Through the Years, Oct. 22

51 YEARS AGO: ACTUAL FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING—Using an abandoned building in the Mano community, members of the Eagle Rock Fire Department were extinguishing a blaze when this picture was taken. At the business end of the hose is Cliff Mitchell, while other members watch the action. The training program, including lecture and hands-on fire fighting, was sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension Service and taught by members of the Springfield Fire Department. Departments from Cassville, Exeter, Seligman, Shell Knob and Purdy also participated. Democrat file photo
‘Cats clinch win in barnburner Brawl

Cassville defended a total of 89 plays against Monett in the Barry County Brawl on Friday, and after 14 total touchdowns between the cross-county rivals, the game came down to a single play.
JAG learns trees at Community Garden

The Barry County Community Garden hosted 20 youth in the Cassville High School Jobs for America’s Graduates program. Master Gardener Skip Easter gave a demonstration on fall tree planting and an overview of what a forester does as a job.
Cassville Middle School teacher receives grant

Cassville Middle School (CMS) agriculture teacher, Mrs. McKenzie Brashers, has been awarded a $500 grant from the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Foundation (MRTA). The grant is one of only 84 funded out of 595 applications statewide.
Michelle Hilburn: Fall into season’s readings

Even though summer temperatures are still lingering, the calendar says that fall has arrived, and I couldn’t be happier.
Jake Justin Dimello

Jake Justin Dimello, 30, of Seligman, Mo., passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo.
Larry Paul Wecker

Larry Paul Wecker, 86, passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2025.
Purdy school board studies facility needs
The Purdy school board reviewed pressing facilities needs and updates on operations at its September meeting.
Jim Lassiter

Jim Lassiter, passed away on October 17, 2025, he was born April 15, 1943, in Berryville, Ark.
Tommy Rex Farwell

Tommy Rex Farwell, 85, of Green Castle, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.



