Kyle Troutman
Merlyn Johnson: Breaking down possible future school funding changes
The state of Missouri is taking another look at how public schools are funded.
Sheila Harris: Can she bake a cherry pie?
Ozarks Alive Publisher Kaitlyn McConnell has me fired up about trying my hand at pie-making again.
Cassville McDonald’s honors Brooks as Outstanding Educator
Local McDonald’s of Cassville Owner/Operator Daphne Simpson, right, has recognized Alex Brooks, a dedicated educator at Cassville Intermediate school, as one of the 2025 Outstanding Educators. Simpson presented Brooks with a gift card in recognition of her exceptional commitment to students and the community. Now in its sixth year, the McDonald’s Outstanding Educator Award program celebrates teachers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity, and passion in their classrooms. Each honoree receives a gift card and certificate as a token of appreciation for their hard work and positive impact on students.
Merry Christmas candidates announced
Cassville High School has announced the 2025 Merry Christmas candidates. The students are currently collecting financial donations that will support the Share Your Christmas program. Share Your Christmas is a community initiative that helps ensure children under the age of 18 get to experience the joy of Christmas. The two students who raise the most funds for Share Your Christmas will be crowned Christmas royalty. Students are collecting money through Dec. 15. Merry Christmas royalty will be crowned during the CHS Christmas Assembly on Dec. 19.
34 booths, 560 students at Career Fair
A total of 34 local businesses, colleges, technical schools and military representatives received 560 students in grades 9-12 at the Cassville High School JAG Career Fair on Oct. 30 at the school’s Performing Arts Center.
Exeter owns junior high Ozark 7
The Exeter Junior High girls basketball team went undefeated at 17-0 this fall to win the Ozark 7 championship. The Lady Tigers also won tournaments in Wheaton and Shell Knob.
News Briefs, Nov. 12
The Southwest Missouri Waste Management District N will hold its Annual Council Meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Angus Branch Steakhouse in Monett.
FOOTBALL LIVE UPDATES: Cassville v Mt. Vernon (C3, D6 semifinals), Oct. 7
Live updates this week are sponsored by Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri. Find your Freedom today!
‘Let them dance’
Mary Beck, of Cassville, passed away on October 6, at age 96, leaving behind her a legacy of light feet and tapping toes in southwest Missouri.
$22 million Amazon facility being built
The city of Monett has confirmed the 2026 addition of an Amazon facility to its limits amidst growing speculation.
