February 2026

Reuter, McBroom crowned Tip-Off royalty
Cassville senior Claire Reuter is crowned Tip-Off Queen on Friday by 2025 Queen Kyla Bowling, as this year's King, Aiden McBroom, looks on at left. Gwendylan Harmon/Special to the Cassville Democrat
Purdy extends superintendent’s contract
The Purdy school board has extended the contract of Superintendent Travis Graham and approved waiving tuition for new students who lived beyond the district’s borders.

Join the fun at 14th Annual Trivia Night March 6
The Cassville Education Fund will host its 14th Annual Trivia Night on March 6.
Information, dialogue event in Eagle Rock
The Barry County Democrats are inviting the public to an open community information and public dialogue event featuring Barry County Sheriff Danny Boyd as guest speaker.

Cassville band students perform at districts
Cassville High School’s band program earned well-deserved recognition as students participated in the District Honors Band and Conference Honors Band events held Jan. 10 at Joplin High School.

Purdy FBLA continues success under new leadership
Under new leadership this year, the Purdy FBLA programs continued its legacy of success at the District Leadership Conference on Feb. 5, producing 15 first-place winners, 45 medalists and 29 qualifiers for the FBLA State Leadership Conference in April. Melanie Grossman, who brings with her 26 years of success in business education and FBLA leadership from Cassville and East Newton, came out of retirement in August of 2025 to step into the program sponsor role following the retirement of Kay Wright in May 2025.

PUBLISHER’S VIEW — KYLE TROUTMAN: El ganador super
A year ago today, I wrote a column about Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, and this year, the performance by Bad Bunny was unlike any other, yet there were many…

Chamber surprises Bill Shiveley with Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Shiveley, center, smiles as his wife, Diane, behind him to the left, is surprised to see the couple's two sons arrive for a special ceremony honoring Shiveley with the Cassville area Chamber of Commerce's lifetime Achievement Award at the First Friday Coffee event at First State Bank of the Ozarks in Cassville on Feb. 6.

Through the Years, Feb. 11
50 YEARS AGO: IT'S GETTING READY TIME — The ardent type fly fisherman ties his own lures, and this is the time to make sure the favorite type is in ample supply. Jim Rogers, concessionaire at Roaring River State Park, furnished this example in preparation for opening activities March 1.

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 11
Hi I’m Chevelle! I am told I am absolutely adorable and they are so right about that. I’m not really sure of my parents but they guess I’m a Shepherd/Terrier mix and that my birthday is Nov. 7, 2025.




