March 2026

Elizabeth Goetz: Wheaton School Board Election Questionnaire
I want to win this position because the Wheaton community and school are important to me. I am a Wheaton Alumni, as are my parents and grandparents. I feel as though I received a good education that prepared me for the next steps in my life and professional career. I want to ensure the same is the case for my kids and generations to follow. I have two children in school district currently in 4th and 1st grade as well as a 3-year-old, so I am committed to the future of our school and community.

Rodney Allen: Wheaton School Board Election Questionnaire
I want to win this position to be able to help the Wheaton School District to look to the future with the best interest of the students and faculty alike in mind while providing a safe and comfortable environment for our children to further their education.

Tony Ball: Wheaton School Board Election Questionnaire
I’ve been a board member for 12 years. I would like to continue working to make Wheaton school the best it can be, to follow through with projects in progress, and to work to maintain quality of education for our students, quality teachers, administration and staff.

Josh Kinnaman: Wheaton School Board Election Questionnaire
To continue working with, and supporting the Superintendent, in maintaining the financial stability of the district along with being a voice for the community.

Daffodils from the heart
Everything’s coming up daffodils on a farm north of McDowell and on a plot of land in Purdy — the result of a cooperative effort by Barry County resident, Gerry Wass, and a handful of young gardeners from the Purdy area.

Bulldogs find success in youth
Experience gained and improvements made over the course of the season have the Wheaton basketball program looking forward with confidence.
Sights set on scoring
The Cassville girls soccer team enters the 2026 season with a strong returning core, aiming to flip its offensive script from a team that went 6-10-2 while scoring 12 total goals last season.

7th-graders take Big 8 crown
The Cassville Middle School seventh-grade basketball team put together a championship run in the Big 8 Tournament, defeating Monett, 47-10; Mt. Vernon, 39-12; and McDonald County, 38-32 to finish the tournament 3-0 and win the title.

Spring Chill Pickleball Tournament overcomes weather
Despite stormy weather and chilly temperatures, pickleball players from across the region gathered Feb. 28 at Cassville City Park for the Spring Chill Pickleball Tournament.

2 win district titles for Wildcat Takedown Club
The Wildcat Takedown Club youth wrestling program in Cassville had a strong showing at the district tournament, with multiple wrestlers battling their way onto the podium and several earning spots at the upcoming state championships.


