Two grand

Southwest senior Kasen Holder reached a milestone with this off-balance layup, tallying his 1,000th and 1,001st career points with the 2-point play in the opening minutes against Gentry at the Southwest Holiday Tournament on Dec. 30, 2024.
Local law enforcement takes oath

At the Barry County Judicial Center on Dec. 31, 2024, Barry County Sheriff’s Office deputies, officers with the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team and police officers from Monett, Cassville, Purdy and Wheaton recited their oaths for the coming year, led by Barry County Circuit Clerk Craig Williams. Contributed photo
Maurice Robert “Bob” Goodrich, Jr.

Maurice Robert “Bob” Goodrich, Jr. of Lenexa, Kan. passed away Sunday, December 29th at 3:40pm at Advent Health Hospital.
Man charged after chase into McDonald County
An Aurora man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing authorities for nearly 30 minutes into McDonald County. Cody Lowe, born 1990, of Aurora, is charged with felony resisting arrest.
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.
Cassville Firefighter’s Auxiliary forming soon
The Cassville Firefighter’s Auxiliary has announced the upcoming formation of its organization, dedicated to supporting the Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District and enhancing the safety and well being of the community.
Jaime Alonso Cota, Jr.

Jaime Alonso Cota, Jr., 28, of Mt. Vernon, Mo. passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at his home.
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.
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.
News Briefs, Jan. 8
The Barry County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Cassville.