Year In Review 2019, Pt. 3
January 15, 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.
August
Thanks to a fundraiser, the Cassville Senior Center was able to purchase a new walk-in freezer and refrigerator.
Monett School District unveiled a new ten-year plan that included additions to various facilities that will expand the district’s ability to house students and better aid the flow of traffic.
A dog attack early in the month prompted the first of many appearances of Cassville resident Nadean Davis before city council to plead for changes to the town’s leash laws.
Wheaton School District partnered with Access Family Care Medical and Dental clinics for a new satellite, student-focused mental health program.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft paid a visit to Barry County Clerk Jill LeCompte to discuss a special election that was slated for November.
Barry County Sheriff’s Department’s chief deputy Leonard Collins announced his retirement after 30 years of dedicated law enforcement service.
Cassville’s Women’s Golf Association hosted their annual Invitational Tournament at the Cassville Golf Club. The tournament drew eighty-eight women from the surrounding areas. First place was won by the duo of Beth Parmley and Jo Poyzner.
The city of Exeter played home to the first auto show to happen in the town in recent memory. The show, called the Depot Exeter Auto Show, was hosted by Wheaton officer and lifelong Exeter resident Kenneth Phillips.
Cassville officer Zack Thompson was named the new student resource officer for the Cassville R-IV School District.
Shell Knob librarian Sandy Cupps announced her official retirement, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and innovation during her tenure with the Shell Knob School District.
After a stunning championship season, Monett’s head wrestling coach Daryl Bradley and assistant coach Ben Hohensee were both named MSHSAA’s Head Coach of the Year and Assistant coach of the year, respectively.
The Butterfield Fire Department was awarded a $4,000 MDC grant for the purposes of purchasing new protective and communication equipment.
September
The Cassville R-IV School District began moving forward on several construction projects, made possible by the landmark Vision 150 bond agreement that passed in April.
The Missouri Department of Conservation announced price increases for fishing tags.
The Cassville Wildcats football team opened their championship season with a 42-0 shutout victory over the Aurora Houndogs.
The Gathering Place, a community event center in Purdy, hosted their 5th annual arts and crafts fair.
The Cassville Rotary Club hosted their annual Demolition Derby at Bill Haley Arena, in Cassville.
Construction officially began on the new Cox Monett Hospital on September 6.
During the Seymour Invitational Golf Tournament in Marshfield, Purdy High golfer Shelby Haskins landed in the top ten, with an all-time personal best score.
The Cassville Wildcat football team defeated the Monett Cubs in the annual Barry County Brawl 21-14.
Eagle Rock hosted its annual car show, this year combining it for the first time with their annual craft fair.
On September 13, the city of Shell Knob hosted their annual Shakin’ in the Shell Festival.
A team representing Barry Electric took first place in the team division of the AMEC Lineman’s Rodeo.
Less than a year after medical cannabis was legalized in Missouri, ten business in Barry County submitted applications to the Department of Health and Human Services for either diespensary, growth, manufacturing or testing licenses.
On September 21, Roaring River State Park hosted their annual Veteran’s Fishing Day, in which veterans of any branch of the armed services were allowed to fish within the park for free.
Also on September 21, Discovery Quilters, a quilting guild in Shell Knob hosted their annual trade show. The theme for this year’s show was “For the Love of Quilting”.
All five schools that make up the Monett School District were named on a list of Healthiest Schools in America by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
The Cassville Wildcats football team scored a 21-7 victory against the East Newton Patriots at their homecoming game on September 27.
October
The South Barry County chapter of Habitat for Humanity completed their latest project, a new home on the corner of 8th Street and Oak Hill Drive, in Cassville.
Cassville’s American Legion Post 118 formally voted to sell their meeting post, and a majority of the land associated with it. The building and land were purchased by local businessman Donnie Stumpff, who then remodeled the facility into the Stumpff Family Event Center.
Security Bank of Cassville donated $200 to Exeter School District for the purposes of purchasing new clothes and shoes to keep on hand for students in need.
On October 5, Southwest High School hosted a fundraising event to benefit the Southwest band. The event included a car wash, bake sale and swap meet.
Multiple Barry County Cities announced that they were moving forward on efforts to beautify their towns by enforcing and enacting new ordinances regarding abandoned and dilapidated buildings within city limits.
Cassville School District formed a new student organization. Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) is a national organization focused on teaching students employability skills beyond those that are taught as part of the curriculum. One of the group’s first projects was the construction of a bench for the chain crew that volunteers at Cassville High football games.
The Central Crossing Fire Department was awarded the Assistance to Firefighters grant, which allowed them to purchase a new water tanker.
Cross and Selby, Barry County’s first ever podcast, began recording. The podcasts focuses primarily on local issues, interviewing prominent community members throughout the county.
The City of Washburn hosted a Harvest Festival and Tractor Parade on October 19.
Annual Cassville concert The Show premiered at the Cassville Middle School FEMA building on October 24. The theme of this year’s show was “Let’s Go to the Movies”.
The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Chilli Cook-Off on October 26.
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.
August
Thanks to a fundraiser, the Cassville Senior Center was able to purchase a new walk-in freezer and refrigerator.
Monett School District unveiled a new ten-year plan that included additions to various facilities that will expand the district’s ability to house students and better aid the flow of traffic.
A dog attack early in the month prompted the first of many appearances of Cassville resident Nadean Davis before city council to plead for changes to the town’s leash laws.
Wheaton School District partnered with Access Family Care Medical and Dental clinics for a new satellite, student-focused mental health program.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft paid a visit to Barry County Clerk Jill LeCompte to discuss a special election that was slated for November.
Barry County Sheriff’s Department’s chief deputy Leonard Collins announced his retirement after 30 years of dedicated law enforcement service.
Cassville’s Women’s Golf Association hosted their annual Invitational Tournament at the Cassville Golf Club. The tournament drew eighty-eight women from the surrounding areas. First place was won by the duo of Beth Parmley and Jo Poyzner.
The city of Exeter played home to the first auto show to happen in the town in recent memory. The show, called the Depot Exeter Auto Show, was hosted by Wheaton officer and lifelong Exeter resident Kenneth Phillips.
Cassville officer Zack Thompson was named the new student resource officer for the Cassville R-IV School District.
Shell Knob librarian Sandy Cupps announced her official retirement, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and innovation during her tenure with the Shell Knob School District.
After a stunning championship season, Monett’s head wrestling coach Daryl Bradley and assistant coach Ben Hohensee were both named MSHSAA’s Head Coach of the Year and Assistant coach of the year, respectively.
The Butterfield Fire Department was awarded a $4,000 MDC grant for the purposes of purchasing new protective and communication equipment.
September
The Cassville R-IV School District began moving forward on several construction projects, made possible by the landmark Vision 150 bond agreement that passed in April.
The Missouri Department of Conservation announced price increases for fishing tags.
The Cassville Wildcats football team opened their championship season with a 42-0 shutout victory over the Aurora Houndogs.
The Gathering Place, a community event center in Purdy, hosted their 5th annual arts and crafts fair.
The Cassville Rotary Club hosted their annual Demolition Derby at Bill Haley Arena, in Cassville.
Construction officially began on the new Cox Monett Hospital on September 6.
During the Seymour Invitational Golf Tournament in Marshfield, Purdy High golfer Shelby Haskins landed in the top ten, with an all-time personal best score.
The Cassville Wildcat football team defeated the Monett Cubs in the annual Barry County Brawl 21-14.
Eagle Rock hosted its annual car show, this year combining it for the first time with their annual craft fair.
On September 13, the city of Shell Knob hosted their annual Shakin’ in the Shell Festival.
A team representing Barry Electric took first place in the team division of the AMEC Lineman’s Rodeo.
Less than a year after medical cannabis was legalized in Missouri, ten business in Barry County submitted applications to the Department of Health and Human Services for either diespensary, growth, manufacturing or testing licenses.
On September 21, Roaring River State Park hosted their annual Veteran’s Fishing Day, in which veterans of any branch of the armed services were allowed to fish within the park for free.
Also on September 21, Discovery Quilters, a quilting guild in Shell Knob hosted their annual trade show. The theme for this year’s show was “For the Love of Quilting”.
All five schools that make up the Monett School District were named on a list of Healthiest Schools in America by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
The Cassville Wildcats football team scored a 21-7 victory against the East Newton Patriots at their homecoming game on September 27.
October
The South Barry County chapter of Habitat for Humanity completed their latest project, a new home on the corner of 8th Street and Oak Hill Drive, in Cassville.
Cassville’s American Legion Post 118 formally voted to sell their meeting post, and a majority of the land associated with it. The building and land were purchased by local businessman Donnie Stumpff, who then remodeled the facility into the Stumpff Family Event Center.
Security Bank of Cassville donated $200 to Exeter School District for the purposes of purchasing new clothes and shoes to keep on hand for students in need.
On October 5, Southwest High School hosted a fundraising event to benefit the Southwest band. The event included a car wash, bake sale and swap meet.
Multiple Barry County Cities announced that they were moving forward on efforts to beautify their towns by enforcing and enacting new ordinances regarding abandoned and dilapidated buildings within city limits.
Cassville School District formed a new student organization. Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) is a national organization focused on teaching students employability skills beyond those that are taught as part of the curriculum. One of the group’s first projects was the construction of a bench for the chain crew that volunteers at Cassville High football games.
The Central Crossing Fire Department was awarded the Assistance to Firefighters grant, which allowed them to purchase a new water tanker.
Cross and Selby, Barry County’s first ever podcast, began recording. The podcasts focuses primarily on local issues, interviewing prominent community members throughout the county.
The City of Washburn hosted a Harvest Festival and Tractor Parade on October 19.
Annual Cassville concert The Show premiered at the Cassville Middle School FEMA building on October 24. The theme of this year’s show was “Let’s Go to the Movies”.
The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Chilli Cook-Off on October 26.