Merlyn Johnson: Education legislation review

As legislative discussions continue in Jefferson City, several key bills and budget considerations are progressing that could impact our students, staff and community.
176 attend Women’s Conference in Monett
On March 1, the annual Monett Missouri Stake Women’s Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held with 176 women attending from areas like Lamar, Stockton, Carthage, Aurora, Monett, Pierce City, Granby and Cassville.
New Bible camp chapel dedicated

Ridge Top Bible Camp, west of Exeter, held a ribbon-cutting on March 2 for its new chapel. Board members and wives joined Justin and Kaci Guinn, camp directors, as they cut the ribbon.
News Briefs, March 12
The Cassville Art Club will host a fundraiser on March 22 from 11 a.,m. to 3 p.m. at Zone 4 Mini Golf and More, located at 16007 Hwy. 76 in Cassville.
Diamond Cubs to lean on experience

An 11-11 campaign for the Monett baseball team ended with in a district semifinal loss to Aurora last season, and while the bitter taste of a defeat to its rival was a tough pill to chew on all off-season, the 2024-25 season brings a chance at a fresh start and redemption.
Lady Cubs have goals in mind
Goals are set high for the Monett girls soccer team this season. The Lady Cubs are coming off a 5-14 season and will need to rebuild after graduation hit the team hard.
Cubs wrestlers compete at state

Monett’s Henry Reed went 2-1 on Feb. 26 at the MSHSAA State Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena, but he lost in the medal bubble match the following day to finish outside the top 6 at 165 pounds.
District tourney playing out this week

Monett's Jayden Apostol maneuvers for 2 in a win over Cassville earlier this season. The Cubs were the No. 5 seed in the Class 4, District 12 tournament and played No. 4 Seneca on Monday, picking up a 55-45 upset. The Cubs face No. 1 Aurora March 5 at 6 p.m.
Jared Lankford: Pound for pound — The best around

It's human nature to strive for greatness; whether that’s in sports, in life, or even in something as simple as shopping for a car. We often fantasize about owning the fully-loaded model that boasts heated seats, a massaging function and self-driving capabilities. But in reality, we usually end up settling for something more affordable.
Hitting a high note

The Monett Performing Art Center hosted the inaugural All-Big 8 Junior High Honor Band Concert on Feb. 15. Seventh- and eighth-grade students from each Big 8 Conference school were nominated by their band instructors to be a part of the event.