Stories from Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Veterans Day is this week, and there are still plenty of veterans residing in Barry County. So, anyone who wants to hug a veteran on this special day, just contact them and there is some certainty that the gesture will be received with pleasure. These days, veterans aren't as revered as they once were after World War II. Those coming home from service were once prime candidates to seek public office...

Charges against Christopher Paschall, 37, in connection to an alleged double murder in Washburn, have been updated, as Darrell Moore, state assistant attorney general, is now assisting Barry County Prosecutor Amy Boxx in bringing Paschall to justice...

These days, Cassville resident Ray Vaughan spends every morning during the week at the Cassville Senior Center, but back in 1943, his time was spent doing a little more than chatting with fellow seniors over lunch. A WWII veteran, Vaughan, who said he was just piddling around doing odd jobs after graduating high school, joined the Air Corps at the age of 20, and as a corporal, was stationed in the Pacific, working as a crew member on...

Cassville High School will host its 27th annual Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Wildcat Gymnasium. Held to honor American veterans and a combined effort of students and staff, the assembly has been a tradition within the school district, and the community, for many years...

Medicare open enrollment is ongoing until Dec. 7, and two local brokers are doing all they can to make sure seniors 65-plus get the best possible plans available to them. Mark Smith, with Willis Insurance in Cassville, said now is the time for people to make changes to their Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans, if there's something out there that's better. ...

It's Operation Christmas Child time. With Christmas just around the corner, individuals, families, churches and groups throughout the Cassville and Barry County area are packing joy, presents and supplies into special shoeboxes headed for children in need around the world...

Two branches in the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library will have new hours following action by the library board in October. Directors split over director Gina Milburn's request to consider changing hours at the Eagle Rock Branch. After polling Eagle Rock customers, Branch Supervisor Jennifer Cochran recommended changing from 9 a.m. ...

The Cassville Senior Center is offering Medicare counseling, assistance with health insurance enrollment through the marketplace and tax return assistance to seniors and area residents, according to Melissa Speagle, new administrator at the center...

The property tax cycle for 2016, with payments due by Dec. 31, has started in Barry County. With increased assessment valuations, county collectors anticipate even to higher revenues for the coming year. Barry County Collector Janice Varner reported mailing 42,182 tax statements to property owners, an increase of 89 over the previous year...

A new face and smile can now be seen at the Cassville Senior Center in Cassville. Melissa Speagle, originally from Anderson, took over duties as administrator of the center in October. Speagle, who is excited about her new role, lives in Crane and has a background working as a practice administrator...

A Shell Knob 16-year-old was injured Friday morning in a wreck at 7:37 a.m. on Highway 76, one mile east of Route M. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Madeline Mason, 16, of Shell Knob, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban westbound when her vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a road sign and overturned...

DeAnn Cole, front, of Exeter, uses technique on her painting, at the direction of paint instructor Dixie Meyer.

Members of the Exeter fire department visited with children from Tiffany Cornman's second-grade class at Exeter Elementary, who made a trek on foot to to the fire department last week in conjunction with a school lesson.

Share Your Christmas signups will be from now until Nov. 20, with the exception of Veterans Day on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed from 12-1 p.m. for lunch. Social Security cards for each family member and proof of all household income for the month of October is required. For more information, people may call 417-847-2140...

The Cassville softball team continued to roll in post season honors with the release of the Class 3, All-District 12 softball teams. The Lady Wildcats secured six spots on the list, led by Devyn Callahan. She earned First Team consideration as a catcher for Cassville...

The Cassville softball team landed five players on the 2015-2016 Big 8 All-Conference teams. Kassie Graves earned First Team honors as a designated player. Making the Second Team cut from Cassville was Kaylee Reibert. Receiving Honorable Mention status were: Josie Lone, Devyn Callahan and Hallie Long...

Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar carefully handles the 2015 World Series trophy at the Royals celebration and parade on Tuesday. Jacob Brower jbrower@cassville-democrat.com

Purdy volleyball Coach Ashley Brown was recently named All-Conference Coach of the Year for the 2015 season.