Barry County

Weathering the weather
Storm season is upon us. As I pen this piece on Tuesday morning, we are in between lines of thunderstorms, and two tornado warnings had been issued in Lawrence County in the last hour — and I literally just had to stop typing this to post a storm damage report in Monett at Highways 37 and 60 and in South Park.

Dye-tracing scientists present findings
A five-year project to delineate Roaring River Spring’s recharge area is complete. Ben Miller, hydrologist and Cave Research Foundation (CRF) volunteer, was at the Emory Melton Inn and
Conference Center in Roaring River State Park on April 18, where he presented information about the study, which he and co-CRF volunteer, Robert “Bob” Lerch completed in late 2023.
Hall Theatre tied up in debts
More than $340K owed in deeds, taxes, judgements

Cooking up a win
Purdy High School took home first place at Missouri State University’s annual Culinary Showdown on April 4, where students from across Missouri competed in a fast-paced culinary challenge that tested creativity, teamwork and technical skills.

Through the Years, April 30
40 YEARS AGO: FOR ALL TO SEE — A mother Robin built her nest on the edge of Cassville for all passing the four-way east of town to see. Installed last week, the nesting bird didn’t seem concerned about passing traffic, even the breezes often generated by large trucks. Perched atop a road sign just south of the intersection, the bird remains in place this week, going about the business of getting her eggs hatched.

Jig On the Water, April 27
Roaring River is running at 152 CFS, much better now, but is still very murky. Powerbait is still catching lots of trout. We are using 1/4-ounce egg sinkers to keep the bait on the bottom.

3 years, one diploma
Exeter High School student Biaktha Hnem, daughter of Biak Cung and Biak Sung, has squeezed four years of instruction into a three-year career and will walk with the Class of 2025 during graduation ceremonies on May 16.

County schools collaborate to strengthen workforce development
In an effort to evaluate current job skills and strengthen workforce development in the community, educators, parents, employers, alumni, students and community members across Barry County have come together to discuss how best to prepare graduates for a successful future.

Greg Armstrong: Channeling the heroism of Jerusalem wall-builder Nehemiah
Have you ever told someone, “You should be more like Nehemiah!” Maybe you should start!
Trojans charging way through challenging season
After three seasons at .500 or better, the Southwest baseball team has found wins tough to come by in 2025, as it is rebuilding after graduating seven seniors last year.