Barry County
President approves major disaster declaration
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Missouri to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from May 19-27.
DNR intends to deny 2 lagoon permits
Public comments being accepted through Sept. .9 The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) intends to deny operating permits for Denali Water Solutions’ Evans and Gideon lagoons, located in Newton and McDonald Counties, respectively.
PHOTOS: Sheriff candidates debate in Eagle Rock
About 125 people attended the Eagle Rock Community Association sheriff debate on Friday in Eagle Rock.
CFO opens 2024–2025 competitive grant programs
The first grant rounds from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for 2024-2025 are now open. The CFO’s annual competitive grant programs are supported by a nearly $5 million grantmaking budget — the largest in the foundation’s history.
Sidewalk improvements start next week
Drivers should watch for contractor crews making sidewalk improvements and working close to traffic in Purdy, Wheaton, Seligman and Cassville beginning the week of August 5, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. Improvements include improving drainage, making landings, crosswalks, pedestrian signs and relocating a pedestrian crossing and pavement markings conform to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Sales tax receipts strong in July
Barry County cities and the county government sales taxes showed gains in July, making up for incremental drops in June. The seven Barry County cities collecting sales tax received $792,242.85 in July, up 3 percent from a year ago and a 2 percent drop in June.

Trout Tales, July 31
I dug out my safety gear again this year for Saturday’s Ozarks Got Talent show at Zone 4 Mini Golf & More. There’s a fiery trend at this event, and I always say, “Safety first.”

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, July 31
Beverly and her sister, Fay, were abandoned on a country road. They are both Dachshund/Mixed Breed (Small). Fay is black and Beverly is brown. They are both very friendly girls. Haven staff think they would be best in a home together as a bonded pair. They were born around Jan. 6, 2023. Adopters can complete an adoption application at www.havenoftheozarks.org/adopt.

Through the Years, July 31
30 YEARS AGO: RIDERS DO THE PENNING — These three teams were among the E-Z Rider group providing pre-rodeo entertainment for the crowd Thursday through Saturday last week. The riding club also put together a Saturday parade for the event.

Sophomore Pilgrim Zee Brown tours state capitol
Exeter High School sophomore Zeanndrea (Zee) Brown was selected as the 2024 recipient of the Silver Leaf Benefit Club’s Sophomore Pilgrimage scholarship. Brown joined chosen high school sophomores from across the state in Jefferson City on the second Tuesday in April for a tour of government buildings and lunch with elected state officials.