Katelynn Bowen: A call for child care accessibility
Dear Editor: Childcare in the U.S. is broken, and Barry County is no exception.
Sheila Harris: His House series — Residential program changes families’ lives

If you’re like me, you might be finding it hard to look away from the drama unfolding on our collective national stage right now. I admit to feeling frozen in place, mesmerized by the daily — often hourly — breaking news stories.
Second arrest made in sex crimes case
A second person has been arrested and charged following an alleged incident where a victim was restrained and sexually assaulted. Bailey Seely, 28, of Verona, is charged with second-degree sodomy.
Through the Years, Feb. 12

40 YEARS AGO: DEVIL’S KITCHEN COLLAPSE----A familiar landmark on a walking trail in Roaring River State Park, Devil’s Kitchen has fallen to the elements. Sliding rocks on the formation have virtually closed the passage through the area. The happening was discovered Saturday by Merle Rogers, park naturalist, on a hike with Cub Scouts.
News Briefs, Feb. 12
The Cassville schools jazz bands will take the stage on Thursday at 6 p.m. for Jazz Night at the Cassville High School Performing Arts Center.
Jastal makes Big 8 history for Monett

A total of 16 Monett wrestlers competed in the Big 8 girls and boys tournaments Feb. 20 and 22 in Monett and Cassville, with one Lady Wildcat taking gold in her home gym and making history while doing so.
Lady Cubs finding stride on hardwood
It takes time for a team to gel and find its identity, and the Monett girls basketball squad is no exception. After an impressive 69-54 win over New Heights Christian Academy on Jan. 17, the Lady Cubs improved to 7-7 after the win and finished the month 10-9 on the season.
Jared Lankford: A moment to appreciate Mr. Baseball

When most Americans hear the name Bob Uecker, their minds typically drift to the quotes from the movies Major League and Major League 2.
Line out the door to say goodbye to Beckett

Donna Beckett, right, hugs Freedom Bank CEO Stan Kelley after he presented her a retirement gift in the form of cash during Beckett's retirement reception, where more than 350 people came to wish her well. Beckett served local customers for 20 years with Community National Bank and Freedom Bank in Monett. Kyle Troutman/monettmonthly@outlook.com
8 flags, one Tom Wolfe Memorial

Standing atop a hill just on the outskirts of Monett is a monument dedicated to the men and women who protect our country.