Stults, Bowling crowned Tip-Off royalty

Senior Jonathan Stults prepares to don his crown as Cassville’s 2025 Tip-Off King.
Pete Griffin

Pete Griffin, 97, of Neosho, Mo. passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at Mercy Hospital Joplin in Joplin, Mo.
Vicky Diana (Lankford) McGuire

Vicky Diana (Lankford) McGuire, age 74, of Monett, gained her angel wings Friday, February 7, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. while in Barnes Jewish Hospital surrounded by family.
Clay Chaney
Clay Chaney, 56, of Dover, died Sunday. Born August 17, 1968, in Fayetteville.
Sharon “Sue” Hughes

Sharon “Sue” Hughes, age 81, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. Sue, daughter of Alvin and Goldie (Massey) Moore, was born on October 15, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio. Sue married the love of her life, James C. Hughes on October 25, 1959, in Columbus, Ohio.
Gwen “Gennie” Scroggins

Gwen “Gennie” Scroggins, age 94, of Washburn, Missouri, was called by God to help him watch over the farmers, ranchers’ cattle, and all of the children in the world, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Roaring River Health & Rehab in Cassville, Missouri. Gwen, daughter of John and Evalena (Reynolds) Brissey, was born in her paternal grandmother’s home in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on October 10, 1930. The Brissey family resided in Quay Valley and later moved to Tucumcari. During her teen years she belonged to the Horse Square Dancing Club. They performed at the Texas Governor’s Ball. In size she was the smallest, but her heart was extremely large. Following graduation from Tucumcari High School she attended Draughn Business School in Lubbock, Texas, which formed her career in bookkeeping. She first started at Worley Mills Feed Lots in Tucumcari. Following her move to this area in 1962, she worked as a bookkeeper at Southwest IV School District in Washburn and retired from the Purdy III School District. She often said she would work for free if she could work with her great friend, LouAnna Dodson. Gwen’s skills were reflected in her recordkeeping on the farm.
Janice “Lee” Smiley

Janice “Lee” Smiley, 80, of Shell Knob, Mo. passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at St.
News Briefs, Feb. 12
The Cassville schools jazz bands will take the stage on Thursday at 6 p.m. for Jazz Night at the Cassville High School Performing Arts Center.
Through the Years, Feb. 12

40 YEARS AGO: DEVIL’S KITCHEN COLLAPSE----A familiar landmark on a walking trail in Roaring River State Park, Devil’s Kitchen has fallen to the elements. Sliding rocks on the formation have virtually closed the passage through the area. The happening was discovered Saturday by Merle Rogers, park naturalist, on a hike with Cub Scouts.
Jastal makes Big 8 history for Monett

A total of 16 Monett wrestlers competed in the Big 8 girls and boys tournaments Feb. 20 and 22 in Monett and Cassville, with one Lady Wildcat taking gold in her home gym and making history while doing so.



