March 2023

Wildcat FFA members attend district Greenhand Conference
More than 4,500 first-year FFA members from more than 350 Missouri High Schools had the opportunity to learn about being positive role models, learning to get involved, making sound choices, becoming active team members and making a positive difference in their lives, school and community at the annual Greenhand Motivational Conferences.
Martha Pauline Kenyon
enyon Martha Pauline Kenyon, 88, of Nixa,, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Birch Point Health and Rehabilitation in Springfield. She was born May 31, 1934, in Okmulgee, Oklah., the daughter of James Finis and Martha Jane (Hodge) Harvey who preceded her in death.
Jim Erwin: The weather may change, but God and his goodness never does
ERWIN There is a saying in the Ozarks: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait long enough and it will change.” The weather here can change dramatically. Temperatures can rise or fall within a couple of hours.
Janet Mills: Making lemonade from lemons
Eww — Mushy tomatoes, rusty lettuce, and decomposed squash commonly take up residency in the bottom of our refrigerator crisper drawers. We cringe and moan about letting them go to waste and promise ourselves not to allow that to happen the next time around.

Jon Horner: The financial impact of public education
I love public education! As a product of public education in Missouri and a board member of Cassville R-IV School District, I find the impact and the concept of offering all children in our state an education to be amazing and life changing. Other than my parents, some of the greatest influences on my life have been educators.

Trout Tales, March 15
Strutted in my tailored scales this weekend at the annual Cassville Chamber Banquet. The sweet southern sounds of the 221 Band had my tail flipping all night, and I was relieved to see pork, brisket and chicken on the menu — no fish! I want to congratulate my friend David Cupps on his Lifetime Achievement Award. His speech was a tear jerker. According to unoffishial reports, leakage from Cupps and others in the room has led to a 6-inch rise in Roaring River Spring. Thanks for keeping our dogs, cats, cows, horses and fellow trout alive, David!

Wastewater work to begin
County Farm, 10th, 11th, Meadowbrook to see most improvements After years of preparation, a major overhaul of Cassville’s sanitary sewer system is set to replace two miles of pipe and repair three miles of pipe, accounting for more than 15 percent of the system. With an expected price tag of $5 million, the goal is to replace or rehabilitate old pipe and manholes that let stormwater runoff into the system.
Committee to assess police department
City of Cassville aims to be competitive in law enforcement hiring A new committee has been formed by the City of Cassville to address the police department’s staffing and competitiveness when it comes to hiring. The Police Department Efficiency Committee includes Alderman Mike Phillips, Alderwoman Taylor Weaver, Finance Officer Isaac Peterson, City Administrator Steve Walensky, Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr and consultant Mike Lawton, who has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience.
Roaring River State Park hosts Birding Boot Camp
Whether a seasoned birder or a complete novice who can’t tell a blue jay from a cardinal, Birding Boot Camp has room. Join team members at Roaring River State Park for a Birding Boot Camp from 9 a.m.
News briefs
Screening for children entering preschool or kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year in the Wheaton school district is scheduled for March 22-24 and April 4-6 in the cafeteria of the Elementary Building. Any child who will be 3 (for Preschool) or 5 (for Kindergarten) by July 31 and is planning on enrolling in either class, must be screened before starting school.