Williams completes specialist certification

Stacey Williams, Cassville school district bookkeeper and board secretary, has completed the School Business Specialist (SBS) certification program through the Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MoASBO). This certification is designed to equip school business support staff with the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles. The MoASBO SBS program provides specialized training focused on Missouri law and regulations, a foundational understanding of all school business operations and supports the advancement of professionalism among Missouri school business staff. The coursework covers essential topics, fosters discussions and provides resources to support future professional development. “I am incredibly proud of Stacey for her recent achievement in earning the School Business Specialist Certification,” said Merlyn Johnson, Cassville superintendent. “Stacey’s dedication and hard work are clear in everything she does, and this certification further reflects her commitment to excellence at Cassville R-IV School District. We are fortunate to have such a devoted and skilled bookkeeper on our central office team.”. Contributed photo
Sun shines on Seligman Christmas parade

A mild Saturday and shining sun lit up the scene in Seligman, where the annual Christmas parade was held on Main Street. Photos by Jessica Breger/cassvilleads@outlook.com .
Reflecting on a record

For the second season in a row, the Cassville softball team made history. In 2023, the 16-15 Lady Wildcats won the program’s first-ever district title under former coach Lori Videmschek, and this year, Cassville set a program record for wins, going 19-14 and taking second place in Class 3, District 6.
’Twas on the press before Christmas

’ Twas 7 days before Christmas, and at The Cassville Democrat, Busy hands were a’typing requests for iPhones and snacks. Each year we ask second- graders their wishes from Santa, And while most requests are common, some make us say, my lanta! There are more than 250 printed for Kringle this year, And we hope they bring parents and and the jolly ole elf cheer.
Debbie Kober: Gardening beyond annuals, a fresh look at perennials
Seed catalogs are out, and it’s time to select spring garden plants, with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and squash being the popular choices. These are all grown as annuals, plants that grow for a single season and are started again from seed the following year.
Roger Dale Pruett
Roger Dale Pruett, 63, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in his home. He was born March 31, 1961, in Rolla, Mo.; the first child of Jack and Joyce Pruett.
Christmas coming for 315 children
On Christmas morning, the smiles of 315 Barry County children stand to be a bit brighter, all thanks to local businesses, individuals and volunteers who support Share Your Christmas. A service of the Ozark Area Community Action Corporation’s (OACAC) Barry County Neighborhood Center, Share Your Christmas provides gifts directly to families in need, for a variety of reasons, that may not have a gift budget otherwise.
News Briefs, Dec. 18
The Roaring River Nature Center on Jan. 11 and Feb.
Scorewboard, Dec. 18
The Cassville girls basketball team (5-2) is on a 3-game win streak after a Monday night win over Wheaton on the road, 53-22. The Lady Wildcats also defeated Reeds Spring, 40-36, on Dec.
More than 130 entries in Cassville parade

Santa Claus waved to spectators at the Cassville Christmas Parade on Saturday, declaring who was on the nice list and who was on the naughty as he passed by the Barry County courthouse square.