50 years ago

March 24, 1976

— Investigator Funding In Questions Facing Court 

Barry County will or won’t have a special investigator, depending on pending decisions from the Missouri attorney general or a change of heart on the county court. That is about what delegations from Shell Knob and Monett learned in a “fuss” session with the court Thursday. The investigator post, funded from both federal and county funds, is scheduled to be eliminated March 31. Court action, by a vote of 2-1, with associates Lige Frost and Dick Sanders voting no and Presiding Judge Nolan McNeill saying yes, brought on the hearing. Groups from Monett and Shell Knob joined the court in their chambers for the session. Principal spokesmen for the groups were Jack Fly, president of the Central Crossing Association, and Jack Fox, representing the Monett C of C. At stake is the job now held by Leo Sellers, assigned by Prosecuting Attorney Dale Burke. In doubt at this point is whether the court can remove funds they had previously approved in a budget that funded the post through this year. Southern Judge Lige Frost told the delegation he believes the sheriff’s department has the responsibility of conducting investigations. He also reminded the audience he was concerned about next year’s budget. Frost also said he was of the opinion a majority of the people in south Barry County were opposed to the special investigator. Fox, speaking for the Monett area, reminded the court of a lifestyle change in this area. He said that community was even considering a SI for the Monett Police. He continued, “we think the post is important to the entire county.” These views were echoed by Dr. Ralph Scott, superintendent of the Monett schools. Fly said the lake area of southern Barry County considered it important to keeping the law enforcement branch of county government at its present strength. He reminded the court they had previously approved the budget. “We think the officer is doing a good job,” Fly concluded. Judge McNeill, speaking for his vote on the issue, said he never received the opposition to the SI that associates had. He said, “we approved the budget and I’m willing to go along with the prosecuting attorney’s recommendation that cases prepared by the SI are good. I’ll stay committed to keeping the officer.” Sanders, admitting he had been under the gun on the issue, said he considered a pay increase authorized as excessive and too high compared to other employees. He concluded his remarks with “and besides, I don’t like to have things crammed down my throat.” Shortly after this group departed, a smaller group with Gerald Preddy as spokesman told the court they didn’t think the post was necessary. Burke said this week his office was waiting on an opinion from Jefferson City as to whether the court had authority to withdraw funds allocated to the office. He said this opinion or a change of vote on the court would eliminate the post as of next Wednesday. Sheriff Vernon Still commenting earlier said Sellers would probably rejoin his staff if the post is eliminated. This would probably bump a present member of the staff due to funding situations. Of additional concern to those attending was the possibility of two additional deputies being lost to the county at the conclusion of public service employment funding through the federal government at the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Concluding the meeting, opposing judges agreed to meet with the prosecuting attorney in attempts to negotiate a salary on the SI post that the county could live with. The county was notified March 22 that the Missouri Council on Criminal Justice would expect a refund of approximately $1,152 in federal funds if the SI post is terminated at the end of this month. Sellers’ present salary amounts to $800 a month, plus slightly over $200 in mileage allowance.

— Heart Fund Efforts Net $1,017 Total 

Cassville residents contributed $1,017.50 to the 1976 Heart Fund campaign, according to Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cardin, co-chairmen. The residential drive netted $404.50 and $613 was contributed to the business and industrial drive. Included in the residential total was $100 donated by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Vollenweider. Envelopes are still being received from residents who were not home when the Heart Fund volunteers called. Volunteers in the business and industrial drive were Marlee Edie, J.B. Nations, George Simpkins, Steve Burch, Max Cooper, John Bartkoski, Dr. M.A. Kammerlohr Jr., and Doug Samuel. Groups assisting in the residential drive were the Boy Scouts, Future Homemakers of America (FHA) of Cassville High School, and Future Business Leaders of America. Charles Vaughan is scoutmaster. Mrs. Helen Nicoll and Mrs. Lana Couch are FHA co-sponsors, and Mrs. Kathy Dickerson and Mrs. Irma Jean Timmons are sponsors of FBLA. Volunteers from FHA were Lanetta Suttles, Pam Holloway, Janetta Suttles and Barb Bickford, Vera Ray, Shelia Padgett, Lisa Cargile, Debbie Garnatz, Connie Miller, Brenda Moore, Sharon Elliot, Jeannie Russell and Nancy Padgett. Members of the FBLA who assisted with the drive were Sally Blythe, Tracy England, Jerry Yarnall, Marilyn Stringer, Teresa Horner, Jil Rogers, Leslie Kidwell, Jackie Beattie, Tammy House, Judy Smithson, Annette Preddy, Patricia Evans, Jerry Beuterbaugh, Samantha Duncan and Debbie Wormington. The drive will remain open for anyone who might have missed giving a contribution. Contributions may be made at either Cassville bank. Mrs. Beverly Carlin of Monett is Barry County chairman.

40 years ago

March 26, 1986

— Garrett Mfg. Phase Out; 76 Jobs Will Be Lost 

A Cassville industry, Garrett Manufacturing, will phase out operations here over a four month period. Employees of the MASCO Industries Company specified Friday that operations leading to a permanent shutdown of the facility are underway. J.E. Greuel, president and general manager of the plant here owned by the Taylor, Michigan firm, said the industry now employs about 76 persons. Manufacturer includes custom machined products for the construction machinery and oilfield equipment lines. During boom years in the oil industry, the plant employed as many as 220 persons. Located at County Road in the west edge of Cassville, Garrett’s plant includes 40,000 square feet and highly modern computer-type driven machine equipment. Greuel said the company, MASCO, had experienced substantial losses in recent years. “The decision to close was made only after our efforts to turn things around failed. Although we were able to reduce costs and find some new customers, the recent severe drop in world oil prices created a situation in which we could no longer justify staying in business,” he commented. The company president said contracts with customers and phase-out plans would take about four months at a maximum. His announcement Monday put in motion a Chamber of Commerce and Cassville Industrial Development Corporation contact with Missouri officials about possible sale of the building and equipment to a successor company. Greuel said the company will be working closely with its employees, customers and the community during the phase-out period to minimize as far as possible the impact of the shutdown. The company will develop a program to assist interested employees in finding new employment. “We are inviting all employers to call us if they are hiring,” said Greuel. “We have a lot of very fine people with valuable skills that we are anxious to help place in new employment.” Formerly known as Cassville Tool and Machine, the company was purchased and renamed in October 1973 by Glen Garrett. In July of 1984, the company became a subsidiary of MASCO Industries, Inc., in Michigan.

— Table Rock At Top SW District Lake Attractions 

As she has done since the initial years of impoundment, Table Rock Lake assumed a position of leadership in the Southwest District of Army Corps of Engineers projects during 1985. In fact, Table Rock Reservoir, once again going above the six million visitor mark, led all projects in visitation. That’s the word this week from Rick Hightower of the Branson office of the Corps. Hightower said this week, after inquiry from the Democrat, there were a total of 6,045,800 visitors recorded at the reservoir this year. Figures for 1985 for the reservoir were down slightly from the previous year, which had 6.7 million visiting public facilities around the more than 850 miles of shoreline. The 1985 statistics included just under 400,000 from seven public use areas in the Barry County or just adjoining Arkansas portion of the lake. These statistics broken down include: Campbell Point Boat Dock and Marine 101,462; Big M Boat Dock 59,919; Viola Boat Dock 56,361; Kings River Public Use Area 11,660; Eagle Rock Landing 102,849; Big Indian Public Use Area 9,913; Beaver Public Use Area 54,498. All are boat dock facilities except Big Indian and Kings River. Actually, the local area portion would be considerably higher since visitor numbers at Viney Public Use Area in the Golden community were not included in the released figures. Growth of the reservoir in popularity is traced in comparable figures for past years. In 1981 the visitation number stood at 39.8 million. For 1982 the figure was 43 million. Normally, survey information from the visitors ranks fishing the top reason for visiting the reservoir, with sightseeing a close second. Swimming in the clear water ranked third, boating fourth. Camping edges out picnicking for the fifth most popular project as a rule. In a six million visitation year, the Corps would collect approximately $200,000 in use fees from the public. Fees are charged at those public use facilities that provide services. All those in Barry County are in this category, excluding Kings River, which is listed as a primitive area. Hightower said the corps did not have figures to date on Table Rock’s ranking in national projects.

30 years ago

March 20, 1996

— A homecoming to remember… 

Warm sunshine, a bright blue sky and a homemade banner proclaiming “Welcome Home Josh” greeted the crowd of about 100 well wishers who gathered at Memorial Park Sunday in honor of Josh Carlisle Coffey’s long awaited homecoming and eventual reunion with his canine protectors, Baby and Angel. “I’m back!” Josh said to the cheering crowd as he was taken out of the car and placed in his wheelchair. Josh’s grandfather, who had been patiently waiting for Josh’s arrival, tearfully hugged his grandson and said “I love you.” Before reuniting Josh with his dogs, the Coffey family and others spoke to the crowd encircling Josh. “We have really been waiting for this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who were out in those hills,” said Johnny Sue Coffey, Josh’s mother. “Despite extremely cold weather, you kept going and kept going. We can’t even begin to tell you how much we appreciate it.” “We appreciate each effort that was made. We just love you all,” said a tearful Coffey. Josh’s stepfather, Lynn Coffey, echoed his wife’s sentiments by adding, “I want to thank everybody for bringing our boy home.” Barry County Sheriff Ralph Hendrix presented Josh with donations collected by his department. Hendrix also presented Josh with a badge and declared him junior deputy of Barry County. Hendrix, who was obviously touched by the reunion, thanked the many volunteers who helped in the search and rescue effort. Josh proudly showed off his deputy badge, a guardian angel and a “Top Dog” videotape to the crowd of onlookers. Finally after speeches were completed, Dana Kammerlohr reunited Josh with the two dogs that are credited with keeping Josh warm and protected while lost for 72 hours in freezing weather and rough terrain a week and a half ago. Baby, a dachshund-beagle mix, and Angel, an Australian heeler, were brought through the crowd of reporters, family and friends surrounding Josh. Frightened at first by the excited voices and bursts of flashbulbs, the dogs seemed to calm down when they approached Josh. A shy Angel laid on the floor near Josh’s wheelchair while Baby sniffed around the crowd and posed for pictures. As Josh held onto the dogs’ leashes, he said, “I love you dogs.” After playing with the dogs, Josh thanked the crowd and said how happy he was. “I love you,” he said. “I love my dogs. They made me better.” The afternoon ended for Josh with a chance to thank the cowboy who found him alive on March 9. According to Mrs. Coffey, Josh has constantly worn a black cowboy hat given to him by Oscar Nell of Springfield. Josh showed the crowd some hat tricks Nell had taught him and allowed himself to be pulled behind Perfections Toot Toot, the horse that Nell was riding the day he found Josh. An ordeal that began during some of the coldest days on record ended with a warm homecoming that will be remembered for years to come. The men and women who braved freezing temperatures and rugged terrain without giving up were rewarded with smiles, tears and heartfelt thanks during a nice, sunny day at the park. 

— Medical update on Josh’s condition 

In a phone interview with the Cassville Democrat, Johnny Sue Coffey reported that her son, Josh, was getting his strength back, and the family was trying to get their life back to “normal.” According to the final doctors’ report, Josh will not lose any of his toes, which were severely frostbit-ten during his 72-hour ordeal. The doctors said it will be at least three months before Josh can walk without pain. In the meantime, he will continue to move around in a wheelchair. Mrs. Coffey said a home health nurse will be coming to the house in the next couple of days to show her and her husband how to care for Josh themselves. Josh’s famous friends, Baby and Angel, are staying with neighbors until the Coffeys can build the dogs a pen. Mr. Coffey was purchasing materials on Wednesday. Purina has donated a lifetime supply of dog food, which the Coffeys say will be a big help. The family already has three dogs as pets. Mrs. Coffey said she will continue to teach Josh at home. He does plan to visit his old classroom at Aurora to thank his former classmates for cards they sent to the hospital. “It’s quieted down some for him,” Mrs. Coffey said. “Now we just have friends calling us. It’s relaxing.” Mrs. Coffey added that the homecoming on Sunday was a very positive experience for her family. “We were very excited to get to the homecoming in Cassville,” Mrs. Coffey said. “Everybody was so warm and friendly and genuinely caring. I loved it.” Josh continues to get “loads” of mail every day from across the country. A media specialist in Springfield is still fielding calls from the media.

— Local angler catches first in pro tourney 

A local pro fisherman who hails from Washburn captured first place at Central Pro-Am Association’s 1996 Table Rock Pro-Am Bass Tournament held March 9 and 10. Randall Hutson kicked off his tournament season with a resounding victory. Hutson, a four-time Pro Division Championship Qualifier, took the lead on day one with five fish that totaled 17.45 pounds. Although a blast of cold had both anglers and bass in a withdrawal mode on day two, Hutson managed to catch four bass weighing 11.15 to solidify his first pro division title victory. His two-day total weight of 28.60 pounds earned him $12,500 cash and a Hummingbird Wide Vision LCR. Hutson claimed the win by finding a concentration of bass in the White River arm of Table Rock and using jerk-baits to entice the nine bass to bite. The local fisherman accepted his first place prize in front of camera crews filming for the “Fishin’ Magazine” television series that airs on Prime Sports Network. Hutson told his audience that diligence and perseverance were the keys to success. “I stayed in the same area both days, and literally wore out the spots I had found,” Hutson said. “I just kept throwing the stickbait and literally never gave up.” Another local finisher in the pro division was Mike Roller of Purdy. Roller finished eighth with 16.85 pounds. He won $2,000 for his efforts. Luck “E” Strike of Cassville is one of Central Pro-Am’s sponsors for 1996.