Cassville
Sales tax revenues up in ‘24
Despite December sales tax distributions falling 3% below a year ago, reports from Barry County cities and county government entities showed widespread gains over 2023, though some reflected very small revenue increases. Totals for 2024, compared to income before the COVID-19 pandemic surge in local shopping, show how sales and use tax now completely power local government operations.
Man charged after chase into McDonald County
An Aurora man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing authorities for nearly 30 minutes into McDonald County. Cody Lowe, born 1990, of Aurora, is charged with felony resisting arrest.
Cassville Firefighter’s Auxiliary forming soon
The Cassville Firefighter’s Auxiliary has announced the upcoming formation of its organization, dedicated to supporting the Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District and enhancing the safety and well being of the community.
Cassville seeking input on projects
The City of Cassville, with assistance from the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments, will hold three consecutive public hearings on Tuesday to discuss the city’s submission of applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mitigation (MIT) Program to assist the community in implementation of three potential projects to improve infrastructure and enhance critical facility operations during and after disasters. The meetings will be held at 5 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
News Briefs, Jan. 8
The Barry County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Cassville.

Top 10 news stories of 2024
The Top 10 news stories of 2024 include the May 26 windstorm and Sheriff Boyd's reelection.

Through the Years, Jan. 1
30 years ago December 28 1994 — WELLS SIGNS OPEN SHOP PACT; PLANNING EXPANSION Wells Aluminum Inc., with manufacturing plants in Cassville and Monett has signed a one year contract…

$16K raised for Share Your Christmas
Jill LeCompte, left, accepts a check for $16,686.53 on behalf of Share Your Christmas, a service of the ozark Area Action Corporation’s Barry County Neighborhood Center. This year, Share your Christmas provided gifts to 100 families and 315 children. Joei Blankenship, right, and Will Finch, were named Miss and Mr. Merry Christmas at Cassville High School for raising the most donations to the cause.

Jon Horner: A new chapter awaits
Here we are at the end of 2024. Now, we are getting ready to open the next page of our lives to a new chapter called 2025.

Kyle Troutman: 2024 in review
I’ve been pondering this piece for a few days, and every time I do, I land at the same question — where do I even begin? To say this year has been a whirlwind is an understatement. We started 2024 with a gleam in our eyes, coming off our first year of ownership of the Democrat where we enjoyed incredible support and success.