Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Jan. 1

Black Jack is a people loving boy who was found as a stray. His estimated date of birth is July 15, 2023, and his weight is 48 pounds.
Table Rock Lake Community Foundation continues SKITS support

Shell Knob in the Spotlight (SKITS) is proud to continue to provide Shell Knob and the surrounding area with high quality stage performances and fun entertainment since its first show, “A Hillbilly Christmas,” in 2013. While the audience gets to see the excitement on stage, and the actors open their hearts to dazzle them with their performance, there are other efforts and pouring out of hearts that make it possible to open those curtains, a press release said. SKITS is a non-profit organization and as such, relies partially on the benevolence of local donors and business sponsors, and the rest falls squarely to the support of several area grants. The Table Rock Lake Community Foundation (TRLCF) has been a huge supporter of SKITS and has partnered with the troupe for many years now, assisting with funding across several areas of the organization. The TRLCF has been integral in continuing to improve the level of production for SKITS shows, and this season in the storage of its stage and set pieces by providing the funds to purchase a shipping container. The TRLCF’s mission is “to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.” “We strongly believe in what they are doing in our area and feel the impact of their contributions with every show we put on,” the SKITS press release said.
Kyle Troutman: 2024 in review

I’ve been pondering this piece for a few days, and every time I do, I land at the same question — where do I even begin? To say this year has been a whirlwind is an understatement. We started 2024 with a gleam in our eyes, coming off our first year of ownership of the Democrat where we enjoyed incredible support and success.
William Bert “Bill” Jines

William Bert “Bill” Jines, age 86, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Monday, December 23, 2024, at his home. He was born February 20, 1938, in Perryton, Texas the son of J.W.
Jacqueline Marie “Jackie” Holt

Jacqueline Marie “Jackie” Holt, 77, of Urbana, Mo. passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Barry County native collecting bits of history

Rural Purdy native David Keeling is sitting on a trove of local history, the result of a hobby he began a decade ago. “I’m a little embarrassed about the amount of stuff I’ve collected in just ten years,” said Keeling, whose hobby has led to a veritable museum of his own making.
Janet Mills: Thrive in 2025

Make a toast, sing Auld Lang Syne, and eat some black-eyed peas for good luck! The clock strikes twelve midnight on Dec. 31, and a fresh New Year is ushered in.
News briefs, Jan. 1
The Roaring River Nature Center on Jan. 11 and Feb.
Skits supplement sounds of the season at Winter Concert

With the guidance of Shane Paul, Santa Claus emerged victorious in the battle with his barbarian son during a skit as part of the Winter Concert on Dec. 7. Santa celebrated his victory with the middle school band members.
Kyle Troutman: A completely Cassville Christmas

Idon’t know about you, but this year, I feel like my heart has grown a size or two amidst the outpouring of local Christmas cheer. I’m no Scrooge by any means, but Christmas — especially as a parent — can bring equal amounts of stress and joy.