August 2024

Charles Taylor Ward
Charles Taylor Ward, 71, of Cassville, Mo., passed away Sunday, July 7, 2024, at his home. He was born in Cushing, Okla., on May 10, 1953, the son of Slyvia Gough, who preceded him in death.

Donald Ray Harrell
Donald Ray Harrell, 90, passed away on August 6, 2024. He was born January 5, 1934, the tenth of eleven children born to Charles Aud and Daisy Jane (Creason) Harrell, who preceded him in death.

Xia Shoua Khang
Xia Shoua Khang, 64, passed away July 26, 2024 in Springfield, Mo., after a valiant battle with chronic kidney disease. He was born January 18, 1960 in Thakhek, Laos to Chong Xeng Khang and Choua Thao.

Lady Eagles settling into youthful season
The Purdy volleyball team may be the youngest Coach Barry Wheeler has had throughout his 38-year career, and it will rely on four returners among five freshmen to reach its goals this season. Leading the squad this year are three seniors — setter Zoey Webb, middle hitter Gracie Patton and defensive specialist Brooklynn Bunch — as well as a junior, outside hitter Lauren Brooks.

Trout traditions relived on Kids’ Fishing Day
Matt Barlow readies his son Jett’s fishing pole during Kids Fishing Day at Roaring River State Park on Saturday. Barlow says he has been traveling to Roaring River, from Hoisington, Kan., since he was a child.

25 new hires at Cassville schools
The Cassville school district welcomes the following new certified staff to the district for the 2024-25 school year.

Burt completes mission in Australia, going to BYU
Being involved in uplifting activities is something that Tatum Alyse Burt, of Purdy, daughter of Samantha and Nathan Burt, has always done. Burt recently returned from sharing the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Australia Perth Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. During her Purdy High School years, Burt participated in choir, band, track and dual credit, graduating in 2021.

Pullin’ for the People held for 2nd year
The Second Annual Pullin’ for the People truck and tractor pull was held on Saturday at the Stumpff Family Event Center in Cassville. The approximately $7,500 in funds raised at the event were donated to Kooper Tuten, a local child in remission from a Leukemia diagnosis when he was a year old.
Kings Prairie benefit concert expands Sept. 7
Craft show added to music supporting community center The annual Kings Prairie music festival, the fundraiser for the rural community east of Monett, will expand this year for activities on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Through the Years, Aug. 21
50 YEARS AGO: ANOTHER BANK PROJECT PHASE — When this picture was taken, construction of the Community Bank of Shell Knob turned to the interior as the openings were closed in with window and door installation and virtually all exterior work completed. Marking the phase, from the left are: Howard Mclirath, president; Lester Prewitt, general contractor; and Dan Short, executive vice-president. Prewitt began construction on the project March 25. Actual construction time was about 105 days for the structure containing 2,800 square feet in its 40x70 foot outside dimensions.