Barry County

Conference double!
The Southwest middle school track and field teams turned in a season to be remembered this spring.
Scoreboard, May 21
The Cassville 4x100 relay team has qualified to the Class 3 State Championship. The team of Mace Bredeson, Kyle Bailey, Kamden Beebe and Jacob Walker turned in a time of 43.82 to take 4th place at the Class 3, Sectional 3 on Saturday.

Through the Years, May 21
30 YEARS AGO: Breaking ground for the original plant of 150,000 square feet came on a late summer day in a former hay field. In the photo above, officials at the time included: Morris Castleberry, plant manager; mayor Bill Le Compte; Bill Wiley, IDC chairman; Richard Gysel, FASCO division vice-president; Bob Mitchell, Chamber of Commerce president; and Pete Weis, Missouri FASCO Vice-President.

Lynn Hilburn: The story of land in early America and early Missouri
Over the next few weeks and months, I am going to endeavour to tell the history of Southwest Missouri and Barry County. I realize that Emory Melton and others have done an excellent job of laying out of the history and development of Barry County, but I would like to provide a summary what I think is interesting and important.

Exeter, Wheaton seniors turn tassels
Exeter Valedictorian Biaktha Hnem delivers her address at the high school’s graduation on Friday.
News Briefs, May 21
Consumer confidence report for Cassville water system now available

35 celebrate commencement in Purdy
Purdy graduate Will Henderson sprays silly string with a smile as he takes in the moment of celebration after graduating Saturday. A total of 35 Purdy seniors turned their tassels at the commencement ceremony. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Reading innovation drives Purdy success
Program in third year boosting student achievement
Barry County Youth Camp Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Donation-funded summer camp for children in need hosting Alumni Dinner

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