February 2026
Kyle Troutman: Lighting update long overdue
It’s only February, but I’m excited for the fall. The Cassville school district is moving forward with a lighting update at Wildcat Stadium — a long overdue one in my opinion.
Janet Mills: Feeling blue in the bleak mid-winter? Try a mini-gratitude moment
By the time February settles into our Ozark hills, winter has a way of leaning on us.
Through the Years, Feb. 4
30 YEARS AGO: EXETER COWGIRL FINISHED SHOW YEAR WITH TOP HONORS — Kacy Harper, Exeter, finished the 1995 Sho-Me Horse Association show year with honors for herself and her three horses. Ma Solid Rock, pictured on the left, is a grand champion in walkin and a reserve champion in western pleasure. PoCo, middle, finished with a third in barrels and poles. Kacy's pony, Ms. Cherry Ann, finished the year as high point pony, capturing first place in walk-trot, western pleasure, barrels and poles. Kacy is the 9-year-old daughter of Jerry and Sue Harper. She is a member of Barry County E-Z Riders.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 4
Koda is an Australian Shepherd/Chow Chow mix. His date of birth is Dec. 30, 2017. He is smart, goofy and protective of the ones he loves.
Beverly Jean Branstetter
Beverly Jean Branstetter, 74, of Wheaton, Mo. passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Mercy Hospital Springfield, in Springfield, Mo.
Leonard Meyrel Collins
Leonard Meyrel Collins, 82, of Cassville, Mo., passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at his home.
Coy Cummins
Coy Cummins, 79, of Cassville, Mo., passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Cassville.
Lois Engelsmeier
Lois Engelsmeier was born on June 11, 1947 to Henry and Ruth Jones in Rural Greene County Mo.
Dr. Kenneth Laverne Hall
Dr. Kenneth Laverne Hall, born on November 10, 1945, in Purdy, Mo., to Hershel and Marjorie (Douthitt) Hall, peacefully passed away on January 29, 2026. He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
Mary Elizabeth Willett
Mary Elizabeth Willett, 89, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Aurora, Mo.
