Barry County
OACAC program eligibility increased to 200% of poverty level
As of July 1, the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program can now serve households with an income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The previous allowable FPL for CSBG was 125%.

102 attend annual Youth Tour in D.C.
One hundred and two high school students participated in Missouri's 61st annual Missouri Electric Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., from June 14-20. Local delegates included Simon Gates and Bodee Rose from Cassville, and Saige Miller from Washburn, all sponsored by Barry Electric Cooperative.
Terry Family Fireworks show lights up Purdy
According to the Purdy Police Department, on July 3, one of the pyrotechnicians setting off the fireworks display at the Terry Family Fireworks Show in Purdy was seriously injured when the final mortar shell misfired, striking him in the shoulder. The technician was conscious and alert at the scene and was transported by ground ambulance to a trauma center in Springfield.
Multiple factors affect visitors, revenue at RRSP
Ozarks Region Deputy Director Carl Bonnell says he doesn’t put too much stock in visitor counts at individual Missouri state parks, perhaps because the revenue generated within parks represents the smaller fraction (25%) of the total revenue upon which the parks system budgets. The remaining 75% of operating and developmental expenses are covered by the constitutional, 1/10-cent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax, first approved by Missouri voters in 1984, and reapproved multiple times since then.

James Morgan: Sheriff Questionnaire 3 (Administration)
I am currently the Captain with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office which is an administrative role. I assist the sheriff with the budget and order vehicles for the department. I also attended the Sheriff’s Academy in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Danny Boyd: Sheriff Questionnaire 3 (Administration)
I have gained experience during the last three (3) years as Sheriff. For the first two (2) years of my term, I had two (2) budgets, a Sheriff’s Office and a Jail budget.

Randy Kalbaugh: Sheriff Questionnaire 3 (Administration)
It does not matter if the budget is $400 or 4 million. You figure what is needed and where it is needed and that is where the money gets spent. I do not plan on wasting the county’s money. I intend to be surrounded by knowledgeable staff who already have a lot of money management experience. Most work at Barry County Sheriff’s Office already. Being fiscally responsible is something I take very seriously.

Year in Photos — Cassville softball
Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2023-2024 athletics seasons. — KT .

Michelle Hilburn: Realizing the importance of science of reading strategies
As I enter my 19th year in education, I have experienced a number of shifts in the profession which include new strategies, new requirements, and new evidence to study. The most recent literacy education approach adapts learning strategies to align to the science of reading.

Through the Years, July 3
40 YEARS AGO: THEY’RE OFF AND RUNNING---There were obviously some crash landings in this group of older persons participating in a sack race at the Cassville July 4 observance. Divisions of all ages competed for silverdollar prizes offered by the American Legion. Crowds made their pick of contestants and cheered the choice in each event. Lige Frost was master of ceremonies for the event.