Stories from Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Earl A. Adams, of Cassville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior early Saturday morning, June 27, 2020, at the age of 81. Earl was born to Earl Harry and Gwen Dolynn (Marsh) Adams on October 17, 1938, in Hollister, California. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Beverly Harris and Lonna Edens. ...

About 30 years ago, on Christmas day, my family went to my aunt and uncle’s to visit. There, attached to the color television, was a gray box. It had a four-inch door and cartridges could be slid in one at a time and the items contained on these magic pieces of plastic were operated by a pair of controllers. ...

Donald G. Buck, 88, of Wheaton, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at his home. He was born Feb. 5, 1932, in Tulsa, Okla., the son of Edward Lane and Marybelle (Smallwood) Buck. On Jan. 6, 1957, he was united in marriage to Virginia Robinson. She preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 1998. Also preceding him in death were his parents; five brothers and one sister, Cliff, Ella, E.L., Joe, Bob and Richard...

Danny Joe Conner, 68, of Cassville, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020, at his home. He was born July 29, 1951 in Hohenwald, Tenn., the son of Austin Commercial and Odell Birdie (Kilpatrick) Conner. On Feb. 13, 1982, in Reno, Nev. he was united in marriage to Betty Poppy, who survives...

Robert “Bob” Lewis, 75, passed away on June 21, 2020, at his home in Shell Knob. He was born Oct. 12, 1944, in Neosho, the son of Robert Delmer and Virgie (Davenport) Lewis. In 1966, he married Carolyn Weaver; she survives. Additional survivors include: two daughters and their husbands, Kim and Matt Nebel of La Vista, Neb., and Michele “Mitch” and Jeff Brown of Jacksboro, Texas; and eight grandchildren...

Lester Byron Ruble, 74, of Clever peacefully passed away at home on June 26, 2020. Lester is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Peggy (Schwab) Ruble, his son Kenneth Ruble and wife Julie, his daughter Jennifer Ruble and his grandchildren. Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Ruth (Davis) Ruble, and his siblings: Catherine Walters, Mary Layton, James (Cockman) Ruble and Terry Ruble...

Donald E. “Donnie” Stephens, 77, of Cassville, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Roaring River Health and Rehabilitation. He was born Sept. 5, 1942, in Stella, the son of Leon and Mary Ruth (Prewitt) Stephens, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, James Stephens; and an infant brother; and a sister-in-law, Donna Stephens...

Tou Chao Thao, 80, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020, after suffering a sudden heart attack. He was born on Aug. 12, 1939, in Thooj Pha, Laos. His parents are Chong Neng Thao and Va Xiong. He has an older brother Chai Cha Thao (Laos) and four sisters: Ye Thao (Laos), Bee Thao (Laos), Mai Thao (Laos), and Kaying Thao (Merced, Calif.)...

Independence Day 2020 is this Saturday, but will it be a new experience for Americans of all walks of life? Under the coronavirus restrictions being wisely observed by residents of our 50 states who care about the health and welfare of themselves, their families and friends, there will be many happenings, observances and normal holiday events that will not and should not be around...

High school sports fans across the state will see an expansion of classes this season, thanks to the passage of a 2018 amendment by a 376-51 vote, to the bylaws of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). Those changes to the way classes are determined will cause 10 MSHSAA sports to add more classes this year which will mean more championship opportunities...

Robert Preddy took First Place in the state competition for Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG).

Meet Shaz, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week.

In preparing for Independence Day, I re-read the “Declaration of Independence” at www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration. Like you, I love America and pray for her. I am a patriot. I put my hand over my heart and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. I stand and sing the National Anthem. I often pray for our elected officials...

Lavelle Beeson retired from Able 2 Products Company after 40 years of service.

Absentee voting continues for the Aug. 4 Primary Election through Monday, Aug. 3 at the Barry County Clerk’s Office in Cassville from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If unable to vote absentee in person, voters may request an absentee ballot to be mailed. People may pick up an absentee ballot request form at the Monett Chamber of Commerce, or send a written request to the office of: Jill H. ...

The vintage wing is looking more modern by the day as the exterior of the building is now seeing significant renovations.

The Flyin Buzzards played a selection of songs Friday night at Roaring River State Park during Bluegrass Nights at the Park.

The Cassville prom, organized by parents, was held on Saturday at the Stumpff Event Center in Cassville.

The city of Seligman has been working on a $2.6 million water system project, and over the last two years, the water rate increases have gone up $5 per year in hopes to collect an estimated $572,000 for the project. However, the sewer rate increases will not be so steep. Starting in July, the base sewer rate will increase by 50 cents...

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in both Barry and Lawrence counties and surrounding areas, and in order to better protect our staff and patrons, the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library System is requiring that all patrons that enter facilities wear a mask...

Each county in the state of Missouri has a handful of things to be proud of that show what kind of community it is. In Barry County, one of those things is Roaring River State Park, where a lifetime of traditions and memories have been formed. According to a press release from The State Historical Society of Missouri, since the pioneer days of the American Midwest, quilts have been a cornerstone of Missouri culture, fashion and tradition...

One of the best things about living and working in a small community are the relationships built over years spent together. Many people know the name Reta Voelker, and over the 50 years she has spent involved in Barry County offices, many are wishing her well as she prepares to retire...

A local woman, business owner and doctor who took her medical diagnosis into her own hands has gone on an amazing year-long journey toward recovery. Dr. Lisa Roark, MD, owner of Roark Family Health and Medical Spa and the Cassville Dispensary, began to notice health concerns in January 2019...

A Washburn child died recently after getting into an above-ground swimming pool when unable to swim. Gary Davis, Barry County sheriff, said on June 25 at about 10:40 a.m., deputies were called to a home in the 5800 area of Highway 90 in Washburn for a possible child drowning...

Joe Daniel Shipman, 75, of Monett, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2020. He was born on Sept. 29, 1944, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Artus and Martha Shipman. He received his bachelor’s degrees in education and chemistry from Southwest Missouri University in Springfield. ...

Una Marie Henderson, age 89, of Jenkins, passed away peacefully Monday, June 29, 2020, at her home surrounded by her children, Gary and Susie, along with Laurie, Gary’s wife, and granddaughters, Noelle and Jill and a very close friend Sue Fare. She was born March 10, 1931, in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Sam D. ...

Jimmie Dale “Jim” Fohn, age 71, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away Monday, June 29, 2020, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri. He was born February 19, 1949, in Lebanon, Missouri, the son of Dale and Nina Ruth (Forgey) Fohn. On December 30, 1969, he was united in marriage to Janice Slaughter, who survives. ...

Dr. Robin Trotman is addressing COVID-19 myths and information regarding the virus...