October 2023
Books on blankets at Literacy Under the Lights
Mandi Lyall, kindergarten teacher at Eunice Thomas Elementary School, reads a large book with engaging illustrations to children, some of whom needed a closer look, at Literacy Night Under the Lights event at Wildcats Stadium on Thursday.
Merlyn Johnson: The positive effects of playing sports in school
Last Friday night, our football team enjoyed a big homecoming victory over the Springfield Catholic Fighting Irish on a beautiful fall evening in the Ozarks. The crisp, cool air carried the earthy scent of the freshly mowed grass and the beginning of fallen leaves throughout Wildcat Stadium.
Cassville Clean-Up Day scheduled
The city of Cassville has set the week of Oct. 16 for its Cassville Clean-Up Day, allowing residents to rid their homes of multiple larger items not accepted on normal trash days.
DNR awards $50,000 to Exeter
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grants to the city of Exeter to evaluate its wastewater systems. The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs for evaluating wastewater system improvements.
Roaring River playground on the rise
A new playground is under construction at Roaring River State Park, courtesy in part to a grant from the Cassville Community Foundation. The total price tag for the project was $35,000, according to Carl Bonnell, Missouri State Parks Ozarks Region deputy director. “We just received the playground equipment a couple of weeks ago,” he said. Bonnell said, in addition to assembling and situating the new playground features, much work will need to be done on the site, including the placement of borders and cushioning materials. Bonnell anticipates that the project will be completed in advance of the March 1, 2024, opening of catch-and-keep trout season.
Southwest volleyball notches 9th win
The Southwest volleyball team raised its win total to nine with recent victories over Purdy, Exeter and Hurley, bouncing back from a tough 5-set loss to Crane on Oct. 2.
Olden times enlivened at Frontier Days
Nyls Sarratt, 5, of Rogers, Ark., spins the rope-making machine, making a length of rope with the help of Michael Schreiner, of Cassville. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Area fugitive arrested in Cassville
A Cassville man has been arrested by Barry County Sheriff’s Office deputies for charges in McDonald County, including attempted murder. David Watkins, 40, of Cassville, is charged in McDonald County with first-degree assault (equal to attempted murder) and armed criminal action.
Cassville band reaps rewards of hard work
For 12 hours each week, the Cassville High School band is putting in work. The efforts paid off on Saturday at the Pleasant Hope Pirate Power Classic, where the Wildcats earned four total awards: first place in Class 3, best drum major, best drumline and battle of the bands (spirit award).
Ozark Festival Orchestra to open season
The Ozark Festival Orchestra will open its 44th season at 3 p.m. on Oct. 15, at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center.
