February 2025
Dialed up to 100
Prompted by “Zero Hero” to county to 100, starting by whispering and raising every 20 numbers to as loud as possible for 80-100, Cassville Primary School students, Rowan Stanton, left, Layten Craig, middle, and Layne Greek belt out the final figure. The activities were part of the celebration of the 100th day of school on Thursday.
Kyle Troutman: A super winner
On Feb. 13, 2024, I wrote a column about the inspiration behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl wins, praising the team’s never-quit attitude in the comeback win and being the Grim Reaper when things were grim, to paraphrase Coach Andy Reid.
Free Market Physician takes over Roark Family Health Clinic
A local healthcare provider has changed ownership, as Free Market Physician is now operating out of the former Roark Family Health facility. Free Market Physician Founder and CEO Dr.
Eagles hoping for health
With the Class 2, District 11 Tournament at its gym Feb. 24-28, the Purdy boys basketball team has one major focus in the next two weeks — get healthy.
Pages flip during World Read Aloud Day
A total of 22 school employees and community members helped Cassville Primary School celebrate the 15th World Read Aloud Day on Feb. 5. Rhonda Stafford, with Wintech, is pictured reading a book to second-grade teacher Josi Rose’s class.
Second arrest made in sex crimes case
A second person has been arrested and charged following an alleged incident where a victim was restrained and sexually assaulted. Bailey Seely, 28, of Verona, is charged with second-degree sodomy.
Assault charge added in car theft case
A Fulton man charged with allegedly stealing a vehicle in Barry County is now facing an additional charge relating to the incident. Richard Burwell, 31, of Fulton, was charged on Jan.
Share a Heart helps local family
The annual Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks Share a Heart Campaign is in the midst of its 32nd year, with donations being accepted at 70 McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks, including Cassville. Customers are encouraged to support their local families by adopting paper hearts for $1, $5, or $20.
Janice “Lee” Smiley
Janice “Lee” Smiley, 80, of Shell Knob, Mo. passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at St.
Gwen “Gennie” Scroggins
Gwen “Gennie” Scroggins, age 94, of Washburn, Missouri, was called by God to help him watch over the farmers, ranchers’ cattle, and all of the children in the world, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Roaring River Health & Rehab in Cassville, Missouri. Gwen, daughter of John and Evalena (Reynolds) Brissey, was born in her paternal grandmother’s home in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on October 10, 1930. The Brissey family resided in Quay Valley and later moved to Tucumcari. During her teen years she belonged to the Horse Square Dancing Club. They performed at the Texas Governor’s Ball. In size she was the smallest, but her heart was extremely large. Following graduation from Tucumcari High School she attended Draughn Business School in Lubbock, Texas, which formed her career in bookkeeping. She first started at Worley Mills Feed Lots in Tucumcari. Following her move to this area in 1962, she worked as a bookkeeper at Southwest IV School District in Washburn and retired from the Purdy III School District. She often said she would work for free if she could work with her great friend, LouAnna Dodson. Gwen’s skills were reflected in her recordkeeping on the farm.
