Lifestyle
Purdy FBLA continues success under new leadership
Under new leadership this year, the Purdy FBLA programs continued its legacy of success at the District Leadership Conference on Feb. 5, producing 15 first-place winners, 45 medalists and 29 qualifiers for the FBLA State Leadership Conference in April. Melanie Grossman, who brings with her 26 years of success in business education and FBLA leadership from Cassville and East Newton, came out of retirement in August of 2025 to step into the program sponsor role following the retirement of Kay Wright in May 2025.
Through the Years, Feb. 11
50 YEARS AGO: IT'S GETTING READY TIME — The ardent type fly fisherman ties his own lures, and this is the time to make sure the favorite type is in ample supply. Jim Rogers, concessionaire at Roaring River State Park, furnished this example in preparation for opening activities March 1.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 11
Hi I’m Chevelle! I am told I am absolutely adorable and they are so right about that. I’m not really sure of my parents but they guess I’m a Shepherd/Terrier mix and that my birthday is Nov. 7, 2025.
Cassville Speech and Debate owns Big 8
The Cassville High School Speech and Debate team placed first in the Big 8 Conference Tournament the weekend of Jan. 30 at Nevada.
First State Bank of the Ozarks joins chamber
First Friday Coffee was held at First State Bank of the Ozarks on Feb. 6, giving the organization the opportunity to cut the ribbon after joining the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce. Board President Randy Henderson did the honors, as the bank has rebranded from First State Bank of Purdy.
Through the Years, Feb. 4
30 YEARS AGO: EXETER COWGIRL FINISHED SHOW YEAR WITH TOP HONORS — Kacy Harper, Exeter, finished the 1995 Sho-Me Horse Association show year with honors for herself and her three horses. Ma Solid Rock, pictured on the left, is a grand champion in walkin and a reserve champion in western pleasure. PoCo, middle, finished with a third in barrels and poles. Kacy's pony, Ms. Cherry Ann, finished the year as high point pony, capturing first place in walk-trot, western pleasure, barrels and poles. Kacy is the 9-year-old daughter of Jerry and Sue Harper. She is a member of Barry County E-Z Riders.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 4
Koda is an Australian Shepherd/Chow Chow mix. His date of birth is Dec. 30, 2017. He is smart, goofy and protective of the ones he loves.
Through the Years, Jan. 28
50 YEARS AGO: AND SOON THERE WILL BE TWO — This telephoto shows work in progress in putting a new 150,000-gallon water tower in place for Cassville. The tower will be used by contractors to hoist sections of the water storage facility into place.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Jan. 28
Meet Rolly! She is a beautiful pit mix. Her date of birth is Sept. 16, 2025. Rolly was abandoned with her two siblings, but they are hoping to find their forever people soon.
Barry County Health Corner: Safe sleep program available
The Barry County Health Department hosts free safe sleep education sessions for new and expecting parents and caregivers. These events provide hands-on demonstrations, expert guidance, and even free portable cribs for families in need that meet certain requirements.
