Community

Emergency vehicles explored!
Hadley Veith, left, 4, of Purdy, excitedly receives a temporary tattoo from Jenna Crim after having her face painted during the Community Care Coalition and Cassville Branch Library’s 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck event on Thursday. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Elderberries, seed-saving, Japanese Maples topics at Master Gardeners’ event
Barry County Master Gardeners will host their annual fall garden workshop on Sept. 21 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, located at 602 West St. in Cassville Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:20 a.m. The workshop will feature local venders, plants for sale, door prizes, and food and refreshments. There will also be three presenters with interesting topics.

Grandparents deliver delight
Mary Collins, left, enjoys a hug from grandson Carter Collins after taking a selfie on Grandparents Day at Cassville Primary School on Friday.

Truck & Tractor Pull benefits Shrine
For the fifth consecutive year, the Stumpff Family Event Center has donated 10% of the gate proceeds from the Barry County Truck & Tractor Pull to the Shell Knob Shrine. All funds donated go to the children’s burn center and patient travel expenses. Organizers Donnie and Teresa Stumpff thank the event’s attendees, participants and sponsors.

Janet Mills: Gifts of the car wave hello
Since the earliest days of human history, our neighbors have shaped our lives in profound ways. It’s difficult to find true purpose if we can’t first create a sense of peace with the people around us.
Sales tax revenues drop in August
The generally predictable summer slump in sales tax revenues surfaced in August as income to Barry County cities and county governments dipped overall by 5% from a year ago. Barry County’s seven cities collecting sales tax took in $812,010.58 in August, down 3% from a year ago.
News Briefs, Sept. 4
A local organization is gauging interest in a downtown facade project, looking for property owners in the downtown area interested in restoring the historic facades and possibly neon signage to their buildings. Those interested may submit their contact information to the Cassville Democrat at 417-847-2610, or by email at ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com.

Jon Horner: Flying with faith into uncharted territory
School has started for so many kiddos and school staff in our communities. This brings excitement and also unchartered waters for many as they are about to open a new door in their life, whether it’s kids or school staff.
Federal disaster assistance near $1 million in first 10 days
FEMA completing on-site assessments for individuals affected by May storms In the first 10 days since President Joe Biden authorized federal disaster assistance for the state of Missouri, FEMA approved $903,720 dollars for 158 eligible individuals and households affected by May 19-27 storms. This money is in the form of grants that can help pay for eligible, disaster-related costs associated with a temporary place to stay, minimal home repairs and/or other serious needs not covered by insurance or other programs.
Pullin’ for the People returns
A charity tractor pull held in 2023 is getting new life this year, returning to the Stumpff Family Event Center this month with a new name and new individual the event will benefit. The 2nd Annual Pullin’ for the People tractor pull is set for Aug.