News

Timeline of KISS (Keep It Super Simple) Rebreathers dive team’s exploration of Roaring River Spring Cave
May 8, 2021: After receiving a permit for scientific exploration from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks, KISS divers began their first monthly, weekend exploration of Roaring River Spring. Water flow was too great to permit passage through a restriction that exists in the cave at a depth of 225’.
1,300 mammograms completed in Cassville
Cassville Mercy Hospital performed approximately 1,300 mammograms in the past year. The number was reached with the continued use of the new mammography unit, a Hologic Selenia Combo (dual) Imaging Unit, which was installed last year.

Unexpected sources of support
Purdy woman uses grandmother’s, husband’s experiences in cancer fight According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation one in eight women will in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Misty Lane, 50 of Purdy, was one.
Ozark Festival Orchestra to open season
The Ozark Festival Orchestra will open its 44th season at 3 p.m. on Oct. 15, at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center.

Cassville band reaps rewards of hard work
For 12 hours each week, the Cassville High School band is putting in work. The efforts paid off on Saturday at the Pleasant Hope Pirate Power Classic, where the Wildcats earned four total awards: first place in Class 3, best drum major, best drumline and battle of the bands (spirit award).
Area fugitive arrested in Cassville
A Cassville man has been arrested by Barry County Sheriff’s Office deputies for charges in McDonald County, including attempted murder. David Watkins, 40, of Cassville, is charged in McDonald County with first-degree assault (equal to attempted murder) and armed criminal action.

Olden times enlivened at Frontier Days
Nyls Sarratt, 5, of Rogers, Ark., spins the rope-making machine, making a length of rope with the help of Michael Schreiner, of Cassville. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Roaring River playground on the rise
A new playground is under construction at Roaring River State Park, courtesy in part to a grant from the Cassville Community Foundation. The total price tag for the project was $35,000, according to Carl Bonnell, Missouri State Parks Ozarks Region deputy director. “We just received the playground equipment a couple of weeks ago,” he said. Bonnell said, in addition to assembling and situating the new playground features, much work will need to be done on the site, including the placement of borders and cushioning materials. Bonnell anticipates that the project will be completed in advance of the March 1, 2024, opening of catch-and-keep trout season.
DNR awards $50,000 to Exeter
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grants to the city of Exeter to evaluate its wastewater systems. The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs for evaluating wastewater system improvements.
Cassville Clean-Up Day scheduled
The city of Cassville has set the week of Oct. 16 for its Cassville Clean-Up Day, allowing residents to rid their homes of multiple larger items not accepted on normal trash days.