June 2024

Merlyn Johnson: Unsung heroes at Cassville schools
During the summer months, we celebrate the accomplishments of another successful year while simultaneously beginning to prepare for the next school year. Before we completely close-out this school year, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the hardworking and dedicated members of our transportation, maintenance, custodial, and food service departments for supporting all of our district accomplishments over the past 12 months.

Home school co-op celebrates first semester
The SHINE Ozarks Co-op held its open house and end of semester celebration on May 21st. The group, comprised of mainly Barry County residents, has 25 families enrolled and held its first semester in the spring. Five local homeschool mothers started the co-op to give families the opportunity for community while homeschooling. The group thanks First Baptist Church in Cassville and Washburn First Baptist Church for facility use. Interested families can find the co-op on Facebook at SHINE Ozarks Co-op Information or email ShineOzarks@gmail.com.

Year in Photos — Cassville boys soccer
Cassville senior Ashton Wheeler heads a ball on during a game against Logan-Rogersville last season. Wheeler scored 24 goals and assisted 12 in Cassville’s best season since at least 2007 at 15-8-1. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville- democrat.com

All together now
Cassville’s girls volleyball, softball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, soccer and track programs have come together this summer to stave off the July drop-off. While fall sports volleyball, softball and cross country continue training all summer for their sports, previously, all other sports mainly lifted weights through June, but athletes went their own way in July.

Doused!
The Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District was on hand Friday at the Cassville school district for its annual water day on the final day of summer school. Students enjoyed playing in the spray from the district’s fire truck.

Rich Cummings: I’d rather have Jesus
There is a game that many of you have played called “Would You Rather?” In this game someone asks the question “Would You Rather?” followed by two options that are almost identically horrible or distasteful. Would You Rather lick a public picnic table or try and pick up a skunk? As you can see, neither is all that satisfying or even desirable.
News Briefs, June 26
The Purdy Community Picnic and Fireworks Show will be held July 3 at The Gathering Place in Purdy, located at 100 Old Bus. 37 and Hwy.

Opera in the Ozarks hits high notes in Cassville
Thinking he was the forest ranger, Granny, right, played by Sydney Siler, goes to kiss Mr. BigBad, a wolf in disguise, played by Boone Elledge, during the Opera in the Ozarks production of “Little Red’s Most Unusual Day” at the Cassville FEMA Event Center on Thursday.

Kyle Troutman: Becoming a dad all over again
My sixth Father’s Day snuck up on me this year. With the recent storm damage to our office and upcoming trip to the annual International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors conference, it wasn’t until Friday or Saturday that I realized Sunday would be my day.

Tigers ready to reload after first district title
The Exeter baseball team recorded the most wins in a season since at least 2010, and the game that pushed the Tigers over the hump was a Class 1, District 5 championship win over Billings, the first district title in Exeter history.