News

Safety Around Water program completes 5th year
Incoming second-grader at Cassville, Ainsley Miller, enjoyed the last day of the Safety Around Water Class by hitting the slides, getting assistance from Bradan Dickinson as she hurtled into the surf. The last day of the Safety Around Water program was Thursday. It’s the fifth year of the partnership between the school district and Cassville Area YMCA.
Cassville officer commended for catching 3 escapees
A Cassville police officer has received a “Letter of Commendation” for his efforts in capturing three escapees from the Barry County jail on June 1. According to the letter, when Officer Devin McCormack was notified of the seven inmates escaping the jail, he responded immediately to the area, locating a possible escapee on foot and giving chase in his patrol vehicle.
The Backstory: Skip White — The downing of Flight 11
Continental Airlines Flight 11 didn’t make it to Kansas City the night of May 22, 1962. Just 19 minutes away from its scheduled 9:36 p.m.

Opera one week, mad science the next
William Volmar, left, as Alidoro, performs alongside Even Johnson, as Cinderella, at the Opera in the Ozarks production of “Cinderella” on June 8 in Cassville as part of the Cassville Branch Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Barry County Fair Board hosts 11th annual event
The Barry County Fair Board has announced the 2023 dates and exhibits, set to host the annual fair on Saturday in Butterfield. The Circle M Cattle Company has donated the use of its barn this year for the fair.

‘Sirens’ takes town on nautical adventure
David Oliphant, as Anthony, sings about strength as he tries to overcome being involved in a shipwreck during the play ‘Sirens’ on Thursday.
DNR denies diving permit
The KISS Rebreathers dive team will not be returning to Roaring River State Park this year for continued exploration of Roaring River Spring. Tisha Holden, spokesperson for the Missouri State Parks and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said while the DNR agrees that the work of the KISS Rebreathers dive team conducted in Roaring River Spring during 2021 and 2022 has scientific and interpretive benefit, the team’s permit for continued exploration of the spring in 2023 was denied.
City lauds Outdoor Days, aims to build
A replacement for TroutFest and between 1,500-2,000 visitors for the one-day event, this year’s inaugural Outdoor Days met its major goal to engage more people, with 3,700 people visiting just Cassville South Park over the three-day festival. The city of Cassville partnered with Element 79 Media Group to host the event, which came with a total price tag of $30,000.
News briefs, June 21
The Lawrence and Barry County Democrats and all interested area friends will meet on Thursday at the Angus Branch Steakhouse, located located at 114 Chapel Drive in Monett. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.

Bustin’, ropin’, jokin’ at Rotary Rodeo
Knox Wecker holds on with one hand and braces himself with the other en route to an 83-point ride and first-place finish in the mutton bustin’ competition at the Cassville Rotary Rodeo on June 2.