Anita Michelle “Shelly” (Prewitt) Bruton
Anita Michelle “Shelly” (Prewitt) Bruton, 58 years of age entered into rest on Feb. 14, 2024. Born to Lester and Norma (Richmond) Prewitt on Oct. 16, 1965, in Columbia, MO.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the week, Feb 21

Who doesn’t love a potato? French Fry came into the shelter with siblings Au Gratin, Crinkle, Curly Q, Hashbrown, Tator Tot, Waffle, Wedge and Mom, Potato.
Cassville powerhouse being demolished

A last remnant of Cassville’s railroad is undergoing demolition. Jim Hiers and his wife, Lora, who own and operate Special Enterprises, an excavation business based in Cape Fair, submitted the winning bid of $68,800 to the City of Cassville to tear down the long-abandoned, derelict structure at the corner of East and 9th Streets.
100+ words spelled in Purdy

The Purdy Spelling Bee was held on Jan. 26. Nine contestants from grades 4-6 competed. The winner was Paul Bawithawng, a fourth-grader. The runner up was Solomon Thang, also a fourth-grader. The winner spelled “multitude’ and then “journey” to win the competition. It was a very competitive match with over 100 words used during the entirety of the Spelling Bee.
Mission accepted

Multi-sport athlete Brendyn Paulsen, a senior at Southwest High School, narrowed his future focus on Friday, signing to play baseball at the next level with Mission University in Springfield. Paulsen, who is in the midst of district tournament basketball this week and has his senior season of baseball just around the corner, said putting his name down was a dream come true.
Merlyn Johnson: Another open enrollment movement
A bill allowing students to transfer between public school districts, known as open enrollment, is once again making its way through the Missouri legislature. House Bill 1989 became the fourth open enrollment bill in four consecutive years to gain initial approval from the Missouri House of Representatives.
News briefs, Feb 21
Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will meet on Thursday (George Washington’s Birthday) at the Angus Branch Steakhouse in Monett, located at 114 Chapel Drive in Monett. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.
TroutMom Says: Be aware of your heart and protect it
It’s Valentine’s Day, a day dedicated to love. I can physically feel love in my heart when look at my children, or when my husband kisses me; I have also felt pain in my heart after losing a loved one or surrounding a heartbreak.
‘Cats cruising toward competitive district playoffs

Every basketball team wants to be playing their best at the season’s end, and with a highly competitive Class 4, District 12 tournament on the horizon, Caleb Reynolds, Cassville boys hoops coach, said his Wildcats are ding just that.
Hagins crowned Tip-Off Queen at Cassville High School

Cassville Senior Makenna Hagins smiles as she prepares to be crowned Cassville High School Tip-Off Queen on Friday.