Stories from Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Elizabeth C. Schaar, 86, of Cassville, passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at her home. She was born April 3, 1934, in Federal Dam, Minn., the daughter of Anthony “Tony” and Mary C. (Gmyrek) Krawczyk, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were one son, Thomas Garnatz; three sisters, Angeline Starling, Frances Westling and Agnes Margorie Didricksen; a stepdaughter, Malia Cornwell and one granddaughter...

Jessie Dean Swadley, 70, of Aurora, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at his daughter’s home. He was born on Jan. 3, 1950, in Aurora, the son of Oneas Andrew and Lenna Doris (Boyd) Swadley. He was a 1968 graduate of Aurora High School. He worked for MWM Dexter in Aurora for 28 years and then help start Ozark Printing Company in Ozark...

Ruth Lucille (Birdsall) Vollenweider, age 106, of Cassville, Missouri, peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2020, in her home. She was born August 19, 1913, in Vale, Oregon, the daughter of William E. and Iona A. (Hill) Birdsall. On October 9, 1936, in Dallas, Texas, she was united in marriage to Fred James Vollenweider, who preceded her in death on October 15, 1990. ...

Harold Herbert “Doc” Watson, Jr., 67, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, at his home in Eagle Rock. He was born May 27, 1953, in Memphis, Tenn., the son of Harold Herbert Watson, Sr., and Dorothy (Barnes) Watson. On Nov. 9, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nev., he was united in marriage to Julie Amon, who survives...

I love election day. Whether it’s municipal, primary or general elections, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation in the newsroom waiting for results to begin rolling in. From the time polls close at 7 p.m. to the time we get results, usually between 8:30-9 p.m., it’s usually a waiting game — but not on Tuesday...

Back in the days that some folks called the Great Depression there was a job shortage much as exists today. There were millions out of work, and money was short everywhere. The economy then was a worry on everyone’s mind, just as it is these days with unemployment applications running in the millions daily...

Area photographer Chuck Nickle worked with athletes from football teams on Tuesday for the Gridiron Guide magazine cover shot.

Young anglers will have opportunities to fish for free at Kids’ Fishing Day, Aug. 15 at Roaring River State Park. This event is co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Kids’ Fishing Day will be held from 7 a.m. ...

It has been said that you never know how much you’ll miss something until it’s gone. Coaches often used this illustration and usually tie it to their senior players as a way for them to reflect on their final prep season. It serves as a reminder to cling to memories and to be sure you leave a lasting — and hopefully positive — impression...

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors met virtually on Tuesday to discuss schools’ eligibility options for the upcoming fall sports season. Among the topics discussed were granting relief of two by-laws and a Board Policy; granting relief of the MSHSAA Constitution allowing schools not meeting in-person to participate in MSHSAA activities; allowing virtual competitions in activities with the technological capabilities and modifying the release date for Fall Classification and District Assignments, and other topics.. ...

Earning a spot on Drury University's Dean's List is a significant accomplishment; it means a student earned a grade point average of 3.6 or greater (on a 4-point scale) while carrying a full-time course load of 12 or more semester hours at Drury, a top Midwestern university, according to US News & World Report...

The Central Crossing Senior Center offered a pick-up-and-go Reuben sandwich lunch on Friday as a way to break the monotony of its day-to-day existence during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were thrilled to see so many of our seniors come out to chat a moment while they waited for their meal,” a press release following the event said. “About 150 Reubens were distributed between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The sandwiches were served with chips and a sugar cookie. More specials are in the planning stage.”...

Who hasn’t heard of Mother Teresa? The Woman of Calcutta became a legendary Christian figure. We applaud her for her generous work with orphaned children, widows, and lepers. She was constantly on the move, helping wherever she could. She fought tirelessly for the underprivileged...

Meet Ursula, the Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week. Ursula is just about the sweetest girl ever.

A Stuff the Bus school supply drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Body of Christ Ministries in Wheaton. Supplies and donations for area students will be accepted. Registrations for supplies will also be held at this time Cassville High School will be purging the cumulative school records for the graduating class of 2015. ...

Dianne Hermann, of Joplin, places a bid during the Habitat for Humanity of South Barry County silent auction and bingo event Saturday at the Family Life Center.

The Cassville school district took a photo of its new teachers hired this year, introducing them to the public.

Shipped Straight to Us on the Frisco! The Purdy Eagle family is delighted to welcome 10 new staff members to the Nest as we enter the 2020-2021 school year.

On March 16, the Cassville Senior Center made the difficult decision to close its doors to the public. Due to the high risk of the people seen on a daily basis, COVID-19 is a real risk for those who most frequent the center. Kristina Atwood, Cassville Senior Center regional lead, said the center is closed to the public, but they are still working every day to provide meals to seniors...

The Purdy school district is enrolling students in Kindergarten through 12th grades, that are new to the district, through Friday by appointment only. Parents or guardians should call Susan Funkhouser at 417-442-3216, extension 1282, to schedule an enrollment appointment...

Purdy school board members approved replacing an older bus with a new International 64-passenger unit that is wheelchair accessible. “It comes from Midwest Transit Equipment in Nixa, so it will be close for repairs, if necessary,” said Mindi Gates, superintendent. “We have student that can benefit from the wheelchair accessibility.”...

A rural Verona man is facing four felonies, including attempted murder, after allegedly assaulting, then shooting a shotgun at two people on his property on Aug. 2. Tommy Summers, 45, of rural Verona, is charged with first-degree domestic assault, first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action...

The city of Cassville is starting a pollinator garden at the south end of the Greenway Trail, east of the softball fields, to bring beauty, educational resources and new growth of indigenous plants to the community. David Brock, Cassville public works director, said the 2,000-square-foot project will begin in September, with hopes of having fall plants in bloom shortly after completion...

As the 2020-2021 school year approaches, there have been many changes made in the Wheaton school district. Lance Massey has retired from his position as superintendent and Trish Wilson, former elementary principal, has taken over Massey’s position as superintendent. Jordan McFall will be the new face as the district’s new elementary principal...

Between May 11 and July 21, Four States Flooring Company had been working daily on the Wheaton school district’s new gym floor. Trish Wilson, Wheaton superintendent, said the floor itself is completed, but there are still some transitions that need to go in...

Last year the Phillips brothers of Exeter brought their community The Depot Auto Show in hopes to start a community tradition. This year they continue that tradition with the second year of trophies, cars and music. Kenneth Phillip, organizer and host of The Depot Auto Show 2020, said this year’s event will be on Saturday from 1-6 p.m. on Front Street in Exeter...

Barry County’s Primary Election on Tuesday saw a large turnout, with 7,787 of the total 20,962 registered voters casting ballots, a 37.2 percent showing. The election has a touch more voters than the 2016 primary, which saw six Republican candidates running for sheriff. That 2016 election, with a 35.5 percent turnout, was the third-highest in the last 30 years...

A former Cassville choir teacher has been welcomed back to the district as the new band director. Micah Boise, served the district for two years, from 2016-2018, then he moved on to a local church to serve as a youth minister for two more years. “I was officially hired on as the band director July 12, 2020,” he said. “My professional experience is in band as a percussion performance major.”...

The number of new COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases each week in Barry County is beginning to plateau, and county officials are hoping for them to begin to fall in coming weeks. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 256 (+24) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

The Barry County Health Department has released details concerning the county’s fourth death related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). An 86-year-old male patient of a congregate home with multiple underlying health issues has died. Health Department and Emergency Management officials wish to offer their sincerest condolences to the family and friends on their loss...