News
Democrat wins 11 statewide awards
The Cassville Democrat won 11 total awards in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, including First Place in General Excellence. Kyle Troutman, Publisher of the Democrat, said he was thrilled with the results from the annual contest, especially given the changes at the paper in the last year, as entries were printed in the 2022 calendar year.
Local student first from Crowder academically published
Crowder Cassville RN student Anahi Gomez, of Washburn, had a 0.00 college GPA in 2022 after three attempts at furthering her education — now she’s the first Crowder student to be published in an academic journal. A 2015 graduate of a high school in Chicago, Gomez said she moved to Barry County in 2021 to focus on herself and make positive changes in her life.
New jail, health department on the rise
The new Barry County jail is off the ground and under ongoing construction, set to be complete in 12 months time. The $17 million facility on Old Exeter Road will be 30,000 square feet, about twice the size of the current jail, with numerous design features increasing safety and security.
News briefs, Oct. 4
Nominations are being accepted for the January 2024 election of the University of Missouri Extension Council in Barry County. Council members are elected or appointed to two-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
Having the rides of their lives
From left, Washburn residents Cali Whitcomb, 14, Emmalyn Evans, 8, and Tucker Evans, 9, felt the g-forces as the Scrambler kicked into high gear at the Fun time Shows carnival last week. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Residents’ concerns aired to county commission
Eleven days after about 100 residents came together for a community meeting, four community representatives met with the Barry County Commission to seek solutions. Donnie Stumpff, Brian Stehlik, Donald Craig and Phil Hutchens, representing the Citizens for Justice in Barry County, met with County Commissioners Steve.
Final June jail escapee captured
The last of seven Barry County jail inmates that escaped the jail on June 1 was apprehended in Avondale, Penn.
Hahn memorial, diver recognition on Oct. 14
Autumn is making its presence felt in Roaring River State Park. Leaves once a vibrant green are slipping into shades of yellow and brown, releasing their holds on trees and casting their fates upon the whimsy of winds hinting of cooler temperatures to come.
Alipio graduates sniper school
After 13 weeks of intense training and qualifications, Sgt. Noah Alipio has earned the title of U.S. Marine Scout Sniper. Alipio graduated from Sniper School at Camp Pendleton in California on Sept. 15. Of the almost 200,000 Marines, fewer than 300 hold the title of Sniper. Alipio is the son on Laura and Manuel Alipio, of Excelsior Springs, and the grandson of Jim and Ann Lassiter, of Cassville, and the nephew of Kay Baker, also of Cassville.
Local school enrollments up
Area schools opened their doors for the 2023-2024 school year at the end of August, and staff ready to take on the school year. Trish Wilson, Wheaton superintendent, said the Wheaton school district is up 17 students from the previous school year.
