Sheriff: ‘We’re fully staffed’
Following an election year with a new jail under construction, Sheriff Danny Boyd said his Office is hitting the ground running in 2025. Staving off challengers in a four-candidate race — ultimately winning the August Primary Election by 48 votes among more than 6,000 after a hand and machine recount — Boyd said for the next four years in office, transparency and increasing service are his key goals.
Shelter Insurance seeking scholarship applicants
$1,500 scholarships going to Cassville, Wheaton students Cassville and Wheaton seniors have the opportunity to apply for the Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship through March 31, with one graduate from each school to receive $1,500. 'Recognizing academic achievement in its communities is one of the main goals of the Shelter Insurance Foundation,' a Shelter press release said.
Arrive Alive Tour coming to Cassville
Driving, texting simulator to be set up Feb. 10-11 UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour is the nation’s number- one ranked drunk and distracted driving awareness event, as well as the first-and-only marijuana driving simulator in the country.
News Briefs, Jan. 29
Preschool screening for 3- and 4-year-old children in the Cassville school district is scheduled for April 7 and April 9. Parents of 3- and 4-year-old children may call the primary office at 417-8472445 to schedule an appointment.
Through the Years, Jan. 22

40 YEARS AGO: NO TELLING HOW MANY — Joana Smithson, Cassville school nurse, is pictured above taking the temperature of a pupil in her office in the middle school building. Mrs. Smithson, who had been in the post 19 years, was honored by faculty and staff members with a reception last week.
‘Cats wrestle up classes in Branson

Tktroutman@cassville-democrat.com he Cassville boys wrestling team is getting into the nitty-gritty of the season, coming off a sixthplace finish as the smallest school in the Branson Invitational and preparing for the Big 8 Conference meet this week and districts and state in February. Nathan Fortner, Cassville boys wrestling coach, said this season has been about progression, and the Wildcats have had no shortage of such.
Waste not, want not

Started from scratch 20 years ago by a handful of school students and their instructor, the Purdy Recycling Center has evolved from a school project into a community-wide enterprise. Gerry Wass, former Purdy Schools Spanish teacher and Spanish Club shepherd, has trouble getting his head around the recycling program’s 20-year milestone.
Major adminstration restructuring approved at Purdy schools
A major reorganizational plan for leadership at the Purdy school district was approved at the school board’s Jan. 9 meeting.
City holds public hearings for 3 grants
The city of Cassville held three consecutive public hearings on Jan. 14, led by representatives of the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) and necessary to procure funding for three potential projects in the city.
County budgets $6.67M for 2025

The Barry County Commission has approved the 2025 budget, which allows for up to $6.67 million in spending across all county offices and includes a pay raise for all county employees. Joyce Ennis, Barry County clerk, said the total proposed budget is $6,670,661, which includes estimated 2025 sales tax revenue of $6,012,401, plus $6,749,308.49 carried over from 2024.