Lifestyle
Miss, Mr. Merry Christmas candidates announced
Cassville’s Miss and Mr. Merry Christmas candidates for 2024 have been announced. Front row, from left: freshman Samantha Baugus, daughter of Sam Baugus and Jessica Minor, of Cassville; junior Joei Blankenship, daughter of Clit and Bobbi Blankenship, of Jenkins; senior Lauren Sparkman, daughter of Gamon Sparkman and the Late Shelley Sparkman, of Cassville. Back row: freshman Will Finch, son of Mark and Paula Finch, of Cassville; sophomore Caleb Pyle, son of Joei Pyle and Christy Butler Pyle, of Cassville; junior Cash Gray Smith, son of Weslie and Jamie Johns, of Cassville; and senior Jonathan Cole Cash, son of Daniel Cash and Jona and Robert Anderson, of Cassville. Not pictured: sophomore Savannah-Lynn Connor. Candidates will be raising money to donate to the Barry County Neighborhood Center’s Share Your Christmas Program. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville- democrat.com
Purdy students feed families in need
Students in Amy Harkey’s Prostart I & II Courses at Purdy High School prepared and distributed 250 healthy, complete meals of chicken and vegetable fried rice for families in their community last week. The meals, prepared through the Kids Feeding Kids program, were donated to families served by Purdy Prostart I students.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Nov. 20
Chardonnay is a beautiful Retriever mix with gorgeous blue eyes. We know her mom is a flat coated Retriever. Chardonnay and 8 siblings were born on Sept. 29. Come get your pick of this beautiful litter.
Through the Years, Nov. 20
40 YEARS AGO: GOOD SIZE HORNET NEST — This weekend, woodcutters could have gotten more than they bargained for in cutting this hornets nest Sunday.
Cassville native initiated into the Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets
On Oct. 19, 2024, Tyller Isbell, of Cassville, was inducted into the 136th Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Corps of Cadets at the MMA Passing Through Ceremony.
Tiger Band takes 3rd in small schools
On Oct. 19, the Exeter High School band participated in the Missouri Southern Homecoming Parade in downtown Joplin. The Tiger Band finished in third place in the small school division. The Tiger band will also perform in the Exeter Christmas Parade on Dec. 7, and the band will perform as part of the Exeter School Christmas concert on Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Nov. 13
Virgil is a very handsome and gentle boy who was dumped with dog friend, Vienna. He loves her, but she’s found her new home. He’s a bit timid and needs a patient adopter who will help him build his confidence.
Through the Years, Nov. 13
40 YEARS AGO: A LAST MINUTE EFFORT — Jerry Cook, of Rocky Comfort, who works at Garrett Mfg. in Cassville, was just about to give up hunting Sunday. In fact, at 4:30 p.m., the last day of gun deer season, he was coming back to his vehicle, in sleet and snow. As he thought about the season and possible missed opportunities, little did he realize he was about to be quite successful. The results of his shot so late in the season is pictured above.
Southwest announces tip-off candidates
Five young ladies will vie for Tip-off Queen at Southwest High School on Nov. 26. They include, from left: senior Addison Keates, sophomore Jazmyn Rivas, junior BreeAhna Paulsen, junior cheer Candidate Abigail Callison and freshman Brianna Taft.
Purdy FBLA raises over $1,500 for local women battling breast cancer
The Purdy High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter raised just over $1,500 in their annual October Pink Out fundraising effort. Funds were raised from T-shirt and cake pop sales, a hat day, and a serving contest at the Pink Out Volleyball Game. The Purdy Community was especially generous, enabling the chapter to help two local women currently battling breast cancer.
