Stephanie “Steph” (Cannady) Swadley

Stephanie “Steph” (Cannady) Swadley, 43, of Seligman, Mo. passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Cassville in Cassville, Mo.
Emily Kay Hayes

Emily Kay Hayes, 80, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.
City holds public hearings for 3 grants
The city of Cassville held three consecutive public hearings on Jan. 14, led by representatives of the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) and necessary to procure funding for three potential projects in the city.
Major adminstration restructuring approved at Purdy schools
A major reorganizational plan for leadership at the Purdy school district was approved at the school board’s Jan. 9 meeting.
County budgets $6.67M for 2025

The Barry County Commission has approved the 2025 budget, which allows for up to $6.67 million in spending across all county offices and includes a pay raise for all county employees. Joyce Ennis, Barry County clerk, said the total proposed budget is $6,670,661, which includes estimated 2025 sales tax revenue of $6,012,401, plus $6,749,308.49 carried over from 2024.
Purdy Homecoming candidates named

Purdy High School will crown its 2025 Homecoming Queen and Mr. Tip-Off at a special coronation between the junior varsity and varsity boys basketball games on Jan. 31. The jjunior varsity contest versus Lockwood begins at 5:30 p.m. This year’s Homecoming theme is “Growing with the Eagles.”
News Briefs, Jan. 22
The Eagle Rock Lego Club will be meet on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Eagle Rock Community Center, located at 27824 Hwy.
Scoreboard, Jan. 22
The Cassville girls basketball team (12-3) has now won 10 of its last 11 contests following a 3-win week Jan. 13-16.
Trout Tales, Jan. 15

While the boss was homebound due to last week’s snow, I was sent on assignment to find the best sledding hill in Barry County. Alas, I was distracted by this scene at the home of Adrian Reed in Purdy.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week

Boz is an adorable and cuddly young pup who loves to play. His estimated date of birth is Nov. 20, 2024. He gets along well with other dogs and cats.


