Lifestyle

Purdy celebrates Homecoming victory, crowning of royalty
Purdy High School celebrated Homecoming on Feb. 4, earning a 53-49 victory over Southwest. This year’s Homecoming Court featured the following representatives from each class: seniors Marlene Villa and Jackson Hillburn; juniors Lauren Brooks and Aldo Perez; sophomores Lizett Aldava and Jayden Griffis; and freshmen Kenzi Postlewait and Charles Barnes. Crown Bearers for the evening were Emmett Burnside and Kodi Postlewait.

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Feb. 12
Meet Thurston! He is a medium sized Shepherd mixed breed. His date of birth is July 6, 2024. He weighs 50 pounds and gets along with other dogs but should probably be fed separately since he hasn’t been accustomed to being fed on a regular basis. He loves people and seems to be eager to please.

Through the Years, Feb. 12
40 YEARS AGO: DEVIL’S KITCHEN COLLAPSE----A familiar landmark on a walking trail in Roaring River State Park, Devil’s Kitchen has fallen to the elements. Sliding rocks on the formation have virtually closed the passage through the area. The happening was discovered Saturday by Merle Rogers, park naturalist, on a hike with Cub Scouts.

5 make honor band
On Jan. 17, 13 Cassville band students in grades 7-8 auditioned for the Southwest Missouri Junior High District Honor Band, with five students earning a spot. The honor band performed Jan. 25 at Neosho High School, with a day of rehearsal ending with a concert.

Able 2 Products Company recognizes employee service
Five employees of Able 2 Products Company in Cassville were recognized for milestone employment anniversaries at a company-wide meeting on Dec. 17, 2024. In business since 1972, Able 2 Products Company sells lights and accessories to police, emergency and utility markets under the SHO-ME trademark. Company vice-president Caleb Buntin awarded gifts and certificates of appreciation to the honorees. Front row, from left: Sandra Hayworth, 25 years; and Jeremiah Buntin, 15 years. Back row: Greg Scott, 35 years; Darrin Spain, 5 years; Brandi Beck, 5 years.

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.

Beta Club participates in convention
Cassville Middle School Beta Club members recently participated in the Junior Missouri Beta State Convention in Branson. Each club member had the opportunity to select which competitive event they would like to be a part of and the following students placed in their competitions: Aiden Harris, third place, math; Cara Leach, second place, poetry; Molly Cox, Kynzleigh Scott, Reagan Truman, Addy Ramaeker, Scotti Blankenship, Cara Leach and Chazylyn Artherton, fifth place, songfest.