Harold Dean Summerlin

Harold Dean Summerlin, 94, of Golden, Mo. passed away Monday, January 29, 2024, at The Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon, Mo.
Through the Years, Feb. 7

30 YEARS AGO: EAGLE VIEW — This is the view of an adult American Bald Eagle you can get in Barry County these days. The area has become host to the largest congregation of Eagles in Missouri according to Department of Conservation counts conducted shortly after the arrival of 1994. This photo, by Denny Goodnow of Eagle Rock, is one of the better efforts locally. Goodnow makes the photos available at Roaring River State Park and other outlets each season. The second photo in this series shows what can be seen without the aid of viewing equipment.
Once an Eagle, always an Eagle: Lee signs for college ball

Once an Eagle; always an Eagle. Purdy baseball senior Hunter Lee will not change mascots as he prepares to move to the next level, signing a letter of intent on Jan.
Jeremiah Buntin: Intoxicating history

The recent trend of “Dry January,” forgoing alcohol for the month, brings to mind some of the past attempts in Barry County to wet one’s whistle. Attitudes toward liquor in Barry County seemed fairly divisive throughout local history.
Catherine Ann “Cathy” Harter
Catherine Ann “Cathy” Harter, 75, of Wheaton, Mo. passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Springfield, in Springfield, Mo.
Purdy Homecoming court named

Purdy High School will crown its 2024 Homecoming Queen and Mr. Tip-Off at a special coronation between JV and varsity boys’ basketball games on Friday. The JV contest against Billings begins at 6 p.m. This year’s Homecoming theme is “Eagles Through the Years.” Front row, from left: senior Raeley Henderson, junior Rosa Schad, sophomore Gabriela Groomer and freshman Allison Lopez. Back row: junior Will Henderson, sophomore Damon Mahurin and freshman Logan Manwarren. Not pictured: senior Gauge Davidson.
News briefs, Feb. 7
The Cassville school district will host a Community Viewing Event on March 5 at 6 p.m. at the FEMA Event Center, showing the documentary “Childhood 2.0: The Living Experiment.” The documentary aims to educate parents, guardians and community members about the inherent challenges and dangers of the digital world.
Trout Tales, Jan. 31

I tagged along with Publisher Kyle Troutman on Friday to the annual Career Day at the Southwest school district. He manned one of 26 tables filled with a myriad of local professionals who love their jobs enough to spend 90 minutes sharing the ins and outs of their industries.
Southwest students look toward futures on Career Day

Blake Whitley, front right, and Kacy Whitley, front left, speak to Southwest juniors, from left, Jesse Townsend, Matthew Bise, Hunter Cain, Brycen Cox and Noah Lamphere, about a possible career as a pharmacist.
Cassville wrestling winding toward districts

The Cassville wrestling program tossed around its weight in the Big 8 last week, testing the waters against potential road blocks in the fast-approaching district and state tournaments. Cassville’s boys and girls squads hosted Seneca for a dual on Jan.