Kyle Troutman
‘Cats wrestle up classes in Branson
Tktroutman@cassville-democrat.com he Cassville boys wrestling team is getting into the nitty-gritty of the season, coming off a sixthplace finish as the smallest school in the Branson Invitational and preparing for the Big 8 Conference meet this week and districts and state in February. Nathan Fortner, Cassville boys wrestling coach, said this season has been about progression, and the Wildcats have had no shortage of such.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Jan. 22
O.J. (Odin) and his sister, Lulu, were abandoned in the country but fortunately, they were found by a nice human. They are black mouth cur mixes, born March 4, 2024. They are good with dogs, cats and children.
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.
Dakoda Pettigrew: American Insights — the purpose of government
On Tuesday, March 4, 1913, Woodrow Wilson delivered his first inaugural address. The day “dawned cloudy,” Irwin Hoover recalled, “but the weather cleared and by mid-morning it was warm and comfortable.”
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.
Tigers finding new identity mid-season
Exeter boys basketball coach dislikes the phrase “rebuilding year,” but there are not many other ways to describe this year’s Tigers squad as they find their new identity. After losing a strong group of seniors to graduation last year, Williams said Exeter is still working to find its best lineup, a work in progress.
Merlyn Johnson: An eye on politics in education
The 2025 Missouri legislative session convened on Jan. 8, and Gov.
Washburn man facing sex crime charges
A Washburn man is facing four felonies and a misdemeanor in a pair of criminal cases stemming from incidents in the 1980s and last year. Wesley Roller, age unknown, is charged in one case with sodomy (victim under 14 years old) and first-degree sexual abuse.
