Kyle Troutman
County elected officials sworn into positions
On Dec. 30, 2024, County Clerk Joyce Ennis, left, swore in Barry County officials elected in the November 2024 General Election.
Lady ‘Cats earn holiday hardware
It has been four years since the Cassville girls basketball team lifted the Southwest Girls Holiday Tournament trophy, and for the fourth time in the competition’s 11-year history, the Lady Wildcats are title-holders again.
Roaring River State Park campground 3 reopens
Improvements to Campground 3 at Roaring River State Park are complete, and the campground will reopen for guests on Feb. 25.
Kyle Troutman: Taking a look ahead
Last week, we took a look back at 2024; this week, we’re looking ahead. With the kids back in school and normal routines resuming (finally), 2025 is in full swing, and we have a lot to look forward to here at the Cassville Democrat.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week
Meet Busta Rhymes! His date of birth is Dec. 14, 2021 and he’s a 60-pound tan German Shepherd/ Labrador mix. Busta Rhymes has a lot of energy and would thrive in a home that can help him burn it off with walks on a leash or playing ball (which he loves). Busta received training previously and knows the commands: sit, down, wait, place and come. He is a wonderful dog, but his new family would need to be able to keep a close eye on him if another dog is around or if meeting a dog for the first time. He does great with kids of all ages and is house and crate trained. Adopters can complete an application at www.havenoftheozarks. org/adopt. No appointment is needed. The Haven is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. All Haven of the Ozarks pets are fixed, up to date on their vaccinations, and microchipped. For more information, people may email havenozarksanctuary@ gmail.com, or call at 417-835-3647. Contributed photo
Cassville seeking input on projects
The City of Cassville, with assistance from the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments, will hold three consecutive public hearings on Tuesday to discuss the city’s submission of applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mitigation (MIT) Program to assist the community in implementation of three potential projects to improve infrastructure and enhance critical facility operations during and after disasters. The meetings will be held at 5 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
Through the Years, Jan. 8
40 YEARS AGO: CHECKING WATER METERS — Two members of Cassville city council and a pair of private citizens aren’t looking for creatures in the hole in front of them, they’re observing water meter conditions on Fair Street in Saturday’s cold.
Normal “Tim” Timothy Frye
Tim Frye passed away on December 29, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family when he quietly left.
Sales tax revenues up in ‘24
Despite December sales tax distributions falling 3% below a year ago, reports from Barry County cities and county government entities showed widespread gains over 2023, though some reflected very small revenue increases. Totals for 2024, compared to income before the COVID-19 pandemic surge in local shopping, show how sales and use tax now completely power local government operations.
Harold Eugene “Gene” Doke
Harold Eugene “Gene” Doke, age 89, of Seligman, Missouri passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at his home. He was born August 23, 1935 in Garfield, Arkansas the son of Harold Lee and Gladys (Schell) Doke.
