Year In Review 2019, pt. 2
January 8, 2020
As 2019 draws to a close, the staff of the Barry County Advertiser hopes that you, your friends and your family have a healthy and prosperous new year, as well as a new decade, in 2020. In the meantime, here’s a look back at some of the top news items from 2019.
April
On April 2, the citizens of Barry County took to the polls to participate in the general municipal election.
Lance Eaton was elected the mayor of Exeter.
Both Cassville and Southwest school districts passed landmark bond agreements for the purposes of school improvement.
Cassville Police chief Dana Kammerlohr was appointed to the D.A.R.E. Executive Law Enforcement Advisory Board, a committee that sets standards for the program nationwide.
Exeter City Hall moved from their previous location to another facility, granting them dedicated offices for city officials and larger space in which to conduct municipal court.
Stephanie Heman was selected as the new vice principal for Monett High.
Edith, a Boston terrier belonging to Shell Knob resident Janice Swofford and trained by Angie Henderson, took the title of Select Bitch for her performance in the 2019 Westminster Dog Show.
Exeter High’s varsity academic team won first place in their district tournament on April 6.
The city of Cassville moved forward with $69k worth of roadwork, targeting a variety of roads in city limits in need of repair.
Local 911 director Mike Phillips was named Missouri 911 Dispatcher of the Year.
Severe storm and tornadic activity caused major property damage throughout Barry County, most notably destroying Southwest Auction Service, in Wheaton.
The South Barry County chapter of Habitat for Humanity hosted a fundraiser, featuring food, games and music, to benefit their building fund in order to continue constructing homes for families in need.
The newly minted Cassville girls’ soccer team went on a historic seven-game, 511-minute shutout streak, winning seven games in a row with no points scored by opponents.
May
CoxHealth, of Monett, broke ground on a new $42 million hospital. Set tentatively for completion by 2021, the hospital will feature larger facilities and expanded services for patients.
2019 Barry County valedictorians and salutatorians included: Reilly Nichols, valedictorian, and Shannon Haney, Jr., salutatorian, of Cassville; Jarrett Brattin, valedictorian and Jared Alverson, salutatorian, of Exeter; Hannah Reid, valedictorian, and Emma Harkey, salutatorian, of Purdy; Lane Cargile, valedictorian, and Lacey Reeves, salutatorian, of Southwest; and Kaylee Hutsell, valedictorian, and Rachel Lacey, salutatorian, of Wheaton.
Exeter’s varsity academic team travelled to Columbia, where they took first place in the MSHSAA State Scholar Bowl in Class I.
812 children were reported to have participated in Roaring River State Park’s annual Kid’s Fishing Day.
The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 12th Annual Golf Tournament. First place in the tournament was won by the team representing United Methodist Church, of Cassville. The team included Denny Wolf, Andy Lambel, Fred Wood and Les Lyons.
Barry County’s Drug Court received a nearly $2 million grant to expand service and access to the program across the county.
Cassville teacher Samantha Cosper was named Missouri Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences and Human Services’ (MoEFACS) Teacher of the Year.
June
Crowder College received a $130 donation toward their building efforts that began earlier in the year.
Monett-based door and window manufacturers Wintech opened up a new facility in Cassville.
Roark Family Health of Cassville expanded its services to accommodate medical marijuana patients.
Construction began on a new $1 million ambulance station to serve the town of Eagle Rock and the surrounding communities.
The Cassville Rodeo Club held their 77th Annual Rodeo at Bill Haley Arena.
On June 10, the Purdy High School Choir travelled to Carnegie Hall in New York City to perform as part of a multi-choir choral.
On June 22, the City of Butterfield hosted their first ever Tractor Pull event at Twister Alley Raceway. Funds from the event went to benefit the Butterfield Firefighters Auxiliary.
The City of Wheaton expanded their playground, replacing old structures and adding new attractions.
In order to settle a variety of building issues, the city of Seligman reestablished their zoning and planning committee.
The Barry County Fair was hosted by the Exeter Corn Maze, once again drawing competition from home and the surrounding counties.
Janice Varner stepped down from her position as the Barry County Collector after 16 years of service. She was succeeded by current collector Skylar Bowman.
The American Animal Hospital Association awarded Herrin Animal Hospital, of Cassville, its highest level of veterinary excellence.
Cassville School District buried a time capsule, set to be unearthed again in 150 years time.
Severe flooding on June 26 caused damage to multiple properties, prompting a wave of community togetherness from both citizens and private organizations in the cleanup efforts.
July
Roaring River State Park announced several major changes to the park, including a pilot program for park-wide wifi and renovations to the park pool and stone work, among others.
Crowder College announced a partnership with Drury University, of Springfield, allowing the college to offer two new degree programs and a variety of specialized classes.
Students of the First Baptist Church of Cassville’s summer camp program, Camp SPARK, donated $2,300 to OACAC to assist in flood cleanup efforts.
President of the South Barry County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, David Hermann, of Cassville, and his sister, Dianne Hermann, of Joplin, were honored for their military service with an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
The Cassville Arts Council put on their inaugural performance, taking their production of the comedic operetta Pirates of Penzance.
Purdy High School FBLA member Shana Whisman took second place in the FBLA National Client Service competition in San Antonio, Tex.
Barry County resident Skyler Bowman was sworn in to replace Janice Varner as the Barry County Collector.
Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe visited Roaring River State Park on July 23 to cook pancakes for constituents and talk with them about issues.
Dan Musgrove was appointed as west ward alderman for the city of Purdy after former alderman Austin Hammond stepped down due to personal reasons.
Exeter officer Willie Stephens was appointed the city’s chief of police.
A year after tax levies were established to benefit the department, the Central Crossing Fire Department completed renovations to their station. The new renovations allow the department to have a 24-hour, fully-staffed stationed facility to serve the area.
Construction wrapped on a new concession stand, complete with expanded restrooms and food storage, at Wildcat Stadium in Cassville.
The Purdy High School Class of 1964 hosted their 55th reunion.
Cassville R-IV School District wrapped construction on new storm drains to cut down flooding on streets in front of Eunice Thomas Elementary.
As 2019 draws to a close, the staff of the Barry County Advertiser hopes that you, your friends and your family have a healthy and prosperous new year, as well as a new decade, in 2020. In the meantime, here’s a look back at some of the top news items from 2019.
April
On April 2, the citizens of Barry County took to the polls to participate in the general municipal election.
Lance Eaton was elected the mayor of Exeter.
Both Cassville and Southwest school districts passed landmark bond agreements for the purposes of school improvement.
Cassville Police chief Dana Kammerlohr was appointed to the D.A.R.E. Executive Law Enforcement Advisory Board, a committee that sets standards for the program nationwide.
Exeter City Hall moved from their previous location to another facility, granting them dedicated offices for city officials and larger space in which to conduct municipal court.
Stephanie Heman was selected as the new vice principal for Monett High.
Edith, a Boston terrier belonging to Shell Knob resident Janice Swofford and trained by Angie Henderson, took the title of Select Bitch for her performance in the 2019 Westminster Dog Show.
Exeter High’s varsity academic team won first place in their district tournament on April 6.
The city of Cassville moved forward with $69k worth of roadwork, targeting a variety of roads in city limits in need of repair.
Local 911 director Mike Phillips was named Missouri 911 Dispatcher of the Year.
Severe storm and tornadic activity caused major property damage throughout Barry County, most notably destroying Southwest Auction Service, in Wheaton.
The South Barry County chapter of Habitat for Humanity hosted a fundraiser, featuring food, games and music, to benefit their building fund in order to continue constructing homes for families in need.
The newly minted Cassville girls’ soccer team went on a historic seven-game, 511-minute shutout streak, winning seven games in a row with no points scored by opponents.
May
CoxHealth, of Monett, broke ground on a new $42 million hospital. Set tentatively for completion by 2021, the hospital will feature larger facilities and expanded services for patients.
2019 Barry County valedictorians and salutatorians included: Reilly Nichols, valedictorian, and Shannon Haney, Jr., salutatorian, of Cassville; Jarrett Brattin, valedictorian and Jared Alverson, salutatorian, of Exeter; Hannah Reid, valedictorian, and Emma Harkey, salutatorian, of Purdy; Lane Cargile, valedictorian, and Lacey Reeves, salutatorian, of Southwest; and Kaylee Hutsell, valedictorian, and Rachel Lacey, salutatorian, of Wheaton.
Exeter’s varsity academic team travelled to Columbia, where they took first place in the MSHSAA State Scholar Bowl in Class I.
812 children were reported to have participated in Roaring River State Park’s annual Kid’s Fishing Day.
The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 12th Annual Golf Tournament. First place in the tournament was won by the team representing United Methodist Church, of Cassville. The team included Denny Wolf, Andy Lambel, Fred Wood and Les Lyons.
Barry County’s Drug Court received a nearly $2 million grant to expand service and access to the program across the county.
Cassville teacher Samantha Cosper was named Missouri Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences and Human Services’ (MoEFACS) Teacher of the Year.
June
Crowder College received a $130 donation toward their building efforts that began earlier in the year.
Monett-based door and window manufacturers Wintech opened up a new facility in Cassville.
Roark Family Health of Cassville expanded its services to accommodate medical marijuana patients.
Construction began on a new $1 million ambulance station to serve the town of Eagle Rock and the surrounding communities.
The Cassville Rodeo Club held their 77th Annual Rodeo at Bill Haley Arena.
On June 10, the Purdy High School Choir travelled to Carnegie Hall in New York City to perform as part of a multi-choir choral.
On June 22, the City of Butterfield hosted their first ever Tractor Pull event at Twister Alley Raceway. Funds from the event went to benefit the Butterfield Firefighters Auxiliary.
The City of Wheaton expanded their playground, replacing old structures and adding new attractions.
In order to settle a variety of building issues, the city of Seligman reestablished their zoning and planning committee.
The Barry County Fair was hosted by the Exeter Corn Maze, once again drawing competition from home and the surrounding counties.
Janice Varner stepped down from her position as the Barry County Collector after 16 years of service. She was succeeded by current collector Skylar Bowman.
The American Animal Hospital Association awarded Herrin Animal Hospital, of Cassville, its highest level of veterinary excellence.
Cassville School District buried a time capsule, set to be unearthed again in 150 years time.
Severe flooding on June 26 caused damage to multiple properties, prompting a wave of community togetherness from both citizens and private organizations in the cleanup efforts.
July
Roaring River State Park announced several major changes to the park, including a pilot program for park-wide wifi and renovations to the park pool and stone work, among others.
Crowder College announced a partnership with Drury University, of Springfield, allowing the college to offer two new degree programs and a variety of specialized classes.
Students of the First Baptist Church of Cassville’s summer camp program, Camp SPARK, donated $2,300 to OACAC to assist in flood cleanup efforts.
President of the South Barry County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, David Hermann, of Cassville, and his sister, Dianne Hermann, of Joplin, were honored for their military service with an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
The Cassville Arts Council put on their inaugural performance, taking their production of the comedic operetta Pirates of Penzance.
Purdy High School FBLA member Shana Whisman took second place in the FBLA National Client Service competition in San Antonio, Tex.
Barry County resident Skyler Bowman was sworn in to replace Janice Varner as the Barry County Collector.
Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe visited Roaring River State Park on July 23 to cook pancakes for constituents and talk with them about issues.
Dan Musgrove was appointed as west ward alderman for the city of Purdy after former alderman Austin Hammond stepped down due to personal reasons.
Exeter officer Willie Stephens was appointed the city’s chief of police.
A year after tax levies were established to benefit the department, the Central Crossing Fire Department completed renovations to their station. The new renovations allow the department to have a 24-hour, fully-staffed stationed facility to serve the area.
Construction wrapped on a new concession stand, complete with expanded restrooms and food storage, at Wildcat Stadium in Cassville.
The Purdy High School Class of 1964 hosted their 55th reunion.
Cassville R-IV School District wrapped construction on new storm drains to cut down flooding on streets in front of Eunice Thomas Elementary.