News
Exeter pair facing 11 felonies each
An Exeter man and woman are each facing 11 felonies after allegedly stealing numerous items from a victim and being in possession of multiple firearms.
Washburn man charged with motorcycle theft
A Washburn man is facing a felony charge after allegedly stealing a motorcycle from a victim in Barry County.
Purdy starts new city clerk
A new city clerk was introduced to the Purdy City Council on July 9 as council members reviewed infrastructure issues and property maintenance concerns.

Colors examined at Dickerson Park Zoo program
Jason Maloney, 4, of Cape Fair, smiles as he gets up close and personal with a milk snake during Eagle Rock Branch Library’s Summer Reading Program event on July 16, a presentation from Dickerson Park Zoo.

First on Front brings show to Cassville
Mark Chapman Band played as the sun set on the First on Front pop-up event in Cassville on Friday. Jessica Breger/Special to the Cassville Democrat
28 say daycare should stay
A total of 28 parents, grandparents, employers and Masonic Lodge members filled the Cassville City Council chambers on July 8, offering heartfelt testimony urging the council to reverse its June decision that denied a special use permit for Taba’s Tiny Town daycare, operating out of the Pythagoras Masonic Lodge No. 383.

4 families graduate from F.U.E.L. Academy
His House’s 2025 F.U.E.L. Academy adult graduates, from left, Allisa Dutton-Durosette, Kenneth Durossette, Kimberly Mullins, Hanna Boemmels and William (Rocky) Hartley share the spotlight after receiving their diplomas in a special ceremony at Lakeside Christian Church in Shell Knob on June 7. In its sixth year, F.U.E.L. Academy, a residential life transformation and discipleship program, focuses on uniting, educating and loving families at risk. Six of the children of this year’s graduates were also presented with diplomas from the academy.
Purdy schools hold pay scale, raise steps
At its June meeting, the Purdy school board passed its budget for the 2025-2026 school year, calling for a $38,000 base pay for teachers, and placing a moratorium on capital improvements for a year.

Publisher wins 3rd international award
Kyle Troutman, right, publisher of the Cassville Democrat and co-owner of Troutman Media LLC, accepts his third Golden Dozen award from Dana Hess, judge of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE) opinion writing competition, on Saturday at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D.