May 2024

Merlyn Johnson: Keeping an eye on education finance
As the fiduciary leader of Cassville R-IV Schools, my role is critical in overseeing the financial health and well-being of our school district. Acting as the steward of public funds, I strive to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively to support the district’s mission of providing quality education to our students while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Williams breaks school record set in 2000
Three Cassville thinclads will compete in four events at the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championships this weekend, and one Lady Wildcats added some emphasis to her qualification by breaking a school record set at the beginning of the millenum.

City of Cassville receives $20,000 grant from CFO
The City of Cassville received a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, in partnership with the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Charitable Foundation and Commerce Trust, on April 30.
Kids fish free on Saturday at Roaring River State Park
Young anglers will have opportunity to fish for free at Kids’ Fishing Day, set for Saturday at Roaring River State Park. This event is co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Roaring River Adventures.

Marlene Lynor Miloch
Marlene Lynor Miloch, 73, of Shell Knob, Mo. passed away on May 12, 2024, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark.

Louisa “Jane” Jones
Survivors include a son, James Jones of Exeter, Mo. and daughter, Donna Talbert and her husband Rusty of Granby, Mo.; two grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Penny Leigh Hilburn
Penny Leigh Hilburn passed away on May 6, 2024 in her home. She was born on August 22, 1958 in Monett, Mo.
Barry County Sheriff’s Office calls for service and reports taken
The Barry County Sheriff's Office responded to 215 calls for service for the week of May 6-12. The CAD events created by central dispatch are the Calls for Service Barry County Officers respond to every day, included in those calls are alarms, assaults, burglaries, domestic disturbances, DWI's, stealing, harassment, medical issues, paper service, prisoner transports, suspicious persons, traffic stops and warrant service. Reports are not generated on all the calls for service. The following reports were generated from the above 215 calls:

Exeter hoopster awarded in Aurora
Kylee Cole, of Exeter, raked in a bushel of postseason awards for her basketball play at Aurora this year. Cole averaged 20.9 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game and 1.8 steals per game. She made 112 three-pointers shooting at a 37.5% clip, setting a new school record making her 9th all-time in single season three-pointers made. Cole’s 626 points also puts her 42nd all-time in Missouri single-season scoring. Cole helped the Lady Houn’ Dawgs to a 25-5 season, a school record for wins, and a second consecutive district championship, the first Aurora repeat in history. For her efforts, Cole was named First Team All-Big 8 East, MBCA Class 4 District 12 All-District Team and Player of the Year, MBCA Class 4 All-State, 4SBCA First Team All-Area, Springfield News-Leader Dominant Dozen Team and All-O-Zone Honorable Mention. Cole is the daughter of Jason and Tracie Cole and the granddaughter of Linda and the Lat eJohn Cole, and Howard and Jackie Burns, of Exeter.

Walking in Wheaton
Wheaton seniors, 31 total, celebrate their graduation on Thursday at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.