News

$9 million in bonds to fund PAC, security upgrades
The Cassville school district is moving forward with the plan to build a performing arts center, asking voters on April 4 to approve the P.A.W.S. initiative for $9 million in bonds.
News briefs, March 22
The Southwest High School National Honor Society will induct 12 new members in April. Senior Rachel Willer and Sophomores Abbie Clark, Addison Cotton, Addison Keates, Riley Flippo, Piper King, Kelsee Merritt, Saige Miller, Tristan Morgan, Montana Skelton, Rebecca Swanepoel and Kaleigh Tull were selected recently through a rigorous application process, according to Adviser Steve Voyak.
Woman injured in Hwy. 37 wreck
A Seligman woman was injured on Monday in a wreck at 1:08 a.m. on Highway 37, one mile north of Washburn.
City announces Outdoor Days festival
The city of Cassville is launching a new festival this year, a collaboration with the Rotary Club, YMCA and Roaring River State Park, among others, that will span three days and begins with a concert at Cassville South Park. Outdoor Days, scheduled for June 1-3, begins with a Thursday performance by The Isaacs, members of the Grand ole Opry and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Cassville receives APR score
District scores 76.9 percent is in first year of new accountability model The Cassville school district has received its Annual Performance Review score, which officials say looks different this year with the implementation of a new accountability model. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has an accountability model for school districts called the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP).
State fertilizer inspector speaks out
MoFCB does not test Denali, Synagro wastewater residuals Jerry Ennis, of Exeter, the lead fertilizer inspector for the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board (MoFCB), called the Cassville Democrat last week “to set the record straight” regarding the testing of wastewater residuals (permitted as fertilizer) being land-applied by Denali and Synagro in southwest Missouri. “I want everybody to know [state fertilizer inspectors] aren’t the bad guys,” he said.
Man charged for Michael’s Burglary
A Cassville man is facing four felony charges after allegedly burglarizing more than $8,000 in merchandise from Michael’s Hardware on March 3. Aaron Miller, 42, of Cassville, is charged with second-degree burglary, felony stealing, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Denali runoff incident detailed
Petition being formed to gain state’s attention On March 9, Denali Water Solutions — via a telephone call and statement from communications director Samuel Liebl — disclosed an incident involving runoff from land-applied food-processing residuals by a Denali subcontractor occurred in McDonald County on March 1. “The residuals ran down a hillside,” Liebl said in an emailed statement.
News briefs
Screening for children entering preschool or kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year in the Wheaton school district is scheduled for March 22-24 and April 4-6 in the cafeteria of the Elementary Building. Any child who will be 3 (for Preschool) or 5 (for Kindergarten) by July 31 and is planning on enrolling in either class, must be screened before starting school.