Man charged for car theft
A Fulton man has been arrested and charged with a felony after allegedly stealing a vehicle from a victim in Barry County, a crime for which he is on probation for a previous conviction. Richard Burwell, born 1993, of Fulton, is charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.
Purdy man charged with rape
A Purdy man is facing three felony charges after allegedly restraining and molesting a victim in Barry County. Jesi Owen, born 1989, of Purdy, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.
Samuel “Lex” Elliott

Samuel “Lex” Elliott, 89, of Cassville, Missouri passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Roaring River Health & Rehabilitation in Cassville. Lex was born October 12, 1935 to Sam and Lois Elliott in the tiny town of Carnegie, Oklahoma.
Scoreboard, Jan. 15
The Purdy boys basketball team (10-6) has split games to start the new year, and the win was a significant one. The Eagles bested Marionville in overtime, 80-73, on Jan.
News Briefs, Jan. 15
The Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will hold their January monthly meeting on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.
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.
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
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.