January 2024

Through the Years, Jan. 17
40 YEARS AGO: HIGHWAY PROGRAM IN CASSVILLE — Initial plans of a Highway 37 improvement between Cassville and the Arkansas line getting underway with full location hearings this fall, were presented by Joseph Mickes, second from left, district highway engineer last week.

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Jan. 16
Rooster recently spent some time in foster care due to the cold weather. Here is what the foster family had to share: Rooster, first and foremost, just wants love from his humans. He loves our kiddos (ages 3 and 5) and greets all of us with a gentle kiss each morning when we wake up.

Michelle Hilburn: Reading for cheesy enjoyment
When I was a kid, I loved the Pizza Hut Book It program. It encompassed two of my childhood favorites — books and pizza.
Sandi Massey: Repeated probation failing citizens
Since the election of our current prosecuting attorney, any concept of justice or safety in our community has been eliminated. The previous “home town” feeling of security, which allowed for unlocked doors, keys left in the ignition and letting ones children walk to school, the pool and the library unafraid is a thing of the past.

Kyle Troutman: In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Though the snowy roadways would have canceled school and kept many others at home from work, Monday was a federal day off for another reason, the celebration of the Jan. 15, 1929, birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Scoreboard, Jan. 17
The Cassville boys and girls wrestling teams picked up some regular-season wins at home on Jan. 11, emerging victorious over Hollister and Reeds Spring.
Contested elections at local 2 cities, 2 school districts in April
Voters will have their say in two cities and two school boards in the April 2 General Municipal Election, and two cities will have seats open due to resignations. Elections with challengers include the Cassville North Ward alderman seat, the city of Seligman East Ward alderman seat, the Southwest School Board and the Purdy School Board.
Barry County Soils and Crops focuses on cattle leasing
95th annual event set for Jan. 30 at First Christian Church The University of Missouri Extension of Barry County has announced the 95th Barry County Soil and Crops conference, set for Jan.

One person found dead in Seligman house fire
A person died on Sunday in a house fire on Highway DD near Farm Road 2295, west of Seligman. According to the Seligman Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at 10:51 a.m.

City of Cassville names Donnie Privett as police chief
Butterfield native and Cassville graduate Donald Privett has landed his dream job. Appointed interim police chief on June 1, 2023 after the retirement of former Chief Dana Kammerlohr, Privett rose to the top of a field of more than a dozen candidates to be named Police Chief on Jan. 9.