Barry County
RECOVERVILLE SERIES: Shining a light on linemen
Would you prioritize work if multiple trees had fallen on your home, or you were about to leave on a mission trip, or you had a newborn in the NICU? On the week of May 26, three linemen did just that.
RECOVERVILLE SERIES: Downburst delivered wind damage
The National Weather Service and Barry County Office of Emergency Management have determined a downburst over Cassville to be the cause of an estimated $5 million in infrastructure damage and the county to pursuing federal disaster declaration funds for individuals. According to a National Weather Service (NWS) survey, while no tornadic rotation was observed on radar, a wide swath of damaging wind gusts at least 70-80 miles per hour swept through Wheaton to the Cassville, Shell Knob and Eagle Rock areas.
RECOVERVILLE SERIES: Resources for storm recovery available locally
Cassville Food Pantry Director Janet Mills said she panicked when the power went off during the overnight May 26 storm in Cassville. “I had five freezers full of perishable food – a total of about 1,500 pounds,” she said.

Trojans trudge through .500 season
Finishing at exactly .500, the Southwest baseball team had many highlights this season, but one-run games and untimely hitting hampered the Trojans through the spring. Derek Mann, Southwest baseball coach, said while the team ultimately fell short of its goals, it was able to accomplish plenty at 14-14.
RECOVERVILLE SERIES: Red Cross’ impact felt in Cassville
From Oklahoma to Texas and Arkansas through south central Missouri, the American Red Cross has has a busy last two weeks. Kim Mailes, public affairs manager for Disaster Relief Operation-811, said immediately after the storms that spawned tornadoes in Arkansas and a heavy windstorm in Cassville, the Red Cross got to work.

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week
Eleanor needs a human hero! She is very sweet and gentle and does great with other dogs. She is possibly a lab/ pit mix. She is black and white with some brown on her face, and the white patch above her nose is just the cutest. Her date of birth is estimated as Jan. 15, 2024.

Family history specialist serves across the country while remaining home
James Ray Schad, of Purdy, was recently set apart as an elder and senior service missionary for the Arkansas Bentonville Mission, VROC Grand Canyon Virtual Operations Center, where he will be helping people across the country with their family trees by indexing old historical records. Schad is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and a 2015 graduate of Purdy High School.

First State Bank celebrates 85 years
Randy Henderson, with First State Bank director, cuts the ribbon on the renovated Purdy location in celebration of the bank’s 85th anniversary.

Lady Trojans testing IQ
Going 9-13 this season, the Southwest softball team consistently worked on one major goal — testing its IQ. Emily Snyder, Lady Trojans softball coach, said the team this season achieved some team goals and missed some others.

RECOVERVILLE SERIES: Kyle Troutman: Recap of the aftermath
Driving around Cassville the morning of May 26, about five hours after a severe storm and in traffic nearly as thick as Saturday’s Memories Cruise, I thought I was witnessing the worst storm damage Cassville had seen in a long time.