December 2024
Christmas cheer spread at annual event
Jace Johnson, 4, of Cassville, receives a kiss on the head from Santa Claus while being held by Josi Rose, of Cassville. Santa was available for photos and to hear Christmas wishes at the Cassville Community Christmas Celebration on Friday. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Dec. 11
Chardonnay is a beautiful Retriever mix with gorgeous blue eyes. Her mom is a flat-coated Retriever. Chardonnay and 8 siblings were born on Sep. 29. Three pups from this litter are still looking for homes.
Through the Years, Dec. 11
40 YEARS AGO: SANTA IN SPECIAL VISIT HERE — Saturday was a special day in Cassville, Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to pay a visit here. The results were obviously good, the expressions on faces of youngsters who got a visit were ample reward.
Merlyn Johnson: 2024 year in review — Reflections and gratitude from Cassville R-IV Schools
It’s hard to believe how quickly 2024 has passed! As we approach the end of the year and look forward to 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our accomplishments and express gratitude for our community’s support. This year has been filled with milestones and moments of pride for Cassville R-IV Schools.
Kyle Troutman: Jail time
Last Wednesday, I spent some unexpected time in jail. Following a ribbon cutting to officially celebrate the newly constructed Barry County Sheriff’s Office and jail on Old Exeter Road, attendees were invited to tour the facility.
Area employers dole out info at Career Fair
From left, Anthony Mast, Kendra May and Devin Johns get their papers signed after visiting Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Lauren Willis at a booth at the Cassville Career Fair on Dec. 3. JAG students prepared and planned for the event for months by emailing and calling colleges, businesses and trade schools, creating a game to promote student involvement, designing flyers and registration forms, and navigating logistics. They learned many transferable skills such as collaboration, delegation, time management, professional communication, and networking. The day of the fair, JAG students hosted 25 vendors and encouraged active participation of 600-plus students. Students who attended the career fair were exposed to a variety of career paths. They were able to network with businesses colleges, and trade schools, learn about the necessary skills to be successful in various industries and ask questions and seek guidance about their chosen field. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Driving for a dozen
A dozen wins and a district tournament victory are the main goals for this year’s Exeter girls basketball team. Jennifer Young, Lady Tigers’ coach, said with a trio of returners and three more players with significant minutes, Exeter is poised to improve.
Successful season shadowed by Monett losses
A 13-win season can’t be seen as unsuccessful for the Cassville boys soccer team, but a few key losses are overshadowing the double-digit win total. Jake Forste, Cassville soccer coach, said being as competitive as the Wildcats were, even in losses, made for an exciting season.
Purdy parades for Christmas
Purdy held its annual Christmas Parade Saturday morning. .
Randy Crane: Doubts and faith
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.
