Stories from Friday, March 2, 2012

Cassville realtor Stormy Holtzman has announced her candidacy for the office of Barry County public administrator. Holtzman has worked in the real estate business for over 14 years and owned and operated Seven Valleys Realty in Cassville for 11 years. She recently closed the realty office in order to focus on her campaign for public office...

Pam Modlin, of Wheaton, has announced her plans to run for the office of Barry County public administrator. Modlin, a graduate of Aurora High School, also attended Missouri State University. She has worked as deputy clerk at the Barry County Circuit Court office for nine years. She was recently named chief deputy clerk...

A Monett woman was seriously injured in a single-vehicle wreck at 9:15 p.m. Saturday on Highway C about seven miles east of Purdy. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when the driver of a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix, Melissa Norman, 45, of Monett, ran off the highway and overturned...

The OACAC Head Start centers in Barry and Lawrence counties were recently awarded up to $750 from the Barry-Lawrence Area United Fund. The money will be used to purchase new materials for the classrooms and centers. "These funds are very important to each center, because it allows them to replace old broken toys as well as bring in new items that support the educational environment in each center," said Michelle Brinley, area supervisor. ...

Eddie Dummit has announced he is a candidate for northern commissioner of Barry County. Dummit ran for the Republican nomination in 2004 and 2008, narrowly losing both times to Frank Washburn, who subsequently served two terms. Washburn has announced he is running for state representative...

Purdy businessman Mike Bennett, a Republican, filed on Tuesday for the vacant 158th District seat in the Missouri House of Representatives. The district includes Barry County and portions of Stone and Lawrence counties. "I am filing for the 158th District because as a small business owner, I know what it's like to fight the burden of government regulations while trying to create jobs," said Bennett. ...

Several dozen area residents attended an open house event held at Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary on Saturday. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the new Barbara Williams Training Center and watch a training demonstration conducted by Tristan Jolivette...

Last week, nine months after a tornado devastated the city, the Joplin City Council approved major changes in its policies regarding activation and testing of storm sirens. The city's storm sirens will be upgraded to allow for silent testing and the ability to activate sirens individually or in groups. ...

Rep. David Sater, a Republican, filed on Tuesday for the Missouri's 29th District Senate seat. Sater is seeking the seat that will be vacated by Jack Goodman at the end of this year due to term limits. "I am running for the Missouri State Senate because as a father, husband, common sense conservative Christian and small business owner for 30 years, I can take those values to the Missouri State Senate and help our state become a leader instead of a follower," said Sater. ...

Another name has entered the race for Missouri's 29th District Senate seat. Jim Strafuss, Taney County commissioner, filed Tuesday to be placed on the ballot for Aug. 7 Republican primary election Strafuss is seeking the seat currently held by Jack Goodman who will leave office at the end of this year due to term limits...

On Friday, Tractor Supply Company hosted a special "soft" opening event to welcome area community members to the new store, which is located on Old Exeter Road in the old True Value Hardware building. Robin Hensley, store manager, Richard Murphy, assistant store manager, and other members of the Tractor Supply Company Cassville store staff greeted those who attended the special event. Staff members were available to offer customer service throughout the three-hour celebration...

Absentee voting for the April 3 general municipal election will continue through Monday, April 2. Absentee voting hours will be offered at the Barry County Clerk's office in Cassville from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voters must present one form of identification, such as a driver's license or a voter registration card...