Community Voices — Terry Held: Poetry Ain’t Dead — It’s Alive in Cassville

I am a witness. I saw it with my own eyes. I heard it clearly. But more than anything, I felt it — somewhere in the chest, where words tend to land when they matter most.
Junior Beta members compete at convention

A total of 32 Cassville Junior Beta members competed in various events at the 2026 Missouri Junior Convention at the Branson Convention Center on March 11-12. The following members received invitations to compete at National Junior Beta Convention in Nashville, Tenn., in June:
Mistrial declared in rape, kidnapping case
A mistrial has been ruled in the jury trial of a Purdy man charged with sodomy, rape and kidnapping, as the jury was unable to reach a verdict.
Southwest inducts 10 into NHS

Olivia Clanton lights the candle of leadership during the induction ceremony at Southwest High School on April 1. In the background, Cecilia Gaines reads the meaning of the pillar, and Club President Addison Pendergraft, back left, looks on.
Carla Criqui

Carla Criqui, 65, of Monett, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Cox South in Springfield, Mo.
George Steven “Steve” Sanchez

George Steven “Steve” Sanchez, 71, of Reeds Spring, Mo. passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026 at his home.
Della Marie Warner

Della Marie Warner, 71, of Ridgley, Mo. passed away Monday, March 30, 2026 at her home.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, April 8

Ruger is such a good boy! He is a Hound mixed breed born March 30, 2022. He is good with dogs, cats and kids. He also knows basic training commands. Adopters can complete an application at www.havenoftheozarks.org/adopt. No appointment is needed. The Haven is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. All Haven of the Ozarks pets are fixed, up to date on their vaccinations, and microchipped. For more information, people may email [email protected], or call at 417-835-3647. Contributed photo
Through the Years, April 8

40 YEARS AGO: CURRY FAMILY POSTMASTERS — Willis Curry's retirement at the end of the month as postmaster at Eagle Rock ends a family era. His mother, Jean, served 45 years and six months in the post.
News briefs
Carr Lane Baptist Church, located at 9276 Hwy. 86, south of Shell Knob, will host the “God Loves People” revival meeting April 19-22.



