April 2025
Spring Vocal Concert delivers songs, smiles
Karma Kessinger, right, hugs Jenny Ortega after receiving her senior award at the end of the 2025 Spring Vocal Concert on April 15 at the performing arts center. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Weathering the weather
Storm season is upon us. As I pen this piece on Tuesday morning, we are in between lines of thunderstorms, and two tornado warnings had been issued in Lawrence County in the last hour — and I literally just had to stop typing this to post a storm damage report in Monett at Highways 37 and 60 and in South Park.
Two seconds at Cassville Relays
Apair of second-place team finishes were awarded to Cassville’s boys and girls track and field teams at the Cassville Relays on April 22, and the teams combined for 11 individual first-place finishes.
Dye-tracing scientists present findings
A five-year project to delineate Roaring River Spring’s recharge area is complete. Ben Miller, hydrologist and Cave Research Foundation (CRF) volunteer, was at the Emory Melton Inn and
Conference Center in Roaring River State Park on April 18, where he presented information about the study, which he and co-CRF volunteer, Robert “Bob” Lerch completed in late 2023.
Hall Theatre tied up in debts
More than $340K owed in deeds, taxes, judgements
Cooking up a win
Purdy High School took home first place at Missouri State University’s annual Culinary Showdown on April 4, where students from across Missouri competed in a fast-paced culinary challenge that tested creativity, teamwork and technical skills.
Through the Years, April 30
40 YEARS AGO: FOR ALL TO SEE — A mother Robin built her nest on the edge of Cassville for all passing the four-way east of town to see. Installed last week, the nesting bird didn’t seem concerned about passing traffic, even the breezes often generated by large trucks. Perched atop a road sign just south of the intersection, the bird remains in place this week, going about the business of getting her eggs hatched.
Jig On the Water, April 27
Roaring River is running at 152 CFS, much better now, but is still very murky. Powerbait is still catching lots of trout. We are using 1/4-ounce egg sinkers to keep the bait on the bottom.
Kid Kat, Middle School choirs sing for spring
Trinity Granger, left, and Elizabeth Whiteley, under direction of Katie Stockton, high school and middle school vocal music director and choreographer, perform “Beautiful Day/Best Day of My Life” at the Spring Vocal Concert on April 22.
3 years, one diploma
Exeter High School student Biaktha Hnem, daughter of Biak Cung and Biak Sung, has squeezed four years of instruction into a three-year career and will walk with the Class of 2025 during graduation ceremonies on May 16.
