News

Unauthorized trails are an increasing concern throughout the Mark Twain National Forest. While the Forest maintains nearly 900 miles of trails that are open to the public for a variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and motorized use, the creation and maintenance of unauthorized trails outside of this system is on the rise.

The Missouri Environmental Education Association and Missouri State Parks are hosting an education workshop on Tuesday called, “Invasive Species: On Trial!” Participants will experience creative techniques for presenting hands-on activities aligned to Missouri Learning Standard through a “mock trial” approach.

A Cassville man and former Barry County jai inmate has been charged with attempted murder after an altercation at the jail on June 30 requiring the victim to be airlifted to the hospital. Laane Sneed, 26, of Cassville, is charged with first-degree assault - serious physical injury, equitable to attempted murder in Missouri.

Fertilizer permits for companies land-applying wastewater residuals expired on June 30, and though Denali Water Solutions has not yet applied for permits with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to land-apply their waste-processing residuals in southwest Missouri, practices will continue as the companies move forward with competing the permit process. “[The DNR] is working with all of the entities that are land applying previously exempt fertilizer materials,” said Heather Peters, with the Water Protection Program of the DNR.

Updates given on park projects, plans, staffing Roaring River State Park held its annual town hall-style meeting on June 29, with about 30 non-park employees in attendance to hear updates on accomplishments, plans, stewardship, law enforcement, the hatchery, staffing and more. Carl Bonnell, deputy regional director for Missouri State Parks, led the meeting, which began with the introduction of Carrie Byron, the incoming park ranger.

A new course offering is coming to Cassville High School in the fall, one that can offer college credit and a pathway to one of the fastest-growing careers in the country — computer science. Jake Forste, who has moved from middle school computer science to the high school, will lead the four-course program, offering a semester-long intro for freshmen, a CS 1 class and two AP courses, CS A and CS P.

The Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society will meet Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Bayless-Salyer House, located at 9th and Townsend streets in Cassville.

An Eagle Rock man died on July 5 in a wreck at 5:55 p.m. on Highway 86, one mile south of Eagle Rock.