February 2026
Jackie Elmer Veith
Jackie Elmer Veith (Jack), passed away on December 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on March 10, 1938, in Monett, Mo. to Elmer and Flossie (Russell) Veith, who preceded him in death.
Cassville Speech and Debate owns Big 8
The Cassville High School Speech and Debate team placed first in the Big 8 Conference Tournament the weekend of Jan. 30 at Nevada.
First State Bank of the Ozarks joins chamber
First Friday Coffee was held at First State Bank of the Ozarks on Feb. 6, giving the organization the opportunity to cut the ribbon after joining the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce. Board President Randy Henderson did the honors, as the bank has rebranded from First State Bank of Purdy.
Jenkins wins Spelling Bee with ‘hammerhead’
On Feb. 4, fourth- and fifth-grade classroom spelling bee winners competed in the Cassville Intermediate Spelling Bee. Fifth-grade student Mark Jenkins is pictured sighing in relief after taking first place by correctly spelling "hammerhead." He will compete in the Joplin Globe Spelling Bee on March 13. Fourth-grade student Isabella Martinez finished in second place and will serve as Cassville's alternate at the Joplin Spelling Bee. Jenkins is the son of Tara Pointer and Mark Jenkins. Martinez is the daughter of Yolanda Barrientos.
News Briefs, Feb. 11
The Cassville High School and Cassville Middle School Jazz Bands will host the annual Jazz Night on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Cassville High School Performing Arts Center.
State berths on the line
After having just one state qualifier last year — sixth-place finisher Analeigh Winchell — the Cassville girls wrestling team is hoping to make more noise this week at the Class 1, District 3 Tournament in Buffalo.
Scoreboard, Feb. 11
Cassville posted a 2-1 overall record, including a pair of Big 8 wins, in a three-game effort last week. The Lady Wildcats traveled to rival Monett on Feb. 2, where both teams entered the game at 13-5 and battled back and forth for three quarters before finally creating a little space in the final frame, going on to win the game 57-47.
Amazon facility taking shape
Here’s a recent view of the Amazon warehouse under construction in Monett. At right is Chapell Drive. At bottom is the Tyson Foods hatchery. At top is the Monett Speedway.
One last overpass
The city of Monett aims to start work this year on an overpass project approved six years ago, adding one final bridge over railroad tracks in city.
Mixed bag of sales tax revenue in 2025
In 2025, more than $48.7 million in sales and use tax revenues came to the 13 bi-county cities, two county governments, the two county emergency services boards, and the two ambulance districts operating in Barry County.
