Stories from Wednesday, September 27, 2017

More than a year-and-a-half after the fifth-grade rooms at Cassville Intermediate School flooded, the project to get things back in order and return students to normal classrooms is nearly complete. Richard Asbill, Cassville superintendent, said contractors are finishing the final punch list items on the interior, such as floor tiles, cabinetry and ceiling tiles. ...

The city of Cassville has hired David Brock as its new public works director. Brock, who assumed his duties on Sept. 1, replaces Robert Forrest, who held the position from December 2016 until July. Brock brings over 15 years experience in public works to the city, serving as public works director for the city of Republic prior to accepting his position, and director of the same for the city of Ozark for four years...

Mason LeBlance, of Jenkins, learned how to shell an ear of corn during Frontier Days.

A Bourbon man has been arrested in Illinois and is charged in the alleged murder of a Cassville man found dead on Sept. 20. Deacon Zelch, 40, of Bourbon, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Edward Hillhouse, 28, of Cassville...

Two people have been arrested following an alleged burglary and vehicle pursuit from Seligman to Purdy. Darrell Delong, 34, of Troy, is charged with first-degree burglary, armed criminal action and misdemeanor resisting arrest. Amber Bullock, 31, of Springfield, is charged with first-degree burglary...

The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library board has taken several steps to move forward on technology plans, including projects started under the previous information technology manager, J.J. Goulbourne, who left in June to return to the private sector. Lee Ann Rosewicz, computer technician, has taken over handling daily technology needs for the library system. ...

The Purdy City Council approved the purchase of three easements for its sewer pipeline between the city and Monett during its September meeting. Mayor Bo Prock called the price “not bad at all.” He observed 10 other landowners had agreed to donate their land providing “we fix what we tear up.” Easements required to date represent approximately 75 percent of the project...

Administrators in the Purdy school district report successes in their new emphasis on positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), where staff focuses on positive achievements rather than consistently doling out punishment for misbehavior...

A Cassville man is facing three felonies and a misdemeanor for alleged sex crimes spanning a two-year period with a child less than 18 years old. Phillip Meshell, 39, of Cassville, is charged with second-degree statutory rape, second-degree statutory sodomy, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and misdemeanor second-degree child molestation...

With the Cassville Main Street Association's goal of modernizing the downtown area to draw more visitors, yet still maintain the town's historic charm, Whitley Pharmacy is doing its part to contribute to that vision. According to Pharmacist Logan Whitley, son of owner Blake Whitley, several renovations have been made in the last several years, including a remodel of the interior, which opened the pharmacy and soda fountain area with an adjoining giftware section, allowing customers to drop into the pharmacy, grab a shake or float, find a gift, or enjoy a homecooked meal, all in one place.. ...

Krystal Simon, chief development officer for Camp Barnabas, a rural Barry County camp that provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience for individuals with special needs, writes grants as part of her duties to help make the experience a possibility...

An Allenton woman is facing two felonies after being arrested for allegedly possessing pills and driving erratically in Cassville on Sept. 19. Jeanelle Hopkins, 24, of Allenton, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance. According to a probable cause statement filed by Kyle Kuhn, officer with the Cassville Police Department, Hopkins was driving a Chevy car west on 13th Street in excess of 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, leaving the roadway to the right-hand side on making a left-haned corner.. ...

A discussion at the Purdy City Council meeting about access to homes blocked by school buses followed resolution of the issue, though information of the fix was not passed on to city officials. Alderman Scott Redshaw reported residents in two houses on the west side of Gabby Gibbons Drive complained to him that school buses blocked access to their homes in the afternoon as the school year began. ...

Long-time barber Rex Stumpff shares a heartfelt hug with a friend during a party held at his shop Monday at 609 Main to celebrate his retirement.

With direction from Cub Scout Master Mike Driskill, Pack 76 Cub Scout Johnny Baker steps forward to take his turn at practicing his lines for a skit the Scouts performed at their Pack meeting Friday night at the American Legion.

Single moms with a desire to connect with other moms going through the same struggles can now join with others who share some of the same day-to-day struggles. A monthly Care Group for Single Moms will kick off on Oct. 9 at the Family Life Center, located at 200 West 5th St. ...

Harvest Community Garden, a Shell Knob-based outreach ministry focused on providing residents opportunities to grow fresh foods, sharing harvests and promoting healthier diets, is hosting a Fall De'cor Sale and Open House event. The event will take place on Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and include items such as garden-raised pumpkins, corn stalk bundles (some decorated), glass pumpkin candle holders, clay pot candy dishes, mums, bulbs for fall planting and various fall decorations for sale...

The Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a multi-species fishing tournament on Table Rock Lake Saturday. The tournament is designed for all fishing abilities and ages. Entrants are encouraged to fish with family members or friends. A multi-species tournament is a different type of event intended to attract anglers with interest in the many different species of game fish available on Table Rock Lake...

Meet Zaria, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week. Zaria is a beautiful three-year old girl who just came to us from an indoor home with cats and a child.

Normally, the Therapist Corner is slightly brighter and lighter, however, September is National Suicide Prevention, and we would like to share this information with you. Not only is the Senior Life Solutions program at Mercy Hospital Cassville working to raise awareness during the month of September, but we work hard to engage and educate the community on the importance of emotional well-being every day. ...

Cooler temperatures and outdoor and community activities make autumn the favored season for many Ozarkers. But there is also one more reason to celebrate fall: it is the time to gather nuts. "Landowners in the Ozarks are blessed with a variety of nut-growing trees. Each type has its own characteristics, needs and flavor," said Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension...

With help from Missouri kids, the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is finding a new way to help meet childrens' medical needs with a collection of three family-friendly joke books, which were released for National Literacy Month, which is recognized in September.  ...

Recently, Mercy Hospital Cassville’s Senior Life Solutions program has found a way to come together as a community to better serve the senior population. By creating a networking group within the local communities devoted to providing resources for seniors, the program is dedicated to meeting seniors' physical and emotional needs as well as enhancing their lives. ...

Each year, Commerce Bank and Commerce Bancshares Foundation contributes to community organizations that positively impacts the lives of Barry Countians.

Believing technology in the classroom is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, Cassville schools said it is taking steps to continue to expand the use and availability of technology to students. To that end, beginning this year, first- and second-grade classrooms now have their own sets of Google Chromebooks...

On Saturday, Sept.16, the Exeter FFA Chapter attended the annual Area 11 Barnwarming at McDonald County High School.

Southwest High School recently selected its students of the month for August.

There is something unique about Earl Campbell Stadium and Tom Hodge Field in Seneca that makes it a great venue for football. For starters, it has intimate seating for fans. The bleachers are a mere few feet from the field. Fans usually encircle the east and west end zones...

The Cassville football team beat Monett and reclaimed the Barry County Brawl trophy for the first time since 2013, but feelings were tempered after the contest, as the Wildcats know they still have things to work on after Week 6. Dalton O’Neill, senior wide receiver and linebacker, said the win felt pretty good and the team played well overall...

For some Class 3, District 4 football teams, the playoff fate is sealed. Currently the rankings are: Seneca, Mt. Vernon, Reeds Spring, Cassville, Aurora, Monett, Hollister and East Newton. For the bottom three teams, they have no chance to host a playoff game. Where they will travel, however, is still anyone’s guess...

Fresh off a Volleyfest Tournament title at Southwest on Saturday, the Cassville volleyball team is ready to race into the remainder of the season. The Lady Wildcats (14-4-2) were undefeated in big 8 Conference play as of Monday and still have all of their season goals ahead of them...

Cassville’s football teams have undoubtedly enjoyed playing on the biggest number of home fields than any other squad in the region. Since the resumption of the sport in 1946, there have been three fields on which Wildcat squads have played. It was 71 years ago that football returned to Cassville after an absence of pre-World War II days when football was dropped, supposedly for a number of reasons. ...

Ruby E. Rogers, 82, of Cassville, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Roaring River Health and Rehab in Cassville. She was born on Dec. 27, 1934, in Picher, Okla., daughter of Lloyd and Ruth (Millard) Nowlin. She was united in marriage to Charles F. Rogers; he preceded her in death. She was of the Baptist faith...

Michael Edward Rayburn, 58, of Carthage, passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in his home. He was born June 1, 1959, in the U.S. Air Force Hospital, Riverside, Calif., the son of Paul and Ruth Ann (Freelund) Rayburn who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was one son Steven...

Jewel Koch Moudy, 91, of Eudora, passed at her home on Sept. 22, 2017. She was born Sept. 21, 1926, the daughter of Edward Charles Amandis Koch and Myrtle Fine (King) Koch at McDowell. Jewel attended Victory School, and later Gravette Bible School. She later graduated from Cassville High School in 1944...

Karla Ingrid (Johnson) Hoyt, 70, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Lacoba Homes in Monett. Born on November 7, 1946, in Sacramento, Calif., she was the daughter of Carl and Audrey Johnson. Karla graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1964. On April 19, 1968, she married Robert Hoyt in Oakland, Calif...

Billie Ellen Griffin, 85, of Neosho, passed away Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at her home. She was born Aug. 19, 1932, in Crowley, Texas, the daughter of T.W. and Lucy (Duncan) Creswell. On April 17, 1950 in Boise, Idaho, she was united in marriage to Guy “Pete” Griffin, who survives...

Edith G. Eriksen, 99, of Shell Knob, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 at Cassville Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Jan. 25, 1918, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Albert E. and Irene (Polan) Gustafson. On Nov. 23, 1939, in Chicago, she was united in marriage to Chester “Chet” Eriksen, who preceded her. Also preceding her in death were her parents and one sister...

Erma Katherine Crowe, 88, of Purdy, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. She was born Oct. 26, 1928, in Belleville, Ill., the daughter of Addison and Erma (Smith) Storms. On Dec. 26, 1946, she was united in marriage to Oscar Lowell Ridenour and he preceded her in death. On May 22, 1974 she married William “Wesley” Crowe who also preceded her in death. Others preceding her in death were her parents; one brother, William Storms, and one sister, Irene Marler...

Ashley Kay Bickel, 31, of Shell Knob, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 at Eagle Rock. She was born Oct. 2, 1985, in Westminster, Calif., the daughter of Kandy Bickel. Preceding her in death was her grandfather. Surviving are her mother, Kandy Bickel and her partner Beth Conradi of Shell Knob; one brother, Scott Tweedy of Riverside, California; and grandmother, Bonnie Jones of Shell Knob...

Lahunta June Bateman, 83, of Verona, formerly of Wheaton, passed away Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Aurora. She was born Nov.12, 1933, the daughter of Clarence and Cora (Preddy) Saunders. She was united in marriage to J.D. Bateman, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents; one daughter, Pat Pointer; one son, Jim Bateman; three brothers and one sister...

Rosetta Faye Ash, 78, of Berryville, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Berryville. She was born March 8, 1939, in Gentry, the daughter of Floyd William and Edna Mae (Frampton) Force, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were two sisters...

Lloyd Allen, Jr., 65, of Butterfield, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. He was born on Sept. 20, 1951, in Aurora, son of Lloyd Allen, Sr. and Opal (Cox) Gryder. He was a 1969 Aurora High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Army. On May 18, 1974, he was united in marriage to Darlene Garrett in Butterfield. He worked as a maintenance supervisor at Cargile in Butterfield for 33...

Jim Arthur, 69, of Cassville, passed away on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at his home. He was born Feb. 22, 1948, son of James K and Wanda (Phipps) Arthur. He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Nevada. He graduated Nevada High School in 1966. He attended Pittsburg State University and the University of Central Missouri. On June 1, 1968, Jim married Vicki Curtis of Nevada...

Maxine Akins, 92, of Exeter, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at the Ozark Methodist Manor in Marionville. She was born on March 26, 1925, in Arkansas, daughter of John and Bertie (Strickland) Foster. She was united in marriage to Johnny Akins; he preceded her in death. She was a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Washburn...