Barry County
Hall retiring from Southwest after 45 years
Southwest Elementary School Secretary Debbie Hall is retiring this year after 45 years of service to Southwest school district. She started working in the elementary cafeteria when her own children were in elementary school, later moving into the position of elementary secretary. Hall has watched many children go through Southwest Elementary School. She has seen them become parents and grandparents to the students currently attending Southwest schools. She has taken great pride in knowing the families and loving them without judgement or criticism. “Hall has been a priceless asset to the school and will be truly missed,” a school press release said. “Her presence in the community will be known forever.” People may visit the school to take a picture with Hall, share a memory or wish her a happy retirement between now and the end of summer school. Cards may be mailed to: Debbie Hall, 529 E. Pineville Rd., Washburn, MO 65772. Contributed photo
Jeremiah Buntin: Cassville’s 180
Back in 1995, Senator Emory Melton published the book “The First Hundred 150 Years in Cassville, Missouri” coinciding with the town’s sesquicentennial celebration.
Southwest qualifies 4 events to sectionals
Led by junior Tobi Smith and freshman Sidney Roe, the Southwest High School advanced from District to Sectional in four events at the Class 2, District 6 Track Meet at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. The team advanced in the boys 4x800 relays, with Smith, Braydan Rose, Victor Tellez and Brody Osborne finishing second to Stockton with a time of 9:05. Smith also qualified in the 2-mile placing 4th. Roe advanced in both the mile and 2-mile, finishing runner-up in both events. The Trojans also finished fifth in three other events (300 hurdles, high jump, and 4x400 relay) and narrowly missed advancing other athletes.
District seeds delivered
Five Barry County baseball teams will compete in three district tournaments this week and next, one of which is being hosted by Purdy.
Run raises funds for women battling cancer
Emily Brooks, left, 15, accepts a medal from her mother, April Brooks, left middle, as her sister Hannah Brooks, right middle, 12 and grandmother, Carol Griffin, congratulate her for completing her race at the Power of Pink's event on Saturday morning at the Wheaton City Park.
Purdy students Shine at MSSU Media Showcase
Students taking classes in business technology, multimedia, and yearbook were invited to submit their work to the annual Southern Media Showcase hosted by Missouri Southern State University on April 16. This competition draws students from large schools all over Southwest Missouri, including Joplin, Webb City, Carthage and Nixa.
Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, May 14
Max West is an animated guy who arrived with his sister, Vlad, after their lifelong owner passed away. Max is a tan colored labrador and weighs 63 pounds. Max would love to find his forever home soon. He does get along with other dogs, but a slow introduction would be important. Max is 9-1/2 years old and would love to spend his senior years in a loving home. Max loves to play with toys and is very energetic for his age. He loves attention, belly rubs, eating and observing things around him. He is house trained but needs frequent potty breaks.
Through The Years, May 14
30 YEARS AGO: GARDENING IN THE SUN — It’s been difficult recently to find a full day of sunshine in which gardeners could practice their favorite involvement.
Michelle Hilburn: Reading recommendations for post-graduation
Graduation season is here, and as the parent of a senior, it’s not just a milestone for my son — it marks a transition for my husband and me as well.
