October 2023
Frank Elbert Coolidge
Frank Elbert Coolidge, 68, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Northwest Ark.
Jim Erwin: Cast your burden
“It’s too hard.” “I just can’t cope with this.” “Too many people around me in this room. I need to get out of here.” You know the feeling.
New jail, health department on the rise
The new Barry County jail is off the ground and under ongoing construction, set to be complete in 12 months time. The $17 million facility on Old Exeter Road will be 30,000 square feet, about twice the size of the current jail, with numerous design features increasing safety and security.
Local student first from Crowder academically published
Crowder Cassville RN student Anahi Gomez, of Washburn, had a 0.00 college GPA in 2022 after three attempts at furthering her education — now she’s the first Crowder student to be published in an academic journal. A 2015 graduate of a high school in Chicago, Gomez said she moved to Barry County in 2021 to focus on herself and make positive changes in her life.
Through the Years, Oct. 4
30 YEARS AGO: PRAYER AMONG SMOKING EMBERS — There were still same flames at the burned out Calvary Baptist Church Sunday morning when the congregation gathered at 10 a.m. to pray for a quick rebuilding of their church. Whisps of smoke fanned by breezes drifted over the group ever reminding them of what four arsonists had caused at their near Exeter church. The structure was a total loss, despite the efforts of both Exeter and Cassville volunteer fire fighters. Only solid concrete portions of the building remained standing after the blaze. Pastor Richard Jones, Sr., said the congregation has made arrangements for temporarily holding services in the Cemetery Building in Exeter. Cottage prayer meetings will be held at the homes of church members. The rural church northwest of Exeter had just under 100 members. Democrat file photo
Benjy Hamm: Americans depend on newspapers to stay informed about their communities
Nearly 220 million American adults turn to their local newspapers regularly for news and information they need to stay informed, feel more connected to their neighbors and improve their lives and communities.
Democrat wins 11 statewide awards
The Cassville Democrat won 11 total awards in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, including First Place in General Excellence. Kyle Troutman, Publisher of the Democrat, said he was thrilled with the results from the annual contest, especially given the changes at the paper in the last year, as entries were printed in the 2022 calendar year.
Former Wheaton players to join Hall of Fame
Two former Wheaton softball greats will soon have their names etched into history, invited to join the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Mindy (Ray) Beeson and Jessica (Renkoski) Walker, both registered nurses at Cox Monett, were raised in Wheaton a rural community near the borders of Newton and Barry Counties.
Wildcats force state No. 1 to overtime
The Cassville boys soccer team is in the midst of its best season in recent memory, and in one of the best districts in the state as the postseason comes into view. The Wildcats (9-4-1) took on Class 2 No.
Cassville man facing 11 felonies
A Cassville man is facing 11 felonies and seven misdemeanors relating to alleged burglaries in the Hilltop area from March to September. Monte Lucas, 23, of Cassville, is charged with the following felonies: possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree burglary and eight counts of stealing.
