in reaction to the presence of COVID-19 in Missouri, Missouri State Parks will temporarily close all campgrounds and lodging through April 30. This includes campgrounds, park-run lodging and concessionaire-run lodging. Missouri State Parks will remain open to the public, including day-use areas, boat ramps and trails...

As the number of COVID-19 cases increases across the country, Mercy continues to prepare our co-workers and facilities for a possible influx of patients. The next critical step in those preparations is to begin postponing non-urgent imaging services in compliance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Radiology...

A public service announcement from the Barry County Health Department, Barry County Emergency Management and local media

Fallout from the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is ongoing this week, with southwest Missouri still mostly isolated from any major developments. There are 28 confirmed cases statewide, with no cases in Barry or Lawrence counties. The closest county with cases is Greene with six. For a live map of cases in the state, people may visit https://tinyurl.com/vy5l94n...

Local school districts on wellness break through April 3 do not have students in the buildings, and they are limiting the number of staff on-site, as well. Richard Asbill, Cassville superintendent, said food service staff is coming in on a rotational schedule, and administrators and office secretaries are also reporting...

Utilities are taking new steps to respond to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, as municipalities and local cooperatives gear up for increasing complications. Steve Walensky, city administrator for Cassville, said he has developed a proposal to submit to the Cassville City Council on April 13. Cassville provides municipal water and sewer service...

A story by the Kirksville Daily Express published on Tuesday says there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Cassville. David Compton, Barry County Emergency Management director, said there is still no confirmed case of coronavirus in Barry County...

Over the weekend, Walmart stores nationwide adjusted operating hours to help make it easier for associates to stock and perform enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. Additional steps have now been announce, beginning today (Thursday). Walmart U.S. stores will adjust operating hours to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stores that open later than 7 a.m. will continue their regular starting hours. This will further help associates restock the shelves for customers while continuing to clean and sanitize the store...

With students out of school through April 3 for a wellness break, in response to concerns about COVID-19 (coronavirus), school districts have continued to find a way to keep their kitchens going and not let children go hungry. Richard Asbill, Cassville superintendent, said Wednesday was the first day of its “Meals on the Bus” service, providing lunch and the next day’s breakfast...

VA has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for Veterans in the face of this emerging health risk. It is working directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners to monitor the outbreak of the virus...

The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce has released a video with multiple local businesses and services to show how the community is "all in this together" during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns...

Changes in the operation of municipal courts in Missouri are coming with the implementation of the Show-Me Courts. Southwest Missouri has been chosen as the first area in the state for implementation of what is largely a technological upgrade, but other alterations in rules and procedures are already bringing major changes...

Purdy City Council members recently voted to buy a set of flags for display along Highway C and discussed plans to move city hall to the Purdy Community Building. City Clerk Debbie Redshaw presented aldermen with quotes on buying U.S. flags for display on patriotic occasions on utility poles on Highway C. ...

For five years, Chad Johnson has offered relief to patients as the owner of Johnson Chiropractic Sports and Wellness Clinic, but soon, he will also be helping patients with paws. Johnson said he is going back to school in Wellsville, Kan., at Options for Animals, College on Animal Chiropractic...

School districts generally do major renovations over the summer months to limit interruptions to students during the school year. Gym floors, specifically, have only a short window of time they are not in use — after graduation and before the start of school and fall sports...

The city of Seligman decided to continue its search for an industrial style floor scrubber for city use. Brian Nichols, city clerk, said the machine would be used in multiple locations by city employees. “The Community Center is full on the weekends and the City Hall floor is about two years old and difficult to keep clean,” he said. “The purchase of an industrial style mop/buffer would not only benefit the city in terms of time spent cleaning, but also it would do a better job.”...

Mackenzie High, left, and David Oliphant perform with the Centerstage Choir Tuesday at the Music in Our Schools concert.

Walmart stores normally open 24 hours per day are changing their hours due to coronavirus concerns.Effective now, Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. “This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing,” a press release said. ...

Students of the Month showing cooperation in February haver been named.

As a result of concerns surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus), municipal elections statewide have been postponed to June 2. “Given the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 and the large number of people elections attract, postponing Missouri’s municipal elections is a necessary step to help combat the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of Missouri voters,” said Missouri Gov. ...

As Mercy prepares to serve patients diagnosed with COVID-19, it is evaluating and may postpone some elective surgical procedures that are not urgent. CoxHealth is taking the same precautions in southwest Missouri. Mercy’s decision impacts patients at its hospitals in Cassville, Springfield, Aurora, Lebanon and Mountain View...

YMCA facilities in the Ozarks have opted to close their doors amid concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). Rick Ragsdale, director of the Cassville YMCA, said the target date to reopen is March 31. “We are just trying to let everything settle,” he said. “We will deep clean the facility and complete some other projects in our down time.”...

In an effort to protect patients and co-workers, hospitals within Mercy Springfield Communities are screening all visitors for illness. This includes: • Mercy Hospital Cassville • Mercy Hospital Aurora • Mercy Hospital Springfield • Mercy Kids Children’s Hospital...

The Barry County Office of Emergency Management has released a trove of information regarding its preparations for dealing with COVID-19 (coronavirus) and how people can help avoid an outbreak locally. David Compton said as of Tuesday morning, there are no cases of coronavirus in the county. ...

Numerous closings and cancelations have been announced due to concerns about COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library System is canceling all programs, storytimes, classes, activities and outreach services through April 4. At that time, officials will reevaluate...