Cassville
Savage succeeds Coach V at Cassville
A Barry County native who returned to the area recently is taking over the Cassville softball program this fall, succeeding Coach Lori Videmschek and inheriting a Lady Wildcats team fresh off its first ever district championship. Jordan Savage, a 2012 Southwest graduate, attended and played baseball at Mineral Area Community College and Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.), then student-taught at Purdy under Eagles Baseball Coach Joshua Hughes.

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 .

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.

Bill Hodgson: Developments and Independence Day
I was happy to read the Guest View article, “American Insights: The right to resist” in the Cassville Democrat last week, outlining from a faith background, the history of how our nation’s founders reached conclusion that resisting tyranny can be reconciled with passages about respecting governing authorities.

$23K grant aids Life Change efforts
Life Change of SWMO in Cassville recently received a significant monetary boost to its efforts in the area, a $23,000 check from Mercy Health Foundation. Derek Cornelius, Life Change director, said the donation, which represents more than a third of Life Change’s annual budget, will be put to use across the array of the organization’s offerings, including child care and the new mechanics and low-cost vehicle program.
News Briefs, July 3
The Barry County Democratic Committee will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, July 9th at 6pm at the Cassville Branch Library, located at 301 W. 17th St.

Tale as old as time told in Cassville
Townsfolk celebrate Gaston, front, played by Carson Burt, in the Cassville Arts Council production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Cassville Boots, Badges & Bandages Blood Drive to unite area First Responders July 2
First responders from Cassville are uniting with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, plasma, and platelets to patients at more than 40 area healthcare facilities, for an inaugural Cassville Boots, Badges and Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive.
Community painting Portrait of a Graduate
Program aims to improve student outcomes in schools A collaborative effort between five Barry County school districts is attempting to improve student outcomes, and the project is asking for the community’s help. Traci Mitchell, Cassville assistant superintendent, said the Portrait of a Graduate (POG) work, which ties to district improvement plans and has been shown to improve student outcomes, reflects the county’s agreed upon competencies necessary for students to be effective and successful mem- bers of the community.

A sight to be ‘scene’
Northbound drivers on Main Street in Cassville have a new scene to sight as they travel into downtown Cassville. The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the completion of a vibrant new mural that now adorns the south side of the Cassville Democrat building.