Lifestyle
Thang wins Purdy Spelling Bee
On Jan. 28, Purdy Elementary held its annual Spelling Bee. The winner was Solomon Thang, a fifth-grader from Abigail Buntin’s class. The runner-up was Kiya Lee’Jace Atkins. The other participants were: Bildad Chan, Thayer Friely, Mark Jenkins, Win Htet, Kaden Rosewicz, Violet Adams, and Thierry Thigpen. The Spell Master was Susan Funkhouser.
Through the Years, Feb. 5
40 YEARS AGO: VISITORS COME ASHORE FOR LUNCH — Grazing on a campground area near Eagle Rock Landing, these Canadian geese have been attracting considerable attention the last few weeks. Their trips from the water to the land area result in grazing over grass areas and paying little attention to spectators who drive through the area. They probably feel secure, as the fellow at upper left, was constantly eyeing their observers this particular day.
Southwest athletic teams donate to Power of Pink
Three Southwest athletic teams raised more than $1,171 for the Power of Pink organization and breast cancer awareness.
7 Exeter students make honor bands
Seven Exeter students were selected recently to perform in Southwest Missouri District Honor Band. Biaktha Hnem was selected via audition as second-chair flute in the high school honor band, while Taylor Mattingly was selected as third-chair trumpet in the high school conference band.
Through the Years, Jan. 29
30 YEARS AGO: METHODS OF REMOVING SNOW — The order of the day beginning Thursday morning was getting snow from some unwanted places. In the instances shown here, the places were parking lots, entrances to businesses and sidewalks at county offices. In the photo at left, Lonnie Yarnall uses one piece of snow removal equipment that was made available for some of the smaller parking lots that contracted for the service. In the middle, John Starchman makes the wet snow fly with a snow shovel, accomplishing the entrances of a couple of businesses. At the right, Johnny Gautney of the courthouse staff, puts a new snow blower, belonging to the county, to the task of clearing side-walks. For large locations and heavier tasks, there was equipment of about every description and horsepower up and down the roads, streets and parkways of the area. Many of the earlier removal chores were accomplished while it was still snowing. Sunshine and traffic both hitting major roads and streets later Thursday morning helped eliminate much of the cover. Rural roads were another problem after they drifted to depths of six feet in some locations. Democrat file photo
Nunez spells his way to Joplin
On Friday, fourth- and fifth-grade classroom spelling bee winners competed in the Intermediate Spelling Bee. Fifth-grade student Ares Nunez finished in first place and will travel to Joplin on March 14 to represent Cassville in the Joplin Globe Spelling Bee.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week
Meet Gin! She is a black and brown medium sized mixed breed beauty. Her date of birth is May 15, 2022.
Shelter Insurance seeking scholarship applicants
$1,500 scholarships going to Cassville, Wheaton students Cassville and Wheaton seniors have the opportunity to apply for the Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship through March 31, with one graduate from each school to receive $1,500. 'Recognizing academic achievement in its communities is one of the main goals of the Shelter Insurance Foundation,' a Shelter press release said.
Through the Years, Jan. 22
40 YEARS AGO: NO TELLING HOW MANY — Joana Smithson, Cassville school nurse, is pictured above taking the temperature of a pupil in her office in the middle school building. Mrs. Smithson, who had been in the post 19 years, was honored by faculty and staff members with a reception last week.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Jan. 22
O.J. (Odin) and his sister, Lulu, were abandoned in the country but fortunately, they were found by a nice human. They are black mouth cur mixes, born March 4, 2024. They are good with dogs, cats and children.
