February 2024

Hopping along to JeffCo: Hoppes signs letter of intent
A three-time All-State softball player seeking a school record fourth award this season, Purdy senior Jessi Hoppes will be a hop, skip and a jump away from home in the fall, signing a letter of intent on Jan. 29 to continue her career at Jefferson College.
Denali to drain wastewater residuals lagoons in Missouri
The draining of Denali Water Solutions’ storage lagoons in Newton, McDonald and Macon counties is scheduled to begin after the company’s signing of an administrative action issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Jan. 31.

Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District assistant chief promoted
Acheson takes reins of volunteer fire protection district Following an 16-month tour in Iraq with the U.S. Army, Derek Acheson returned to Cassville and a home so close to the Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District’s Station No.
Barry County Republican Party caucus in Cassville March 2
Barry County Republicans will have the opportunity to make their presidential primary selection in person on March 2, when the Barry County Central Committee will host the first caucus since 2012 at Cassville High School. Glen Cope, chair of the Committee, said the doors open at 8 a.m.
Highway 248 one-lane bridge to close during day
A bridge closure on Highway 248 in Barry County will affect traffic in the Jenkins area for up to two weeks.

Purdy Homecoming court named
Purdy High School will crown its 2024 Homecoming Queen and Mr. Tip-Off at a special coronation between JV and varsity boys’ basketball games on Friday. The JV contest against Billings begins at 6 p.m. This year’s Homecoming theme is “Eagles Through the Years.” Front row, from left: senior Raeley Henderson, junior Rosa Schad, sophomore Gabriela Groomer and freshman Allison Lopez. Back row: junior Will Henderson, sophomore Damon Mahurin and freshman Logan Manwarren. Not pictured: senior Gauge Davidson.
News briefs, Feb. 7
The Cassville school district will host a Community Viewing Event on March 5 at 6 p.m. at the FEMA Event Center, showing the documentary “Childhood 2.0: The Living Experiment.” The documentary aims to educate parents, guardians and community members about the inherent challenges and dangers of the digital world.