June 2024
Roaring River concessions to be open year-round
Along with the welcome news that storm sirens are scheduled for installation in the campgrounds and near the lodge, attendees at Roaring River State Park’s annual public meeting on June 6 learned that concessions at the park will be open year-round, including the park store, the restaurant and lodging. The concessions are now operated by ExploreUS, a national company that submitted the winning bid after previous concessionaires, Jim and Carmen Rogers, declined to apply for a new contract.
3 Southwest seniors awarded Hagan Scholarship
Three Southwest High School Class of 2024 graduates will avoid student debt in coming years, as each has been awarded the Hagan Scholarship, worth up to $60,000 over four years. Scholarships were awarded to Lilly Wolf, who is planning to attend the University of Idaho to study Wildlife Resource Management; Faith Outhouse, who is planning to attend Missouri State University to study Nursing; and Kameron Kelley, who is planning to attend Drury University to study Architecture.
Woman charged with theft from board
An Exeter woman is facing a felony theft charge after allegedly stealing more than $9,000 from a community board on which she served. Chelsea Ball, of Exeter, is charged with felony stealing of $750 or more.
Lois “Alberta” Nance
Lois “Alberta” Nance, 88, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at Cox Monett Hospital in Monett, Mo.
Jerry Lee Gusta
Jerry Lee Gusta, age 59, passed away at his home in Monett, Mo., on June 6, 2024. He was born to Realto and Ruth Gusta of Davenport, Iowa on July 27, 1964.
Summer school soaked in fun
From left, Samantha Adams, Laura Horton, Sianna Vargas Revolorio and Jeremiah Blankenship jump in the pool together during pool day at Cassville Summer School on Friday.
Roaring River State Park buffeted by May 26 windstorm
While most residents in Cassville were caught by surprise by the overnight May 26 windstorm that swept through town, personnel at Roaring River State Park were forewarned, said Interim Superintendent Mike Busekrus. The wee hours of Sunday, May 26, could be considered a trial by fire for Busekrus, who took up the reins of park management in March after the superintendent position was vacated by Melinda Kitchens.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, June 19
Gorgeous Giovanni will capture anyone’s heart. He is a mixed breed pup born on Jan. 18. This fluffy, playful guy would love a home with a yard and someone to play with. Half-price adoptions continue through the month of June. Adopters can complete an adoption application at www. havenoftheozarks.org/ adopt.
Through the Years, June 19
50 YEARS AGO: THERE’S DOLLARS IN THOSE SWATHS — This business end view of a combine in action on the Keen farm near Exeter is typical of action these days in Barry County as farmers harvest a valuable fescue seed crop. Operator of the machine is Bob Lauderdale. Worth Keen, co-owner of the operation, speculates this year’s crop on this land is about usual, since recommended fertilizer and grass care was followed in pre-season programs.
Dakoda Pettigrew: American Insights — The Mighty Endeavor
On Wednesday, June 5, 1944, the president spoke to the American people through a common and comforting medium: the fireside chat. “Yesterday,” Franklin Roosevelt began, “Rome fell to American and Allied forces.” In a voice ringing with optimism, the president added, “The first of the Axis capitals is now in our hands. One up and two to go!”
