Barry County
Through the Years, June 19
50 YEARS AGO: THERE’S DOLLARS IN THOSE SWATHS — This business end view of a combine in action on the Keen farm near Exeter is typical of action these days in Barry County as farmers harvest a valuable fescue seed crop. Operator of the machine is Bob Lauderdale. Worth Keen, co-owner of the operation, speculates this year’s crop on this land is about usual, since recommended fertilizer and grass care was followed in pre-season programs.
Roaring River State Park buffeted by May 26 windstorm
While most residents in Cassville were caught by surprise by the overnight May 26 windstorm that swept through town, personnel at Roaring River State Park were forewarned, said Interim Superintendent Mike Busekrus. The wee hours of Sunday, May 26, could be considered a trial by fire for Busekrus, who took up the reins of park management in March after the superintendent position was vacated by Melinda Kitchens.
Woman charged with theft from board
An Exeter woman is facing a felony theft charge after allegedly stealing more than $9,000 from a community board on which she served. Chelsea Ball, of Exeter, is charged with felony stealing of $750 or more.
3 Southwest seniors awarded Hagan Scholarship
Three Southwest High School Class of 2024 graduates will avoid student debt in coming years, as each has been awarded the Hagan Scholarship, worth up to $60,000 over four years. Scholarships were awarded to Lilly Wolf, who is planning to attend the University of Idaho to study Wildlife Resource Management; Faith Outhouse, who is planning to attend Missouri State University to study Nursing; and Kameron Kelley, who is planning to attend Drury University to study Architecture.
Roaring River concessions to be open year-round
Along with the welcome news that storm sirens are scheduled for installation in the campgrounds and near the lodge, attendees at Roaring River State Park’s annual public meeting on June 6 learned that concessions at the park will be open year-round, including the park store, the restaurant and lodging. The concessions are now operated by ExploreUS, a national company that submitted the winning bid after previous concessionaires, Jim and Carmen Rogers, declined to apply for a new contract.
Randy Kalbaugh: Sheriff Questionnaire 1 (Law Enforcement)
I plan on getting a Barry County Drug Task Force. Two deputies who want to work undercover 40 hours or more a week to significantly decrease the drug problem in Barry County.
James Morgan: Sheriff Questionnaire 1 (Law Enforcement)
The best way to address the drug problem in Barry County will be to create a narcotics unit. Many of Barry County’s crimes are committed because of the drug epidemic. Right now, meth and fentanyl are running rampant through many of our communities and have gone unchecked for far too long. If elected I would immediately begin working to create a selfsufficient narcotics unit. I will look at adding canine teams to our department to help deter drug trafficking into and around Barry County. I would like to have quarterly meeting with surrounding law enforcement agencies to discuss criminal investigations, new trends in criminal behaviors and to build strong working relationships with all Barry County law enforcement to not only stop the drug problem but to stop the thefts in our county too.
Danny Boyd: Sheriff Questionnaire 1 (Law Enforcement)
Drugs are a continuous problem, it is a daily fight for law enforcement in every county, not just Barry County. My deputies encounter drugs every day, we continually look for drugs, take drug tips from concerned citizens on our tips hotline which is monitored every day as well as work closely with our local drug task force and other agencies to combat the problem.
News Briefs, June 19
The Purdy Alumni Association will meet on June 29 at 6 p.m. at the Purdy school cafeteria.
RECOVERVILLE SERIES: Locals recovering after trees damage homes, property
Locals recovering after trees damage homes, property Cassville resident Morgan Williams says she was never afraid of storms before, but that changed after the May 26 windstorm that snuck up on Cassville residents in the wee hours of the morning. Williams, her husband Trevor, and the couple’s two teenage sons — who live in the Sherwood Forest addition on the north side of Cassville — were asleep when the storm rolled into town around 3 a.m.
