News Staff
James E. “JR” Riordan
James E. “JR” Riordan, 53, of Eagle Rock, Mo.
Johnny Lee “John” Cole
Johnny Lee “John” Cole, age 75, of Exeter, Missouri passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri surrounded by his family. He was born June 26, 1948, in Cassville, Missouri the son of Garr and Blanche (Hulett) Cole.
Jeremiah Buntin: Booming tomato canning factories once vital to Ozark’s economy
For the first half of the 20th century, tomato canning was an important industry Barry County. During the industry’s peak during the 1930s, a total of 16 canning factories were in operation in Barry County.
Forest Service: Unauthorized trails a concern
Unauthorized trails are an increasing concern throughout the Mark Twain National Forest. While the Forest maintains nearly 900 miles of trails that are open to the public for a variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and motorized use, the creation and maintenance of unauthorized trails outside of this system is on the rise.
Pet of the week
Pharaoh has been in the shelter for 1,947 days and desperately needs a hero! Pharaoh can get along with just about any female dog but is selective with male dogs.
5 generations gather in Exeter
With the arrival of Octavia Pitts, a local family recently met in Exeter and captured a photograph with five generations of its members. Family members pictured include: Frank Martin, 90, of Exeter; Marie Martin, 85, of Exeter; Rose Lackey, 62, of Exeter; Angela Spellman, 41, of Mount Vernon; Orvil Pitts, 21, of Anderson; Reagan DeSpain, 20, of Anderson; and Octavia Pitts, 3 months. “We are blessed by our Savior and loved by many,” the family said. Contributed photo
Dortha Ann Amos
Dortha Ann Amos, 81, of Purdy, Mo. passed away Friday, July 7, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Northwest Ark.
News briefs, July 19
The Missouri Environmental Education Association and Missouri State Parks are hosting an education workshop on Tuesday called, “Invasive Species: On Trial!” Participants will experience creative techniques for presenting hands-on activities aligned to Missouri Learning Standard through a “mock trial” approach.
Trout Tales, July 12
Community fireworks events vary from town to town in Barry County, but none are quite as ruralAmerica heartland as the Wheaton 4th of July celebration. The family and I went to Wheaton on the fourth and were not disappointed. Their $5 cheeseburgers are what I call land lunkers, thick, savory and hot off the grill. My kids really enjoyed the playground at the park. Our youngest wore out the slides even more than she wore out herself! The two bands performed well, and the sound crew avoided any aux cord technical difficulties so we could hear the National Anthem on the speakers just before the fireworks show. The Wheaton firefighters shoot the pyrotechnics, and they have the timing down to when the Anthem finishes with “home of the brave,” the first firework lights up the park. It was a warm night, but that timing even gave my cold-blooded body the chills!
Kyle Troutman: Off the ground
The beginning of July is a time of peak patriotism in the United States, but as surely as you can count on the flood of Red, White and Blue, you can also count on another thing — complaints. Ordinances regarding fireworks within city limits vary as much as the arguments for and against the pyrotechnics.
