Cassville Democrat Progress Edition

PROGRESS cassville 2015 emocrat D A special publication of

Livestock market soars in past year Rain-soaked farm land delays crop planting, harvesting

By Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com

F

or those in the agriculture industry, the past year has either been one of the best ever or one of the most difficult ever.

Livestock

For livestock producers in Barry County, the past year has seen some of the highest prices ever paid for beef and cattle, and experts do not expect the trend to slide too far down in the next two years.

“The market is stable,” said Eldon Cole, Missouri University Extension livestock specialist. “It has gone down a little bit since last fall, but beef producers should be looking for a profit in 2015.”

The high prices are having an effect on total cattle numbers as well, according to the census released on Jan. 1.

“There’s been some heifer retention for breeding purposes, and herds are expanding,” Cole said.

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Barry

Local agriculture

Livestock: Beef and cattle prices have seen highs in the past year in Barry County Crops: Plantings of corn, soybeans and wheat this year were delayed by rains, which also slowed hay harvesting

County ranks No. 5 in the state with 76,138 cattle and calves.

Nearby Lawrence County is No. 1 in the state with 109,709 cattle and calves. Cole said the numbers fluctuate by a few thousand here and there, but Barry County averages about 35,000 to 40,000 at any given time.

Cole said Barry County’s number is more in the 38,000 to 43,000 range now. Lawrence County is at about 48,000 cattle this year.

Strong prices have played a role in the market, as Cole said prices remain high because the feed lots and slaughter houses are short due to farmers keeping their heifers for breeding.

“Some calves were $1,700 or $1,800 per animal, and that goes a long way for paying the bills and helping farm families buy things they might not could buy,” Cole said. “But, any increase in price is always followed by a downturn, and the Continued on Page 10

Dr. Voyd Brown, left, of Barry County Veterinary Services, describes the diagnosis of a herding bull, owned

by Elsie and Darrel Reynolds of Stella, at a bull breeding soundness exam clinic Oct. 1. Brown performed 21 exams. Jason Johnston/Special to the Cassville Democrat

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Page 2 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Cassville Democrat

elcome Home.

Culture Change comes to Lacoba Homes, Inc. Extensive remodeling is underway at Lacoba Homes, with improvements projected to be completed by the end of the year. Our goal is to make our living quarters as home-like as possible, with an emphasis on conditioning residents for a return home.

Our current and future amenities include: • 16,000 square foot addition, some areas completed, other areas completed by fall.

• New staff break room with lounge, full kitchen and fitness center • Additional private rooms, with outdoor courtyard and walking trail • Spas with body massage shower, jetted whirlpools, foot whirlpool, heated towel warmers and relaxation music with video.

• Great room with fireplace • Expanded physical therapy gym • New library • De-institutionalized home-like environments • All electric beds • New beauty salon • Residents' choice of activities • Formal private dining room for family gatherings • Meal preferences & restaurant-style dining, including salad bar and dessert cart • Snack cart available 24 hours a day

To learn more about our community, call 417-235-7895.

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Cassville Democrat

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 3

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Exeter Branch - Bert Cross, Laurie Spinks

Loans - L to R: Front: Debbie Gerleve, Crystal Boyer, Kathy Henry; L to R: Back: Christie Hare, Brian Mohn, Jeff Parsons, Lindy Lombard.

Absent from photo: Pam McNabb

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Page 4 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Business booming in past year

businesses New businesses, New Cassville saw a number businesses open their rebounding real of doors or expand in the estate market past year, but the business having arguably the positive signs largest impact in Barry

By Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com

E

conomic indicators in Cassville and the surrounding area have shown positive signs in the past year, as new businesses opened or expanded, the real estate market is rebounding and tax revenues continue to climb.

County is Seligman’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market.

The approximately 12,000-square-foot store opened in December 2014 and has about 40 associates, which includes a store manager, five full-time supervisors, a pharmacist assigned to the store (another pharmacist will help with the

pharmacy as needed) and two pharmacy techs.

Seligman residents and area residents can get their prescriptions at the new Walmart, located at 33597 Highway 112, instead of driving to Cassville or Rogers, Ark. Customers can also order anything on walmart.com, and Walmart can send it to the Seligman store with free shipping.

The Seligman Walmart has a gas station and a full line of groceries, including fresh produce, deli, meat, bakery and

dairy. It also has health and beauty aids, pet products and cleaning supplies. The location has a four-pump gas station attached and a Redbox kiosk.

Compared to other businesses in town, the primary source of revenue in Seligman is Ruby’s Liquor on Highway 37, and Brian Nichols, Seligman city clerk, said the Missouri Department of Transportation estimates 12,000 vehicles travel along Highway 37 per day.

“There is an enormous

amount of traffic that comes from Arkansas because, of course, cigarettes are cheaper here in town,” Nichols said. “[Ruby’s] is just a one stop shop for them. They have a big wine selection there at Ruby’s. They saw a big decline in liquor sales whenever Benton County went wet.”

The new store has made strides in replacing some of the tax money to the city lost when Benton County, Ark., began selling liquor.

In July, Seligman’s 1-percent tax produced

$10,672.71, up 56 percent from July 2014.

In Cassville, a number of businesses opened, changed ownership or expanded.

Red Rose Inn was one that changed hands, as it now goes by the name, Roaring River Health and Rehabilitation.

For 30 years, the nursing home on the hill at 812 Old Exeter Road has been called Red Rose Inn, then it was later renamed to Red Rose Health and Rehabilitation Center.

As Roaring Continued on Page 12

REGAL Farm Road 2182 Cassville, MO. Phone: 847-4775

From electric motors and generators to gear reducers and electronic switchgear, our products convert power into motion to help the world run more efficiently. You will find Regal products in home furnaces, pumps, elevators, conveyors, X-ray machines, office equipment, power stations and thousands of other critical uses.

Standing Strong to Care for Your Loved one

Back row left to right: John Aplin, Janice Martin, Nisha Vincent, April Sheets, Jeanette Stansbury Front row left to right: Rose Youngblood, Becca Boyd, Barbara Howell, Martha Henry, David Johnson Cassville Health Care and Rehab is a skilled long-term care facility that offers loving, professional care for the citizens of Barry county and the surrounding Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas Counties.

We have been part of the Cassville community for over 20 years and pride ourselves in being “one big family.”

We offer our residents as much freedom and choice about their own personal care as possible.

Our residents participate in extensive activity programs which include: field trips; Halloween costume contest; Easter egg hunt; bingo; rob the table; annual arts and crafts; family nights; trips to different restaurants; senior prom; sweetheart dance and much more.

The facility offers a 24 hour nursing staff. We accept medicaid, medicare and private insurance. We are located adjacent to the old Barry County Home building. We are always available for tours at your convenience.

Our slogan is “Standing Strong to Care For Your Loved One,” Caring is what we do best!

Cassville Health Care & Rehab

1300 County Farm Road Cassville, Missouri 65625 Ph: 417-847-3386 Fax: 417-847-5449 bhowell@platinumhc.net www.cassvillehealthcare.com

Cassville Democrat

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 5

Progress 2015

Community events see large turnouts

Christmas Parade, Dogwood Car Show, Chili Cookoff bring in locals

By Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com

W

hile there are many attractions nearby, like Roaring River State Park and Table Rock Lake, and four major cities are within an hour’s drive, the community of Cassville shows its spirit every year with parades, car shows and cook-offs.

The most recent Chili and Salsa Cook-off, held in October 2014, featured multiple participants in a Super Hero theme, and the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce held a contest for the T-shirt design.

The chamber partnered with Cassville High School business classes to create an official logo for the cook-off. The chamber looked at 11 logos.

Seven Cassville students made one logo each, and two students made two logos each.

Kelsey Roney, who was a senior in Henderson’s advanced computer applications class last year, said she created the winning logo in about two weeks of class days.

The logo looked like the Superman emblem, but it had a red “C” instead of the traditional Superman “S.” It had the cook-off name along the red border with “BAM!,” “KAPOW!,” “ZAP!,” and two lighting bolts surrounding the emblem.

Roney said she came up with the idea for the logo after Mindi Artherton, former cham-

ber director, sent an email of a picture that she kind of liked.

“I noticed that it looked like a comic book,” Roney said.

The logo went on T-shirts and print material for the cook-off. The chamber also awarded $50 in Cassville Cash to Roney.

In December 2014, thousands of families lined Main Street from Wildcat Drive to Clover Street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the jolly ole Saint Nick. Everything from bands to homemade floats, and from classic cars to horse-drawn carriages were represented in the parade, which featured nearly 70 participants.

Leading into the new year, the Cassville Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet, where the first 4 Under 40 awards were given to Caleb Buntin, Stacy Runnels, Justin Mills and Mindi Artherton. The award aimed to recognize four individuals under 40 years of age who are making a significant impact as leaders in the Cassville community.

This year’s Community Service Award went to Judge Victor Head, whose family came from near and far to see him receive the honor. Head, who was instrumental in starting up Barry County Drug Court, retired last year and now holds a senior judgeship.

In April, the Chamber hosted its 29th Annual Dogwood Car Show, which saw participants compete for 37 class awards and 29 specialty picks.

According to

Santa Claus waves to crowds lined up near the Barry County Courthouse Saturday during the annual Cassville Christmas Parade. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com Artherton, the Dogwood has a strong history in Cassville and is fun for both car enthusiasts and the general public. The event offered music and entertainment, food vendors, shopping and over 100 cars parked around the square.

At noon, participants also participated in the “thunder on the square” tradition, revving their engines to fill downtown with the sounds of vehicular power.

The Chamber has a new face organizing events this year, as Brittany Farris took the reins on Aug. 3.

A 2007 Purdy High School graduate, Farris graduated from Crowder Continued on Page 16

Seligman Chamber Director Brenda McIlvain, left, takes a photo of Chamber Directors Diana Vigil, left middle, and Benny Vigil, as they pose for the photo with Branson country and gospel singer Barbara Fairchild. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

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Page 6 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Education reaches new heights in Cassville

1:1 initiative, bond projects, FEMA building completed in past year

By Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com

T

he Cassville school district and other districts surrounding Cassville are making changes each year to provide better education and more opportunity for students. The effort manifests itself in new programs, new construction or the implementation of technology, which has been a big part of area schools’ curriculums recently.

1:1 initiatives

The Cassville school district kicked off its 1:1 laptop initiative last year, aiming to put a Google Chromebook in the hands of each one of its students at the middle, intermediate and high schools.

Phase I was the initial purchase of the Chromebooks, 150 each for the high school and middle school, at cost $155,000, plus $15,000 for charging carts.

Phase II included 345 new devices for the high school, 325 for the middle school and 180 for the intermediate school. The district spent $244,525, but saved about $125,000 by entering the three-year lease two months early.

Phase III, which brought 650 more Chromebooks at a cost of $288,288, completes the 1:1 proposal at the high school, intermediate school and middle school.

Delivered in late August, the purchase included the Chromebooks, the management console and accident and damage protection. The new devices also allows the district to take some from the middle and intermediate schools and give them to students in the elementary school.

“We don’t need a lab anymore because the classroom becomes a lab,” Asbill said. “The devices have a three-year life.”

Wheaton has a similar 1:1 program, which puts a Chromebook in the hands of each student in grades 7-12, and gives iPads to younger students.

That process lasted more than a year, according to Superintendent Lance Massey. Wheaton elementary has distributed one iPad to every two children, and the district’s goal is to have one for every child.

“Technology is such an area that we’ve got students at Wheaton that are going to compete on a global market, and we need to be preparing our students for those global learners,” Massey said.

Purdy took a different

Education

What: Last year showed progress in technology, projects How: Many schools now have 1:1 initiatives, and Cassville schools completed a plethora of construction projects

approach to technology, signing a nearly $360,000 contract with Apple Computers to outfit each of its students with iPads.

Under the deal, the district received 580 iPads for all students from third grade through high school. The older students received 280 iPad Air models, the newest design with 32 gigabytes for more memory.

The younger students received the 300 remaining iPads with 16 gigs of memory, since they will have less need for storing data. The purchase comes with 300 keyboards.

“This is not a project or an initiative,” said Superintendent Dr. Steven Chancellor. “This is just how we’re going to be doing business from this day forward.”

Chancellor, school board members Randy Henderson and Ronnie Veith, along with Instruction and Curriculum Coach Mindi Gates, went to Apple headquarters in California in January 2014, in advance of the undertaking.

“We tried to put a lot of thought in it so we would be one of the successful schools,” Chancellor said. “That’s why we did the program and curriculum changes.

We’re trying to make all right decisions, so when students come to class, they’re not going to be distressed.”

Board members drew from their building fund to pay for the deal entirely from savings. Once a year, the district can set aside 7 percent of its general fund resource improvements. In June 2014, the board approved transferring $310,000, the maximum amount, into that reserve fund.

Construction

The Cassville school district was a busy place over the summer of 2014, as many projects were completed in three months or less as part of the district’s $4 million bond issue.

In May 2014, the district approved $3,147,915 in work through Control Technology Solutions Group, of Lenexa, Kan., spanning a number of areas the school had on its bond projects list.

“The bid came in right at what we’d hoped in our original budget estimate,” Asbill said. “And, it still allowed us to add to our FEMA needs, bus security

Cassville High School graduates spray silly string in the air after 128 seniors became alumni by receiving their diplomas in May at Cassville High School. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com cameras and other additional projects.”

The most expensive of the repairs was the bathrooms at the elementary and middle schools, at a cost of $799,731. Each bathroom is now fitted with epoxy flooring, autoflush stools and urinals, auto-faucet sinks, new partitions, exhaust fan upgrades and new paint.

Second in cost is the $609,410 in electrical upgrades, and the elementary and high school geothermal system repairs came in at third in cost, at $536,246.

Upgrades included a 1,200-amp, 120/208, 3-phase service at the main campus and a relocation of services to the courtyard, eliminating the power lines out front.

The Rock Gym also has its own 400-amp, 1-phase service, and 20 amp circuits.

The high school and elementary school geothermal systems received new circular pumps, evaporating fluid coolers, variable frequency drives, a balanced flow to all units, and a re-pipe system to accommodate new flow rates.

Other categories of repairs included: elementary and middle school mechanical, $443,387; paving, sidewalks and railings, $287,133; middle school bleachers and gym lighting, $257,980; high school gym mechanical, $156,752; and roofing, $77,276.

Upgrades in those areas included: 34 new HVAC units at the elementary and middle schools, a new concrete sidewalk from the intermediate school to the

Coy Dalton, former Cassville High School assistant principal, accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Friday at Cassville High School’s pep rally before the first home football game of the year in 2014.

Pictured pouring the ice water over Dalton, from left, are Lisa Sanders, secretary; Jaclyn Kennedy, secretary; Jeff Swadley, principal; and Janell Kelley, secretary. Kyle

Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

• Treated and Untreated Lumber • Landscaping Timbers and Railroad Ties • Larger Selection Paint • Garden Tools • Mulch and More!

Continued on Page 17

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407 E. Hwy. 248 • P.O. Box 506 Cassville, MO 65625 PHONE 417-847-2123 • FAX 417-847-2761 WEBSITE throgers.com A group of Cassville High School cheerleaders call out for the junior class to make some noise during a pep rally at the school Friday afternoon before the Wildcat football team’s home opener. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Employee Owned

Cassville Democrat

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 7

2015 Board of Directors left to right: Michelle Bredeson (President), Gary Whyte, Cindy Carr, Andy Lambel, Valerie Speer, Raylene Hart, Dana Kammerlohr, Brent Herrin – not present: Angela Seymour, Stu Gatley, Wade Hermansen (Vice President), Stacy Runnels (Treasurer)

504 Main Cassville, MO 65625 • 417-847-2814 • email: chamber@cassville.com • www.cassville.com Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Members Apartments Hartland Apartments Attorney Ellis, Cupps, Cole James W. LeCompte II, P.C. Attorney at Law Law Office of Blake B. Fields, LLC Law Office of John Lewright Law Office of Michael Riehn Paul Law Firm Automotive Baywash Car Wash I & II Carquest Country Dodge Chysler Ram Jeep Dean Andrews & Sons Automotive Services Ken’s Collision Center Les Jacobs Ford Churches First Baptist Church of Cassville First Christian Church Spiritual Streams Fellowship St. Edwards Catholic Church United Methodist Church Contractors Hutchens Consturction Laminated Panel Systems MariCorp U.S. Preferred Poultry Supply, LLC Tucker Electric Education Cassville Community Teachers Association Cassville Future Business Leaders of America Cassville School District Crowder College Cassville Campus Drury University Financial Services Angel & Company, CPA’s, P.C. Arvest Bank Commerce Bank First State Bank Freedom Bank Security Bank of SW MO The CPA Group Florist Designs by Debbie Floral Carey’s Cassville Florist Food Services & Restaurants BBQ Station Cr-ose Cafe El Mariachi Geraldi’s Jersey’s Sports Bar & Grill KFC/Taco Bell Kooler Ice McDonald’s Oriental House Papa Vito’s Pizza Hut Rowdy Beaver Restaurant and Tavern Sonic Subway, Main Street Subway, Walmart Sunrise Family Restaurant Funeral Home Fohn Funeral Home Hardware-Lumber Yards LeCompte’s Building Center Meek’s Michael’s TH Rogers Lumber Company Health Services ACCESS Family Care Medical and Dental Clinic Assing, Dale, O.D. Barry County Health Department Carolyn Hunter, DMD, PC Cassville Dental Cassville Healthcare and Rehab Cox Health Center, Cassville Heritage Medical Clinic Johnson Chiropractic Sports and Wellness Clinic Mercy Home Health and Hospice Mercy Clinic, Cassville Mercy Hospital Peachtree Village Assisted Living, Level 1, Independent Living Roaring River Health & Rehab Roark Family Health Runnels Chiropractic Sater Pharmacy Whitley Pharmacy

Industries Able 2 Products Arning Companies, Inc. Dry Gulch Manufactoring Edison Company Regal George’s House Handle Company J-M Pallet Company, LLC Justin Brands, Inc. Steel Stone Memories Information Technology Providers MDC Technology Group Insurance Agencies Barry County Farm Bureau Brattin Insurance Security Insurance Agency Shelter Insurance Starchman Insurance State Farm Insurance Willis Insurance, Inc. Internet Providers CenturyLink Mediacom Cable TV Lodging America’s Best Value Inn & Suites Angler’s Lodge at Roaring River Bear Crossing Cabin Budget Inn Cedar Hill Cabin Lazy Eagle Resort Oak Hill Court & RV Park Paradise Valley Camping Club Roaring River Resort Rock Village Court & RV Park Roaring River Inn and Convention Center SOS Homes Magazine Ozark Hills and Hollow Magazine Members at Large Mike and Cherry Bailey Misha Blakely Don and Carolyn Bowen Les Chapman Jim Craig Eugene and Lynette Dilbeck Jo Anne Ellis Representative Scott Fitzpatrick Steve and Noelle Harmon Ann Hennigan Jim Lassiter Jerry and Linda Marple Mike and Donna Mallams Pam Modlin Clay and Elinor Newman Fran Nicoll Dan Kuhl and Angela Pilant Sylvia Phillips Herb and Cathi Primrose Senator David and Sharon Sater Paul and Beverly Strahl Charles and Ruth Thompson Cherry Warren Barbara White Gary Youngblood Newspapers Cassville Democrat Photographer Jeremy Huse Photography Printers Barry County Advertiser/Litho Printers Copy Cat Professional Services Accents N Tents Clell Wade Coaches Directory Corporate Business Systems Eagle Broadcasting, Inc. (KRMO/KKBL) KURM Radio Paragon Architecture

List is current as of August 2015

Real Estate American Dream Realty Cappy Harris Realtors Flat Creek Realty Remax Four Seasons Real Estate Remax Lakeside, LLC SOS Homes Recreation Barry County Museum Campbell Point Marina Cassville Cruisers Cassville Golf Course First Baptist Church Family Life Center Making Memories Tours Mark Twain National Forest Promised Land Zoo Roaring River State Park RWTB Martial Arts Studio YMCA Gym & Recreation Recyling Center All Points Recycling Rebel Recycling Residential & Commercial Improvement & Construction Services Brattin Tree Service Go Green Missouri Hart’s Custom Construction J. D. West Handyman Services Preston’s Landscaping Repairs Unlimited Sullivan Services Walter’s Pest Control Retail Businesses AAA Trophies & Awards Backroad Printing Brattin Graphix Destiny’s Clothing Store Encore and More Fastrip Forever Yours Embroidery Four State Office Products Hilltop Package Joyous Embroidery Ramey Supermarket Sports World Sportsman’s Corner Tim’s Fly Shop The Potting Shed Tomblins Tractor Supply Company Unique Cross Grains Walmart Westco Home Furnishings Storage Services Cassville SOMO Storage Kelly’s Wildcat Storage Support Services Arc of the Ozarks Barry County Emergency Services Barry County Soil & Water Conservation District Barry Electric Cooperative Barry Lawrence Regional Library Cassville Senior Center City of Cassville Community Support Services of MO for Developmentally Disabled Habitat for Humanity of South Barry County Haven of the Ozarks Kornerstone, Inc. Missouri Gas Energy Mozarks Names and Numbers OACAC Barry County Neighborhood Center Title Companies Barry County Abstract & Title Security Abstract & Title Veterinary Barry County Veterinary Services Herrin Animal Hospital

Page 8 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Progress 2015

Cassville Democrat

Health spurs progress with tax, new therapy office

Ambulance service passes sales tax to keep equipment up to par

By Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com

P

rogress in the health industry in the past year has been on the up, as the Southern Barry County Ambulance District passed a sales tax, and Mercy Hospital has opened a new physical therapy office at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Southern Barry County Ambulance District

The half-percent tax proposal from the district was approved by a margin of 66-34. According to the Barry County Clerk’s office, there were 13 precincts reporting with 2,058 total votes, including 1,354 votes in favor of the measure and 704 against it.

Ken Cieslinski, district board chairman, said he wanted to thank the community members for letting their voices be heard on the issue.

“It is truly a blessing to live in such wonderful country that uses a great system for the voice of the people to be heard,” he said. “They have spoken, and we as a board for South Barry County Ambulance District will continue to do our best to serve the people.”

According to 2013 tax revenues from the ambulance district, the proposal will generate about $570,000. Using 2014 figures listed at dor.mo.gov/publicreports, municipalities and un-incorporated areas in the district reported $122,989,620 in total taxable sales. If a half-percent tax was applied to that amount, it would generate about $614,948.

Municipalities and un-incorporated areas included in the figures are, in no particular order: Cassville, Jenkins, Wheaton, Ridgley, Butterfield, Exeter, Washburn, Seligman, Eagle Rock, Golden and Shell Knob.

Cieslinski said the board’s 2013 numbers are accurate, but not current, and if the tax revenues become too great, the tax rate would likely be reduced.

“If it passes, the first year will be a half-cent,” he said before the election. “But, if there are more proceeds than what it takes to provide services, we would reduce the tax, and the ballot language is written to give us that option.”

With the current property tax, the district ended 2014 with total revenues of $227,419, and expenses totaled $273,140, putting the district $45,721 in the red for the year, one of three in-the-red years of the last five years overall.

With $222,597 carrying over from 2013, the district had $176,876 cash on hand as of Jan. 1.

Funding for the ambulance district has been the same since it was formed in May 1974.

According to state statute, the sales tax must be collected for at least a year before the property tax is eliminated. In 2015, the district will continue operating solely on property taxes. In 2016, both the property tax and the sales tax would be collected.

By Sept. 1, 2016, the district would have two possibilities. The first possibility is it may eliminate the property tax completely, but only if it has collected the sales tax for a calendar year, per state mandate. The

second possibility is, if the sales tax has not been collected for a full year at that time, the district would roll back the property tax by at least 50 percent, Cieslinski said.

If the district must adhere to the second possibility, the property tax would drop to zero on Sept. 1, 2017, when the district would notify the Missouri Department of Revenue the property tax is repealed. The year-long process is mandated by state statute, as August is when the district must report its tax information.

The district owns one facility in Cassville and six ambulances. The ambulance district uses another facility, which is owned by the Central Crossing Fire District in Shell Knob.

The tax revenues will aim to fund equipment and vehicle upgrades for the district. Four of the six ambulances have more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, according to district documents.

An ambulance refit costs more than $130,000. The district must refit, retire or buy an ambulance each year to keep up with the area’s needs. The additional funding could pay for new ambulance equipment, such as cots and Lifepak units, which cost $7,500 and $35,000 each, respectively.

The district needs to replace four Lifepak units. They interpret heart rhythms, identify people who are having heart attacks, shock people during cardiac arrest and measure vital signs.

The district also wants to get portable ventilators and an auto-pulse device that provides better blood flow during cardiac arrest.

The district’s northern boundary is just south of Purdy, its western boundary stops at McDonald County, its southern boundary is the MissouriArkansas border, and its eastern boundary encompasses part of Shell Knob.

Mercy Therapy Center

The Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob and Mercy Therapy Center in July celebrated a combined grand opening for the senior center’s addition and the Mercy Therapy Center, a project several years in the making.

The dining area where opening ceremonies were held was packed with guests who came to share in the long-awaited celebration.

“This is the day we’ve been waiting for,” said Jerry Arnold, chief operating officer for the center. “It’s a culmination of what we’ve been doing for two years.”

The previously 7,000-square-foot facility, which was running out of room for the more than 20 activities hosted there, is now 13,600 square feet, almost doubling in size with the 6,600-square-foot addition. Construction, which began a year-anda-half ago, was completed at under $50 per square foot and was financed in large part with a bequest from the Melba Eakin estate. Total cost was estimated at approximately $300,000.

The addition, which is named after Eakin, is all-metal framed and energy efficient with spray foam insulation, specialized climate control and complete LED lighting. A new sound system and new TVs were donated by local businesses and individuals, and many of the center’s new rooms are available for sponsorship.

For Mercy, the expansion has been a long time coming, too.

Chris Hoge, director

Tate Joeckel, son of Curtis and Lindsey Joeckel of Exeter, enjoys getting to walk through the inside of an ambulance during the Barry County Ambulance District’s annual BBQ to celebrate National EMS Appreciation week. Julia Kilmer/

reporter@cassville-democrat.com

of therapy services at Cassville, Aurora and Shell Knob, is already familiar with many Shell Knob patients.

“We see people from Shell Knob all the time, and we’re constantly hearing it’s a hardship with time and money for them to come to travel,” he said. “A lot said they couldn’t do it anymore.

So, when this opportunity came up, we jumped on it so that people can get the services they need. The most important issue was with gas and the roads.”

Dr. Nick Whelan, D.P.T., who works at Mercy Hospital in Cassville, will be providing physical therapy services from 8-4 p.m. on Wednesdays. He will be providing basic physical therapy services, including therapies typically provided after shoulder and knee services or for muscular-skeletal injuries.

Whelan believes the services will eventually be offered more than one day a week.

“I bet it will be two to three days a week in the next couple years,” he said. “A lot of my patients are from Shell Knob, so it will be helpful for them to have something close to home.”

Doug Stroemel, administrator for Mercy in Cassville, Aurora and Berryville, Ark., was pleased with the therapy room.

“We’re very excited to be part of the growth,” he said. “This has been a dream for about three years of the people in the community. I’ve had the opportunity to work with. It became obvious very quickly there was a definite need for physical therapy services in the Shell Knob community.”

For more information on the senior center, to participate in any of its activities, physical therapy services, or to inquire about a sponsorship, people may call the center at 417-858-6952, or visit it at 20801 Highway YY-15 in Shell Knob.

Mercy Hospital

Despite the Mercy Hospital system undergoing multiple rounds of job cuts in the past 12 months, the Cassville hospital has remained unaffected.

The organization said due to economic and environmental challenges, 127 positions across a variety of departments and services in Mercy Springfield Communities had been eliminated. No positions were eliminated or affected in Cassville.

Throughout all Mercy facilities and services in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas, a total of 347 positions Continued on Page 18

Kael Eden, right, emergency medical technician, and Jason Nape, field supervisor, pull a stretcher from a CoxHealth ambulance within South Barry County Ambulance District.

A ballot measure in April 7 elections calls for a half-percent county sales tax to fund the district, while reducing property tax allocation for the district by 100 percent. Jason

Johnston/Special to the Cassville Democrat

!

W G NO VIN R E S

93 MAIN ST. CASSVILLE

Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 9

Area tourism still strong despite weather

Roaring River, Table Rock Lake bring thousands to county

By Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com

W

ith a state park and portions of a 64-square-mile lake in its boundaries, Barry County has plenty of opportunities for tourism, and despite some challenges with weather, the industry remains strong.

Roaring River State Park

Historically, a Sunday Opening Day at Roaring River means there will be snow on the ground, and this year, history did not disappoint.

The last Sunday Opening Day at Roaring River in 2009 was a snowy one, and a similar Opening Day this year led to less tags sold by the gun, but a high angler-tofish ratio.

According to staff at the Park Store, 869 has bought tags by 6:30 a.m., including 740 adults and 129 children. By the end of the day, that number had jumped to 1185, including 996 adults and 189 children. In 2014, on a Saturday, 1,974 anglers were on hand for the Opening Day festivities.

Even with the snow, the 2014 number was second-best of the state’s three trout parks, and Roaring River had the most youth anglers casting lines. Mountauk State Park recorded 1368 anglers, including 1242 adults and 126 children.

Bennett Spring State Park

recorded 1178 anglers, including 1079 adults and 99 children.

It was only the third time in 25 years that snow has been on the ground for Opening Day. In 2009, the last Sunday opening and a snow day, there had been 1,547 adult tags sold and 287 for children by the gunshot. In 1990, the total by 6:30 a.m. was 1,172, a fourth more, on a Thursday.

Paul Spurgeon, manager of the Roaring River Hatchery, said it stocked the river in preparations for 2,600 visitors. The 8,000 trout and 50 lunkers put the angler-to-fish ratio at 9.26 at the opening gun.

Tim Homesley, owner of Tim’s Fly Shop just outside the park, kicked off festivities with eight shots from his pistol.

Also in attendance for the opening gun was Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, and Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Parks, who made his first trip to Roaring River.

Bryan, who attended the festivities for the first time in two years, said although the slick roads kept many from attending, as Spurgeon projected 2,600 to be in attendance, the tradition of Opening Day still rang through as a success.

“There is a great family atmosphere here and the support from the Cassville community is remarkable,” he said.

“There are similar parks like this in the state, but this is the only one where the [Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce] comes out and gives out

Eden Carter, right, 12, reels in a trout with the help of Claud Carter, both of Neosho. The pair were two of the 1,062 visitors to Roaring River State Park for Kids’ Fishing Day Saturday. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com free coffee and mugs, and that’s very special.

“There are also more kids that come out here, and it’s practically a holiday in this area The biggest challenge today was just getting people to the park, and fortunately, [the Missouri Department of Transportation] has been a great friend and partner to southwest Missouri and Missouri State Parks.”

Helping to get people in to the park year-round is its manager, Kerry Hays, who took the post in April 2014 after Dusty Reid, former park superintendent, left the post for a position as director of facilities and operations at the Cassville Continued on Page 19

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Dakota Bowen, 8, of Cassville, takes a swing at the ball during the Townball game held at Roaring River State Park on Saturday. It was the first time the event was held at the park, and even though it was raining, the game went on. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

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Tim Homesley, right, holds up his gun and prepares to fire it to kick of catch-and-keep season at Roaring River State Park on Sunday morning. Looking on, at left, is Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Page 10 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Progress 2015

Cassville Democrat

Livestock: Dairy farmers get a helping hand from Gov. Nixon with new laws

Continued from Page 1

next couple of years will likely not be any different. Most think we have peaked, but no one is sure when the downturn will arrive.”

Cole said ranchers should look toward 2017 or 2018 for a drop in prices, as he said people will start putting the brakes on what they are willing to pay for an animal.

“The industry is cyclical, so the numbers will go up, and the numbers will go down,” he said.

Cole said the highest he had seen a steer sell for was about $2,800, sold to a slaughter and packing plant in May. He said feeder steers are going at a rate of about $2.81 per pound.

While the prices are keeping ranchers happy, mother nature has been plaguing farmers with too much rain this year. Cole said with all the rain in May, forage quantity is superb, but quality may be somewhat suspect.

“There was so much rain, some farmers were not able to bale hay until mid-May, and the more mature the hay, the lower quality it will be in nutrients. I’d normally say that would result in extra costs to supplement the deficiencies, but we may get another cut of good quality hay before we start having to feed it.”

Crops

According to Tim Schnakenberg, regional agronomy specialist based in Stone County, rains hampered multiple crops’ planting, harvesting or health.

“It’s been a challenge this year to get everything planted on time because of the rain,” he said. “But, most of the corn here

[was planted in early June], and we are better off here than they are in northern Missouri.”

Hay reigned supreme in Barry County in 2014, with 48,200 acres of hay harvested. The yield was 2.2 tons per acre for a total production of 105,000 tons, the highest among counties in the southwest section of the state.

Schnakenberg said the main row crops in Barry County are corn, soybeans and wheat.

According to United States Department of Agriculture, Barry County in 2014 had 7,700 acres of corn planted, with 7,100 harvested for a yield of 143.5 bushels per acre and a total production of 1,019,000 bushels.

For soybeans, Barry County had 7,200 acres planted, and 7,190 acres harvested for a yield of 32.3 bushels per acre and a total production of 232,000 bushels.

Winter wheat saw a loss of nearly 35 percent in Barry County, as 5,600 acres were planted and only 3,600 acres were harvested. The yield was 46.4 bushels per acre, and total production was 167,000 bushels.

Schnakenberg hay was affected by the rain, as the excess water kept farmers from harvesting for about a month, which allowed the hay to mature and lose some of its nutritional value.

“This could influence beef and dairy herds,” Schnakenberg said.

Schnakenberg said cropland acreage had been climbing up until about three years ago, when prices of crops stabilized or dropped off.

“Cattle prices are so good, people have been

Bart Renkoski, a 67-year-old farmer who lives about eight miles west of Purdy, stands near his cattle. He has about 100 cows and 50 calves. Jason Johnston/Special to the Cassville Democrat reserving more land for pastures and hay,” he said. “The combination of that, with the prices leveling off, have slowed down the acreage planted.”

Jack Nickols, broker with Four Seasons Real Estate in Cassville who deals in farmland, said he believes about 30 percent of the county’s farmland is devoted to crops, and the other 70 percent to cattle or hay.

“It depends on the land, like if it is suitable for corn or soybeans, the trend is to go for that,” he said.

Nickols said the price of farmland had been on the rise from about 19952010, but has leveled out in the past five years.

“It had been going up over the past 20 years because of cattle and corn prices,” he said. “Cattle is still high, but corn has dropped off.”

Gov. Jay Nixon, left, listens to Purdy dairyman Charles Fletcher as he explains the technology-based milk production process on his farm. Nixon was on hand in April at Edgewood Dairy in Purdy to sign legislation aiming to boost the dairy and agriculture industries in Missouri. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

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Nickols said he expects land prices and usage to remain steady in coming years.

Schnakenberg said he believes the level now will stay steady, as cattle prices are still high.

“We anticipate the cattle market to remain strong because it is a slow climb to get inventory back where it should be,” he said. “Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri cattle were hurt by the drought, and cattle numbers are so low they are about 1950s level.”

Dairy

Dairy producers in Barry County, as well as across the rest of Missouri, got a helping hand in April, when Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law a number of dairy bills at Edgewood Dairy in Purdy.

Nixon said agriculture is the state’s No. 1 industry, and the bills put into law will help further-strengthen that sector of the state’s economy.

“Missouri’s dairy industry supports more than 23,000 jobs and contributes $2 billion to our state’s GDP,” he said. “By supporting our dairy farmers and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in agriculture, the Dairy Revitalization Act will yield tremendous benefits for our rural communities and our entire economy.”

The Dairy Revitalization Act is a three-part piece of legislation aiming to help dairymen, college students and the dairy industry as a whole. The first part of the act will allow dairymen in Missouri be reimbursed for 70 percent of their Margin Protection Program premiums, up to $0.34 per hundredweight of milk through the federal Margin Protection

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 11

Progress 2015 Program.

“With the offset of premium, producers will experience an improved safety net with lower input costs,” said Reagan Bluel, regional dairy specialist with the Extension.

While the bill has been signed, it has yet to be funded. Joe Horner, agriculture economist with the University of Missouri Extension in Columbia, said the bill remains unfunded and the first opportunity for reconsideration will be in the state legislature’s next fiscal session.

“That will be in January [of 2016], and there is a potential for supplemental funding for fiscal year 2016, but that would be up to the legislature,” he said.

Any supplemental funding would be effective for decisions made July 1 to Sept. 30 of 2015, which fall into fiscal year 2016.

The second piece of the legislation would establish 80 scholarships, at $5,000 a piece, for college students working on Missouri dairy farms or dairy processing plants while attending a Missouri school. The final piece of the act would aim to fund producer training, as well as a needs assessment for the state when it comes to growing the Missouri dairy industry.

“The Extension has done some surveys, and we have a needs assessment established, but this bill would expand on that and help determine the best way to move forward with dairy production in the state,” Bluel said.

Also signed into law was the omnibus agriculture bill, which will increase the weight limits for trucks transporting produce during the harvest season.

About 100 FFA members from Cassville,

Gov. Jay Nixon, left, hands Charles Fletcher of Purdy copies of the bills he signed into law on Fletcher’s Edgewood Dairy farm in April. Also pictured is State Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, who attended the event. Kyle Troutman/

editor@cassville-democrat.com

Southwest, Purdy, Wheaton, Monett and Pierce City high schools were on hand for the event at Edgewood Dairy.

Nixon said seeing all the teenagers in the audience was great, as he said they are the future of the agriculture industry in Missouri.

“These are bills we wanted to sign on a farm, and we were glad [local legislators and Fletcher] reached out to the FFAs,” Nixon said. “We try to provide a lifestyle continuity and the number of

Gov. Jay Nixon signs into law the Dairy Revitalization Act, which aims to help local dairymen with margin protection, as well as boost agriculture-related education through scholarships and research. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com FFA students here was a good shot in the arm for the Missouri agriculture industry.

“This is a huge beef area, and the growth will allow us to market beef around the country and around the world. We also have great quality of beef, and we see that as a great growth opportunity as well.”

Fletcher has been on his Purdy farm since 2001 and grew up on a dairy farm south of

Washburn. He said while the Margin Protection Program aspect of the new law is important, the scholarship opportunities are what he is happy to see.

“Maybe even more important than the protection program is the scholarship fund,” he said. “I would absolutely love to see some students out here, and I’ve had interns on the farm before. That’s a program that needs to continue.”

Nixon and Fletcher were joined by numerous legislators at the signing, including: State Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob; State Rep. Bill Reiboldt, R-Neosho; State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, majority caucus whip and chair of the Senate Ag Committee.

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Page 12 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Progress 2015

Cassville Democrat

Business: Barry Electric Coop making progress on fiber-to-the-home network

Continued from Page 4

River Health and Rehabilitation, the home is still providing the same services, just under the new name.

Services include: therapy (occupational, physical and speech), and long-term nursing care.

Roaring River Health and Rehabilitation also has a dementia care unit, with staff trained to work with residents to ensure personal care and social needs are met.

Along with the name change came facelift for the building, as the new owners did new landscaping and some cosmetic changes inside the building.

Roaring River Health and Rehabilitation’s main goal is to provide excellent care with a friendly staff.

At the airport, Southwest Missouri Aviation set its sights on expansion, aiming to build a 3,600-square-foot hangar at the Cassville Municipal Airport.

The aviation maintenance and flight instructor firm already leases a 3,000-square-foot hangar at the airport, said Doug Rands, who owns Southwest Missouri Aviation with Danny Hendricks.

Hendricks, who is a U.S. Air Force veteran, has been a certified flight instructor for almost 30 years.

The club expects to have about 25 members by the end of the year, and it plans to buy two more airplanes, Hendricks said.

Hendricks and Rands are licensed mechanics. Southwest Missouri Aviation offers licenses in private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, air transport pilot and instructor ratings.

Some of the planes that Southwest Missouri Aviation take care of are more than $400,000. For now, the company plans to maintain about 35 airplanes.

The aviation firm plans to increase that number to between 70 to 80 planes over a two-year period, Rands said.

Another expansion will take place at Barry Electric, which will soon begin offering fiber-tothe-home Internet service in the area.

Bill Shiveley, Barry Electric general manager and CEO, said Internet and phone services will be sold separately from electric services, and work on a fiber ring around Cassville should begin this year.

“The central office area will basically be around Cassville,” Shiveley said. “It will go out Highway 248 just north of Cassville, then go west across the highway and back down south. The build areas, from that point, will go in all directions out from Cassville, and we hope to service all our customers, including Shell Knob, Washburn, Seligman, and everyone north of Jenkins up to Wheelerville.”

Barry Electric began exploring the possibility of building a fiber-to-thehome network in 2010 after numerous requests from members. Finley Engineering of Lamar was hired to design the network, as well as provide SmartGrid, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Energy Efficiency capabilities for the cooperative.

The system design selected is a Gigabit Passive Optical Network, with capability for some active ethernet where required. The design allows for Internet speeds of up to 1 gigabyte per second. The service area requires eight building areas, including the

central office and seven remote locations. A fiber ring will connect the remote locations to each other, and to the central office.

Barry Electric had hoped to complete the projects at the same time over a three-year period, with the help of a 2014 Federal Communications Commission grant.

However, the cooperative’s application was denied, forcing the company to proceed with its own funding.

Using its own funding, the central office will be built first, and about 179 miles of fiber will be installed, along with all the electronics required to provide Internet, phone and possibly video to the cooperative’s more than 1,600 members.

The seven remaining remote locations would then be built as the funds become available, and Barry Electric plans to continue applying for the FCC grant, as well.

Shiveley said being so early on in the process, packages and prices have not been determined.

“We have not determined the packages yet, but we’re thinking some will be in the 50 megabytes per second, 100 megabytes per second, 500 megabytes per second and 1 gigabyte per second range,” he said.

“The phone service will be IP-based and will include unlimited local and long-distance.

“We have not set prices yet, but other cooperatives have phone and Internet from $69 up, starting with the phone service and 50 megabytes per second. Commercial packages may run more because many businesses have multiple phone lines.”

Shiveley said construction is underway and he’s hoping to be able to hook customers up by early summer of 2016.

A new business in Cassville, a direct primary care clinic, Roark Family Health LLC, opened in June and is owned and operated by Exeter graduate Dr. Lisa Roark, MD, of Cassville.

A 2007 graduate of the University of MissouriKansas City Medical School, Roark said the new clinic offers many services at a low cost and without sending claims to patients’ health insurance providers.

In place of working with insurance companies, patients at Roark’s clinic pay monthly membership costs and will be allowed unlimited office visits during business hours, with no co-payments or deductibles.

“There is a huge need for direct primary care because a lot of people have no insurance or have very high deductibles, and they need pri-

mary care,” Roark said.

“If a person has insurance and wants labs or X-rays performed, they will be done here or at Cox or Mercy, but at much lower prices, especially for labs, since we do not go through insurance.”

As an example, Roark said a cholesterol lab test would normally cost about $133, but is only about $3 at her clinic. An HgA1C diabetes lab test would run $99 normally, but is only about $3.50 through a direct primary care clinic. Finally, a complete metabolic panel would normally run $270, but Roark can offer the test for about $2.74. Similar savings can also be seen in prescriptions, such as Atorvastatin, for cholesterol; Azithormycin, a Z-pack; or Amlodopline, for blood pressure.

“The idea of direct primary care is to take away fee-for-service healthcare,” she said. “So, instead of working for the insurance companies, I will be working directly for the patient.”

Roark also said Quest Diagnostics will make daily trips to the clinic to pick up labs, meaning there will be a 24-hour turnaround for test results. Procedures like X-rays, along with visits to specialists, will be referred elsewhere, and a specialist visit will still go through a patient’s insurance.

Roark said she hopes to have about 1,000 patient units, with a family counting as one unit. If she exceeds that amount, she would have to hire more staff and expand.

The facility now employs five people, including Roark, an office manager and nurses.

Membership fees are $100 per month for one adult and $150 per month for a married couple. For families, there is a membership fee of $150 per month, plus $20 per child, but not exceeding $200 per month.

Employers receive a 20 percent discount if they have three or more participating employees and cover the groups as a whole. Membership fees are prepaid monthly, with direct withdrawal available.

Membership coverage includes: unlimited office visits during business hours; unlimited access to a physician, including phone, text and email; occupational health and pre-employment physicals; management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, high blood pressure, thyroid disorder, birth control and more; physical exams, such as well woman, pap smears, well child and school or sports physicals; weight management, with medication

Seligman City Clerk Brian Nichols describes blueprints for a new Walmart Express coming to town. The store will be about 12,000 square feet and include 30 associates. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

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nutrition and nutrition counseling; allergy shots and vaccinations; blood draws, pregnancy tests and urine tests; laceration repair, such as stitches; IV fluids; skin biopsies; joint injections; same-day appointments, pending availability; and longer appointments, averaging 30 minutes to one hour.

Roark said the only additional costs to monthly membership fees will be for medications and supplies used.

Any medications prescribed and dispensed at the clinic will be charged at the clinic’s cost, as it is contracted with a nationwide wholesale pharmacy to save patients money.

If the clinic does not have a medication in stock, it will order the medication from the wholesaler or write a prescription a patient may take to a pharmacy. Any labs ordered and drawn at the clinic will be at the cost to process the labs.

The clinic also offers spa services, including: microdermabrasion, chemical peels, IPL photo facials, IPL laser hair removal, botox and latisse. Spa services are available to members and non-members, with a 10 percent discount for members.

One longtime business in Cassville will be no more later this year, as Mercy Hospital in Cassville bought the Corn Signs property at 90 Main Street.

Sometime after Sept.

1, Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, which purchased the property from owner Gary Corn, will be demolishing the family business, which was established in 1947, and the home belonging to his parents, which sits next to it.

Corn had never planned on taking over the family business. He was born in Cassville in 1953, and graduated from Cassville High School in 1971. After graduation, he attended a year of college at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin.

“I had no trouble making the grades but didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Corn said. “My dad was a borderline diabetic at the time and had a hard time adjusting to the changes with his diet.

I took off for the summer and helped with the business, and when summer was over, dad said, ‘Aren’t you going back to school?’

“When I came back to help out, I was getting a paycheck. I didn’t go back to school that fall, and I’ve been here ever since.

Next thing I knew, several years went by.”

Corn said what led him to ultimately decide to sell the property was his sister Gail’s health. He wanted to have time to be able to help her.

Progress 2015 Over the years, Corn and his father, Kenneth, who started the business in 1947, worked together making all types of signs for individuals and businesses.

“My dad had a Godgiven talent, Gary Corn said. “He was always doodling or drawing on something.”

Kenneth Corn was born in 1918 in Barry County, and graduated from Fairview High School, where John Q. Hammons was one of his classmates. From 1941-1945, he served in the Army in special services, tearing down sound systems for USO shows. Later, he worked on scenery on movie sets in California. In 1947, he opened Kenneth Corn Commercial Art Studio in Wheaton, and in 1950, he married Ethlyn Duncan in Fairview. A few years later, he moved his family and business to Cassville.

Gary Corn said his father designed billboards, political signs, bumper stickers, lettering for trucks, windows, and painted baptistries for several area church altars. Some of area signs and billboards he designed included the John Hancock Dinner House, Manley Courts, and the Fields’ Photo Logo at the Barry County Museum. Corn painted over 2,000 names of area World War II veterans on a wall in the Barry County courthouse, signs for local churches, hotels, and theaters, and a portrait of his daughter, Gail Brown, that Gary Corn is particularly proud of.

He made paper mache monsters for Glen Hall’s Theatre, which included a gorilla for the premiere of “Might Joe Young” in 1949. As a five-year-old, he began painting with oil paints.

A sign that still sits in the lobby of the business and was his father’s motto that reads, “God owns my business, I just work here.”

“He was always interested in figuring out how to do something to see if he could do it,” Gary Corn said.

Real Estate

According to Linda Johnson, owner of American Dream Realty in Cassville, the local real estate market took a dive in the late 2000s, but she believes it is now on the rebound and getting back to a pre-recession state.

“I’m optimistic because there are a lot less repossessed homes on the market than [in 2013], which means the market is stabilizing,” she said.

Johnson said after the housing bubble, which started in 2006 and dipped to its lowest point in 2012, repossessed homes saturated the mar-

The Walmart Neighborhood Market in Seligman has been open since December, bringing in more tax dollars for the city and giving area residents another option for groceries and prescriptions. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com ket, which made things go stagnant for a while.

“The market has been inching its way back to life in the past couple years, and there’s a lot of younger people getting into the market because there are some good loans out there,” Johnson said.

“They are moving out of their parents’ homes and trying to get out on their own.”

According to numbers attained by Johnson through the Southwest Missouri Multiple Listing Service, the average price of a home in 2011 was $67,250. That number spiked to $80,000 in 2012, then dipped back to $65,000 in 2013, then went back up to $83,000 in 2014.

The total number of home sales has been on the rise since 2011, which saw 62 sales. The number stayed consistent in 2012 with 65 sales, but rose in 2013 to 82, and 75 were sold in 2014 by the end of October. These figures do not include the Shell Knob area, which uses the Tri Lakes Multiple Listing Service system, a system Johnson said would definitely throw the figures into a higher bracket.

In 2014, the average selling price for a home in Cassville was $48,444.86; in Exeter, the average price was $56,391.90; in Washburn, the average price was $40,916.67; in Seligman, the average price was $40,716.76; in Purdy, the average price was $53,122.73; and in Wheaton, the average price was $44,849.

“There are a lot of parents around here who help their kids get into homes, and it’s not always like that in other areas,” Johnson said. “And the interest rates are very competitive and it has been a lot of the local banks financing because they know these people and are willing to stick their necks out a little more sometimes.”

Johnson said the hometown aspect of realty in Barry County, with local banks financing homes more than national conglomerates, such as Chase, help to keep dollars local and boost the economy even more.

“That definitely helps the local economy and helps keep that hometown life because we can keep that money here,” she said.

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Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 13

The year 2014 brought a large increase in sales tax revenue to Barry County, which has continued to climb into this year.

Cherry Warren, Barry County presiding commissioner, said the 10 percent increase in tax revenues in 2014 may be a sign of a rebounding economy, but he is still cautious about what it could mean.

“There’s been about a 6-percent increase for cities like Cassville and

Gary Corn, owner of Corn Signs, stands in front of his business which his father, Kenneth, started in 1947, and is set to be demolished sometime after Sept. 1 by Mercy Hospital and Clinic to enlarge the parking lot. Julia Kilmer/reporter@cassville-democrat.com

Doug Rands, left, and Danny Hendricks repair a starter on a Cessna 172 at the Cassville Municipal Airport. Rands and Hendricks, who own Southwest Missouri Aviation, want to build a 3,600-square-foot hangar at the airport. Jason Johnston/Special to

the Cassville Democrat

Monett, and the county is seeing a 10-percent increase,” he said. “From a county perspective, we are cautiously optimistic things will hold at this level.

“We budgeted flat, and we never thought we’d see a 10-percent increase in the slightest. But, we’ll take it, and it’s better than being down 10 percent.”

In July of this year, Cassville’s 1-percent tax hit an all-time record for the month with $119,268.55 for the general fund, up $27,929.22 from July 2014 Barry County’s two half-percent taxes yielded nearly $206,400 each in July, each down by nearly $1,864 from last July, in direct contrast to the municipal totals.

Barry County’s 911 tax followed the same trend, receiving $149,017.83, down from last July by nearly $7,000. The 2015 sum for the 911 tax of $855,277.11 is nearly $40,000, or 5 percent higher, than last year’s pace.

Gary Corn, owner of Corn Signs, looks at a portrait his father painted long ago of his sister Gail Brown as a little girl, in the doorway of his shop. Julia Kilmer/reporter@cass-

ville-democrat.com

It pays to advertise!

Call your account representative today. 417-847-2610 Cassville Democrat | Cassville-Democrat.com

Cassville Democrat

Page 14 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

2015 BARRY COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS BACK ROW: Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Deeds, Craig Williams; Barry County Associate Circuit Judge, Division II Robert Foulke; Barry County Associate Circuit Judge, Division I Johnny Cox. FRONT ROW: Prosecuting Attorney Amy Boxx, Public Administrator Pam Modlin; and Barry County Sheriff Mick Epperly.

BACK ROW: Northern Commissioner Gary Schad, Collector of Revenue Janice Varner, Southern Commissioner Wayne Hendrix, Presiding Commissioner Cherry Warren and County Clerk Gary Youngblood.

FRONT ROW: County Assessor Sherrie Sears and County Treasurer Lois Lowe.

Jim Fohn

Barry County Coroner

Barry County Coroner Phone: 417-847-2141 Fax: 417-847-5575

Amy Boxx

Barry County Prosecutor

Working TogeTher for a beTTer communiTy! Janice Varner

Barry County Collector

Craig Williams

Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Deeds

Barry County Judicial Center 102 West Street, Suite 1 Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-3133 Fax: 418-847-6298

Wayne Hendrix Barry County Southern Commissioner

Barry County Courthouse Barry County Judicial Center 102 West Street, Suite 1 Cassville, MO. 65625 Phone: 417-847-2361

Pam Modlin Barry County Public Administrator

Barry County Courthouse

700 Main, Suite 3 Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-2113 www.barrycountycollector.com

700 Main, Suite 2 Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-4628 E-mail: barrycountyclerk@centurytel.net

Gary Schad Barry County Northern Commissioner

Barry County Judicial Center 102 West Street, Suite 5 Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-2005 Fax: 417-847-2006

Email: pam.modlin@yahoo.com

Barry County Courthouse 700 Main, Suite 2 Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-4628 Fax: 417-847-5311

Barry County Courthouse 700 Main, Suite 2 Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-4628 Cell: 417-235-9843 Email: barrycountyclerk@centurytel.net

Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Brittany Farris was recently named new director of the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce. Farris is a Purdy High School graduate and graduated from MSU in Springfield with a Bachelor of Science in entertainment and events management. Julia Kilmer/reporter@cassville-democrat.com

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 15

The Cassville Sonic Drive-In sponsored a chili dog-eating contest on the square during the Chili and Salsa Cook-off, hosted by the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce. William Naugle, second from the end on the left, ate five chili dogs in one minute and six seconds to win the contest. Jason Johnston/Special to the Cassville Democrat

Are

Ashley Roe, left, of Cassville, holds her daughter, Demi Roe, 1-1/2, while Dexter Beyer, 2, middle, and Roe’s other daughter, Sidney Roe, 4, wait to collect candy during the annual Cassville Christmas Parade. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

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rt } { ready to start The inaugural 4 Under 40 recipients were recognized at the annual Cassville Chamber Banquet. Those who won the award, from left, included: Caleb Buntin, Stacy Runnels, Justin Mills and Mindi Artherton. The award aimed to recognize four individuals under 40 years of age who are making a significant impact as a leader in the Cassville community. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

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Now Registering Classes 235-2007 drury.edu/monett

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Victor Head, right, former associate circuit court judge and now senior judge, speaks after receiving a Community Service Award award at the Cassville Chamber Banquet. Standing behind Head are members of his family, some of whom traveled from across the state to surprise Head as he received the award. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Page 16 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Progress 2015

Cassville Democrat

Community: New chamber director hopes to start new traditions in Cassville

Continued from Page 5

College in 2010, then obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University in Springfield in 2014 in entertainment and events management. In 2012, Farris also completed an internship with Artherton.

“I did several events and helped her put things on with the community,” Farris said. “I fell in love with the chamber at that time, so when I graduated and an opportunity presented itself, I was pretty excited. I love the homey feeling here. Everyone supports one another. I just feel at home.”

Farris believes some of the core strengths she will bring to the community as the new chamber director include a love for the community, energy, organization, stability, family values and just being a people-oriented person.

As a Barry County native who has lived and worked in the community, another strength Farris said she brings to the table is familiarity with the area, the community, and events.

Next spring, Farris would like to start another community tradition.

“I would like to offer something in the spring months, too, when the weather will be so nice,” she said. “I would like to do something after Trout Days in March.”

Farris has several family members in the area.

Her mother works for the Purdy school district as a special education teacher, and her father works in a satellite business in Cassville. She also has two older siblings and one younger, three nieces and a German Shepard mix named Mia. Seligman’s Chamber of Commerce also hosts numerous events throughout the year, and standing out most in the past year was when Branson performer Barbara Fairchild came to the city to put on a show.

More than 50 people were in attendance, many of whom got to mingle with the long-time performer and her husband, Roy Morris.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce also hosts dances multiple times each month, sponsors the train ride to Van Buren, Ark., and pitches in with the July 4 Fest each year.

Along with the Chamber, many other civic groups and organizations showed their community support in the past year.

The Sigma Epsilon sorority, which has been in the community for more than 20 years, sponsored a senior girl at Cassville High School to attend prom.

“We pick a senior who

will need help with senior expenses and take care of those for her,” said Megan Cox, co-president. “We also sponsor a senior Scholarship that is awarded in May of each year.”

Sigma Epsilon also hosts Project Prom each year. The sorority helps junior and senior girls at Cassville High who need prom dresses.

“We have been fortunate to have people donate dresses and several sorority members have bought dresses to help fill our racks,” she said.

On Feb. 24, sorority members set up dress racks at Cassville High School. They also set aside an area for shoes.

On Feb. 25, the students picked out what they wanted.

Brittany Fitzpatrick, junior at Cassville High, said she thought it was a nice deal that the sorority had at the school.

“I think it’s nice to bring in dresses for people who can’t afford prom dresses or don’t have the time to look for a dress,” Fitzpatrick said.

When she was searching for prom dresses on her own, she said some of them were $200 to $400.

The past two years, Cox said Sigma Epsilon has had a sweet tea booth at the annual Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Chili and Salsa Cook-Off. “We also have breakfast with Santa each December,” she said.

Before the Cassville Wildcats football team’s first home game, the sorority organizes a tailgating event with their family.

The area sorority used to be one of two local chapters in Beta Sigma Phi International, a national non-academic sorority.

“Our club broke away from the national organization, so that we could spend our dues on local needs and projects,” Cox said. “We have around 20 members and our dues are $60 for the year. We meet once a month in a member’s home and enjoy good food and company. We also discuss upcoming projects, needs and activities.”

Tau Eta was the other chapter, and it turned into Angels Anonymous about four years ago.

While fun events and prom plans may be more attractive, many in the Cassville community and surrounding communities continue to provide support for one another concerning a more pressing issue — hunger.

In Barry County, the Ozarks Food Harvest serves the Cassville Community Food Pantry at the Cassville United Methodist Church, Helping Hands

D&R Auction representatives ride a carriage in the annual Cassville Christmas Parade. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Community Food Pantry in Eagle Rock, Rock Springs Baptist Church in Seligman, and Central Community United Methodist Church in Shell Knob. It also serves the Cassville Senior Center, the Monett Senior Center and the Shell Knob Senior Center, which are part of the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging.

In fiscal year 2013, Ozarks Food Harvest provided Barry County with $10,200 in additional grants, including $2,500 to Cassville Community Food Pantry and $2,500 to Helping Hands Community Food Pantry, and both pantries received two-door industrial coolers to help store perishable items.

In fiscal year 2014, Ozarks Food Harvest provided Barry County with $3,000, which went to the Cassville Community Food Pantry for food.

“Go to one of those local food pantries in Barry County and serve your time volunteering or maybe host a food drive that helps one of those agencies directly,” said Lindsey Neddenriep, public relations manager for Ozarks Food Harvest.

“And then, for people who don’t have the time but they have the voice, they can participate online.

“There a lot of tools on our website. [People] can share a statistic or an image on Facebook or Twitter or whatever people might use just to help spread awareness about the issue [of hunger].”

Homer Shackles, right, of Hughesville, and Doug Shackles, of Cassville, look at one of the many vehicles on display at the Dogwood Car Show. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Brittany Fitzpatrick, junior at Cassville High School, looks for a prom dress. Sigma Epsilon hosts Project Prom to help Cassville junior and senior girls who need prom dresses. Jason Johnston/Special to the Cassville Democrat

Kelsey Roney, a Cassville High senior, prepares to send her winning logo to the Cassville Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will use the logo on T-shirts and printing material for the Chili and Salsa Cook-off on Oct. 25. Jason Johnston/Special to the Cassville Democrat

Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 17

Education: $500,000 grant to Exeter helps start new after-school program

Continued from Page 6

Rock Gym, new telescoping bleachers with plastic contour seats in the middle school gym and new roofing at the preschool, art room and nurse’s office.

The district plans to repay the bonds over a 20-year period using the property tax revenues already in place, as the bond issue was written to avoid a tax increase.

The district was also awarded $948,295 from the Qualified Zone Academy Bonds program, a DESE-sponsored program that gives interest-free bonds to schools that had applied for the program and have passed bond issues.

Asbill said the bond issue’s passing has helped the school get back on track funding-wise after doing the two FEMA buildings and falling a little behind.

“This is why we came to the voters with an aggressive and proactive plan to address our current needs and catch up,” he said. “This gets us back on schedule with our yearly maintenance and puts us back in a fiscal balance. The 20-year repayment schedule also allows us to take advantage of refund windows, which will save taxpayer money.”

The second FEMA building, which is connected to the high school, was also completed last year, and the Rock Gym, damaged by a water main break in January 2014, received an interior facelift.

After-school program

The Exeter school district offered a new program to children and

their parents last year, as the district was awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

Mandy Mattingly, kindergarten teacher and grant writer for the district, said the $500,000 grant, distributed over a 5-year period, allowed the district to expand its after-school program and offer more opportunities.

“The thing of it is that the students will have an opportunity to achieve higher results educationally and beat challenges they have,” said Ernest Raney, superintendent.

“It’s a five-year deal, so it’s tremendous. It will help families out, and it’s a well-designed initiative that fits our needs.”

Mattingly said it was a surprise to receive the grant, especially with Exeter’s small size compared to others who may have applied.

“It’s exciting that a little school got it,” she said.

“There are several St. Louis schools that serve 300 kids, and ours will serve about 80-100, so the competition was very stiff.”

The after-school care program is the largest part of the grant, as it provides theme-based activities for students each day, as well as five family activity nights, three six-week adult classes and two field trips per year.

“The family activity nights will be things like movie night, game night, reading carnivals, crazy concoctions science experiments and program plays,” Mattingly said.

“The adult classes will be on things like parenting, technology and job skills.”

The grant requires

Tim Jordan, right, Exeter Elementary School principal, gives two thumbs up after being pied in the face by students, from left, third-grader Josue Alcaraz, fourth-grader Emma Sorensen and fourth-grader Jasmine Hall. Jordan challenged his 174 students to read 800 books over the summer in 2014, and the students came through with a total count of 962, an average of about 5-1/2 books each. Alcaraz, Sorensen and Hall got to pie Jordan because they each read over 100 books. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com Exeter to partner with local businesses as well, and Mattingly said the district has about 15 businesses supporting the program.

“They will provide things like instruction, materials or information for the kids and adults,” she said.

Levi Pollreisz, Cassville High School student body president, leads a crowd in singing the National Anthem during the school band’s performance of Armed Forces — Pride of America. The performance was part of a ceremony held at the school in honor of Veterans Day in 2014. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Camille Holman, center, is crowned Cassville High School Miss Merry Christmas by 2013 Miss Merry Christmas, Ashley Ray, left. Holman raised $3,788.71 for the Share Your Christmas program. In total, the eight Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas candidates raised a total of $12,390.05. In 2013, the competition garnered $13,052.30. Also pictured is Kyle Ruark, sophomore Mr. Merry Christmas candidate. Kyle Troutman/editor@

cassville-democrat.com

A total of 31 students, sitting in the front row, graduated from Exeter High School.

Lydia Alverson serves as valedictorian, and Christopher Smith was the salutatorian. Kyle

Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Robert Taylor, right, Exeter High School principal, makes a pass to Tim “Tiny Tim” Jordan, Exeter Elementary School principal, during Exeter’s Donkey Basketball Game, held at the school’s gym. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Paj Chea Yang, left, 2014 Southwest High School valedictorian, and Montana Hendrix, Southwest High School salutatorian, share a laugh during Yang’s speech at the school’s graduation ceremony in the high school gym. Southwest High School graduated 53 seniors at the ceremony in May 2014. Kyle

Troutman/editor@ cassville-democrat. com

Page 18 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Progress 2015

Cassville Democrat

Health: Local Mercy hospital remained unaffected by nationwide job cuts

Continued from Page 8

have been eliminated, which is less than 1 percent of Mercy’s workforce of 40,000. That total includes 178 leader positions. Mercy is also focusing on reducing management and implementing a leadership restructuring involving position and title changes for approximately 185 leaders across Mercy. The majority of non-leader positions are non-clinical care roles that are part of Mercy’s revenue management department.

“Changes such as these are difficult and distressing for everyone involved,” said Lynn Britton, Mercy president and CEO. “While our decisions support Mercy’s ability to stay strong and relevant in the face of challenges impacting all health care providers, today our thoughts and prayers are with those co-workers who are affected.”

Doug Stroemel, administrator at Mercy Hospital Cassville, Aurora and Berryville, Ark., declined comment.

Mercy cut 200-300 jobs nationwide in June 2014, leaving Cassville unaffected then as well.

Mercy in Cassville employs 116 people, of which about 50 people work in support fields such as human resources, administrations, finances and marketing.

In a press release, Mercy officials blamed a lack of Medicaid expansion in several of the states they serve, as well as reductions in reimbursement from government and commercial payers.

Mercy officials say they have been working to consolidate non-patient care support services to become more efficient.

Miracle recovery

Last year brought Cassville a more unconventional story regarding health, as the Beagle family celebrated what they called a miracle in the recovery of Cole Beagle.

For the family, the verse Matthew 21: 22, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer,” could not be any more true.

The family turned to this verse numerous times while middle child, Cole Beagle, was hospitalized.

The family said his recovery is a testament to the power of prayer and to God’s mystery.

A sophomore accounting major at Missouri State University and 2013 Cassville High School graduate, Beagle spent 10 days at Mercy Hospital in Springfield after suddenly collapsing in his apartment. By the time he got to the hospital, he was not breathing and had no pulse.

By medical standards, Beagle had died. His

parents, Dan and Karen Beagle, say his recovery is a miracle and shows how powerful prayer can be.

On Jan. 7, Karen Beagle said she received a phone call from her son’s number, but a different voice was at the end of the line.

“It was a girl asking if I was Cole’s mom, and then she told me he was in the hospital,” she said.

“We were in Billings, so it took us about 20 minutes to get there.”

Karen, a nurse since 1986, said the family was greeted by a chaplain and a family advocate when members arrived at the hospital.

“That’s never a good sign, and the first thing I asked is if he was alive,” she said. “They told me he coded and was shocked three times when he got to the hospital.

The doctor said he was not sure what was going on, and then he asked us if we could all pray.”

Karen said she and her husband had been praying since they received the phone call, and the fact that a doctor asked to pray with them was impressive.

Not responding to any stimuli, even painful stimuli, doctors put Cole in a medically-induced coma and dropped his body temperature to 33 degrees Celsius, aiming to avoid organ or brain damage.

Cole stayed at the frigid temperature for 24 hours. When doctors attempted to wake him, it was the first time he showed a response since he arrived at the hospital.

“He had not been responsive after they started his heart again, and there was no telling if he’d make it,” Karen said.

“The hardest part was the wait — 12 hours to cool, and another 12 hours to warm back up. After that, he woke up just enough to squeeze my fingers and wiggle his toes.”

Karen said her son’s oxygen levels dropped to 85 percent, and his heart rate began climbing, which led doctors to sedate him a second time, keeping his temperature normal. At that point, Beagle’s heart had an enlarged left ventricle and was registering 19 percent output. The doctor said about 50 percent of people in that condition would get better, about 30 percent maintain that level of output and about 20 percent get worse.

When Cole awoke again, his heart’s output had spiked to 55 percent and the left ventricle had shrunk to normal size, leaving doctors and nurses baffled at such a quick bounce-back.

“At that point, we knew God had his hand in this whole process,” Karen said. “He woke up and was responsive, but he was really groggy.

The Beagle family spends some time together before heading out to dinner in Cassville. Cole Beagle, second from left, is back home after a 10-day stay in the hospital due to a heart issue. He was revived after his body stopped functioning, and his family said his recovery is testament to the power of prayer. People pictured include, from left: Courtney Beagle, Cole Beagle, Dan Beagle, Karen Beagle and Callie Beagle. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com After about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, you could tell by his words, responses and facial expressions that Cole was back.”

In total, Cole was in the hospital for 10 days.

As he was leaving the hospital on a Saturday, the family got a call from their pastor, James Weaver of First Baptist Church in Cassville.

“James said it’s a good day today, and he didn’t want to hold us up on the phone,” said Dan Beagle, Cole’s father. “Cole replied to him, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow,’ and he went to church the next day.”

Cole said much of the stay in the hospital he did not remember, and even now, it’s somewhat unbelievable.

“It’s really overwhelming to think about all that, because I don’t remember any of it,” he said.

“The first time I could remember anything was two or three days before I came home. But it’s a great feeling to know that many people supported me.”

Karen said she and her husband spent a lot of time in the hospital’s chapel, praying for a full recovery and poring through scriptures from the couple’s Sunday school class. Dan said the most difficult part of the experience was the fear of losing his son, even if it was God’s will.

“One of the scary things for me was when the chaplain said in the chapel, ‘Lord, let your will be done,’” he said.

“And I said hold on a minute, I’m not ready because what if God takes him? When I got back to the room, I could see all the stuff hooked up to him and that’s the most helpless feeling you can

Members and guests listen as Jerry Arnold, chief operating officer for the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob, gives the opening speech for the opening ceremonies to dedicate the newly completed 6,600-square-foot Melba Eakin addition of the center, and the Mercy Therapy Center, which includes 1,300 square feet and is dedicated to providing area seniors with physical therapy services so they don’t have to travel.

Julia Kilmer/reporter@cassville-democrat.com

Volunteer Gene Hirst, 88, receives a service award from members and fellow volunteers Anita Field, left, who is Hirst’s daughter, and Janet Horine. Hirst faithfully swept the floors of the newly-renovated 13,600-square-foot building during its construction. Julia

Kilmer/reporter@cassville-democrat.com

Continued on Page 20

Nick Whelan, D.P.T., demonstrates the ultrasound and electrical e-stem machine to member Wilma Hilton of Shell Knob. The specialized device is one of the pieces of modern medical equipment that will be available to facilitate a variety of physical therapy services. Julia Kilmer/reporter@cassville-democrat.com

Nick Whelan, D.P.T., guides member Wilma Hilton of Shell Knob on use of the treadmill. A variety of equipment will be available to facilitate physical therapy services. Julia

Kilmer/reporter@cassville-democrat.com

Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 19

Tourism: CCC Lodge at Roaring River getting a needed $1.25 million facelift

Continued from Page 9

school district.

“I’ve spent the past five years as assistant superintendent, and in that time, I have experienced what a wonderful and special place this is,” Hays said. “I hope to provide the best experience I can and work on upcoming projects to make better experiences for visitors.”

Hays was one of 13 applicants for the position, and he was hired through the Missouri Office of Administration’s Merit application process, which grades applicants and puts them in order based on a number of factors.

“Kerry’s experience and background made him the best choice for the park manager position at Roaring River State Park,” said Steph Deidrick, information specialist for Missouri State Parks.

Hays said his past experience at the park is likely what made him a top candidate, and it will be a great benefit to him going forward. “[Being assistant superintendent] was a very good experience, and over the years, I’ve realized the park is a lot more than just for the guests,” he said. “People have been coming here for generations and been on the river, at the campgrounds or on the trails, and I feel it’s an amazing experience and humbling when I think about all the people that have come here throughout the years.”

Roaring River sees a plethora of visitors come through the park every year, part of the reason tourism in the area remains so strong.

Hays said about 550,000 people visited Roaring River in 2014, and the summer months were the most busy.

“Roaring River State Park offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy and explore the great outdoors,” Hays said. “There are three campgrounds with 179 campsites, seven hiking trails with over 10 miles of trails through the surrounding hills, a wonderful interpretive nature center, two shelters that groups and families can reserve for a picnic, Camp Smokey — the park’s group camp and a special use area primarily used by Scouts — and, of course, the river, which is stocked with trout every night during the season by the Missouri Department of Conservation.”

Spurgeon said the 12-1/2-inch trout used to stock the river have been growing at the hatchery for about two years, and the hatchery stocks 33 different areas of the river based on trout tag sales at the Park Store.

“We raise these fish year-round, so we have about 265,000 ready to go for this season,” he said. “They range from about six inches to 12-1/2 inches, and the smaller ones will keep growing until they reach the goal size of 12-1/2 inches, and we’ll stock those every month.

“We base our stocking on the anticipated number of tags sold.

During the season, we stock about 2-1/4 fish per tag, and we’ve been pretty good with our estimations. Last year, we stocked at a rate of 2.35 fish per tag.”

Hays said although fishing is one of the main attractions, it is not the only thing bringing over half a million people to the park this summer.

Camping is another big draw, and Hays said campsites on the weekends are usually packed.

“There are 34 firstcome, first-served campsites that are usually

occupied by Thursday on any given week during the summer,” he said.

“The remaining 145 sites can be reserved by calling 1-877-422-6766 or by visiting www.mostateparks. com. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of the arrival date.

“Usually from Sunday to Thursday, it is more likely to find a campsite to stay in at the park.

Weekends are usually our busiest times, particularly when the weather’s nice. We’re not always filled every weekend, so it’s good to call the park office at 417-847-2539 in advance and ask about current availability.”

While visitors are casting their lines for trout or firing up a grill near the campsite, Hays said park staff are always at work keeping the park in shape.

“Each week, staff will mow the three campgrounds, picnic areas and other places in the park designated for use by the public,” he said. “The trails are checked and cleared regularly, and a crew checks and cleans the restrooms and shower houses several times each day.

“We work hard to preserve the natural resources of the park for future generations while providing well-maintained areas for recreational activities such as camping, hiking and fishing.”

Hays said the park also offers some activities throughout the summer, from Kids’ Fishing Days to Free Fishing Weekend to the Townball Roaring River Style event, held for the first time on June 28.

Kids’ Fishing Day saw strong turnout this year, with a total of 1,062 children cast their lines the the event in May, which saw between 3,000 and 4,000 total visitors, including Outdoor Channel star Joe Thomas.

Paul Spurgeon, manager of the Roaring River Hatchery, said the turnout was strong, but could have been stronger if not for weather moving in late.

“It was pretty crowded all day,” he said. “The weather kept some people and campers away later, but it was still busy.”

Thomas, who hosts “STIHL Reel in the Outdoors with Joe Thomas,” who intended to be at the park for Opening Day but had to cancel because of the weather, paid a special visit to the park ahead of a filming on Table Rock Lake, and he said he his time could not have been better.

“The park is immaculate,” he said. “It’s very well-kept, and with STIHL, that’s something they always look for, and Roaring River is beautiful.”

After filming some of the park, spring and hatchery on Friday, Thomas got his start on the river Saturday at 5:45 a.m. Fifteen minutes later, he experienced the Roaring River opening horn for the first time.

“We saw all the kids getting in position and getting their perfect spots, and when the horn went off, it was amazing,” he said. “Everyone was smiling and kids were already pulling fish out.

“It really exceeded my expectations. I’ve been to over 25 kids’ fishing events in my lifetime, and this one was, by far, the best. It was the most action-packed and enthusiastic, and that’s the future of the sport.”

Thomas said he mingled with children at the event, talked to them and their parents, and took photos in the Outdoor Channel’s boat set up near the CCC Lodge.

“When I first got there,

Kelly Mills of Cassville, second from right, nets a trout while fishing at Roaring River State Park. Kyle Troutman/editor@

cassville-democrat.com

I saw a kid in knee-high boots and shorts with a monkey backpack and a floppy hat,” he said. “And to see a 4-year-old kid so excited about fishing was great.”

Thomas said the most interesting part of his visit was meeting people who had traveled from far away and were there.

“We met some people from as far away as Alaska,” he said. “They were in the area vacationing and decided to take part in the event. It was also great to see it as an annual family tradition.

Some of the people out there spanned multiple generations, with grandpa, dad and kid all fishing together.”

Thomas said those children’s fishing poles were also the best bet Saturday when it came to snagging a rainbow trout.

“Snoopy and Barbie rods were king, and they were catching some big fish,” he said. “One kid caught a 4-5-pounder, and when he held it up, it was almost to his ankles.”

Results of the fishing contest results proved Thomas’ point, as 2-year-old Kimber Carter of Monett landed a 3.15-pounder to win the girls contest. Hunter Rafferty and Layne Jung tied for the boys contest, each netting 3.80-pounders.

Finally, the park is seeing some renovations, as the CCC Lodge is getting a facelift from Missouri State Parks, at a cost of $1.25 million.

The lodge has two floors, with four units on the second floor, complete with kitchenettes and Murphy beds, along with a main bedroom.

The bottom floor will also likely have a unit or two, but will also have spaces for meetings and special events.

The Missouri State Park system is funded 75 percent by the 1/10-cent parks, soils and water sales tax, which is evenly split between Missouri State Parks and the Soil and Water Conservation Program. The other 25 percent of the State Parks’ funding comes from things like usage and camping fees.

The parks, soils and water tax was last approved by Missouri voters by a 71 percent to 29 percent margin, and the levy will return to the ballot again in 2016.

Plans for the lodge hit a snag in early 2015, when $15 million in general revenue funding for renovation and maintenance at the parks was not being reappropriated.

The system began building another park in Shannon County, at a cost of $60 million.

Gov. Jay Nixon then requested the $15 million be reappropriated, along with another $50 million through bonds.

Charlie Seymour, 16, of Cassville, pulls his catch out of the water. Kyle Troutman/editor@ cassville-democrat.com

Tryp Williams, 6, of Berryville, Ark., reaches for the next rung of a playground ladder while his family visits Roaring River State Park. Williams is one of about 550,000 people expected to visit the park this year. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com Renovations are underway at the facility.

For more information about the park, people may visit its website at www.mostateparks.com, or call the park office at 417-847-2539.

Viney Creek

Threatened with closure each spring in the past two years, Viney Creek Recreational Area near Golden has staved off shutting its doors in 2014 and 2015, thanks to Missouri State Parks leasing the property last year and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources operating it this year.

According to Laurie Driver, public affairs specialist with the Army Corps of Engineers in Little Rock, Ark., the Corps processed a lease with Missouri State Parks, which opened the area on May 23, 2014.

Cherry Warren, Barry County presiding commissioner, said the county had been working with the Corps to lease the park, but was glad to see Missouri State Parks step in and take the reins last year. Driver said Missouri State Parks was awarded the contract because the Corps has a hierarchy when it comes to leasing parks.

“There’s a pecking

order on how we have to offer leases,” she said.

“It goes federal organizations, then state, then county, then non-profit and tribes.”

This year proved to be more difficult to keep the area open, as Missouri State Parks relinquished its 2014 lease due to a waste water system at the park, according to a letter sent to the Corps by William Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks.

“While we are appreciative of the support from local residents during our tenure as managers of the Viney Creek Recreation Area, we do not have available funds to make the necessary improvements to the waste water system and bring it into compliance with the new regulations set to go into effect on Oct. 1,” the letter said.

The park has a more-than-30-year-old sand filtration system, and because of new Environmental Protection Agency regulations, it would cost about $50,000 to $100,000 to bring the equipment into compliance.

“The treatment plant is a problem, and the county is in no position to lease the park and spend quite a bit of money to fix it,” said Cherry Warren, Barry County presiding

commissioner. “Viney Creek is a very serene area, and I think there’s a demand for it to be open, and I’d hate to see it closed.”

The Corps processed a one-year lease this year at no cost, keeping the park open under the management of the Department of Natural Resources, overseen by Missouri State Parks.

“Missouri State Parks has operated the existing wastewater treatment facility in a manner to ensure compliance with the Missouri state operating permit,” Deidrick said. “In the event that the facility is unable to properly treat the wastewater, it may be pumped and hauled to a municipal wastewater treatment facility for more effective treatment.”

According to a letter sent to the Corps by William Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, the organization will relinquish its lease on Sept. 15, but hopes to get a new one.

“At this time, Missouri State Parks desires to enter into a lease agreement for Viney Creek Recreation Area for the 2016 recreation season, commencing on May 2, 2016 and ending on Sept.

7, 2016,” Bryan said in Continued on Page 22

Page 20 • Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Thousands attend Shell Knob’s annual ‘Shakin’ in the Shell’

April Payne, right, of Shell Knob, and her son, Zackariah Payne, 3, take a spin on the Wizzer, one of many rides set up at Shakin’ in the Shell in September 2014. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

While being held buy his father, Trevor Ward, middle, of Washburn, Connor Ward, left, 1-1/2, reaches for a balloon car being made by Ronzo the Clown while at Shakin’ in the Shell. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Health: Family touts power of prayer

Continued from Page 18

have, so, it was back to the chapel.”

Karen said she felt God was preparing her for such an event through some of the scriptures she and Dan were studying.

“My Sunday school teacher gave me a Bible I thought had been marked with a ribbon, so I opened to that page and it happened to be marked at Psalm 31:24,” she said.

“It’s the last verse and it says, ‘Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all ye that hope in Jehovah.’ It had my name beside it and I asked if my teacher did that on purpose, and she said she must have done it at a different time while praying Classifly, Classiflew, Classiflown.

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for me for another reason, but that verse really spoke to me and gave me a lot of strength.”

Beagle said also, in a Dec. 2 entry in her journal, she explored the possibility that if God would bruise his own son, why would he not bruise her, citing Isaiah 53:10.

“If he would let his own son be crucified, why would he not put hardship our lives to build our faith,” she said.

Beagle said during the family’s time in the hospital, there were many signs along the way that showed God was present.

“During the cooling and heating process, my mind kept going and going, and I stopped to look at the clock in the hallway and it seemed to be paused at 3:33.33,” she said. “The number three represents the Holy Trinity, and I told Dan, that was God letting us know he was present.”

The clock was not the only 3:33 phenomenon, as Cole Beagle’s cell phone alarm would go off each day at 3:33 p.m., and even after Cole got his phone back, he did not know how, or why, the alarm was set.

Dan Beagle said it’s not the first time divine intervention seemed to take hold, as his youngest

daughter, Callie, suffered an eye injury in 2009.

“I prayed out loud for the first time in 2009, when Callie had her eye injury,” he said. “On our way to the hospital, I said, ‘Lord, we need your help,’ and Callie knew it would all be OK because after I said that, she said the pain went away.”

Karen said everything that happened, including Cole’s expected 100 percent recovery, is still hard to believe. Cole now has an implanted defibrillator, just in case a similar situation were to occur.

Beagle said she also hopes her son’s story will serve as inspiration to others who may have questions about their faith.

“If you don’t really have strong faith or don’t really spend time learning what’s in the Bible, it gives you so much strength,” she said. “It’s like a guide for our lives. Without it, those first few days would have been unbearable. I hope people are encouraged to build a relationship with God.” Dan again turned to Matthew 21:22 in hopes that others will turn to prayer.

“You can pray wherever you are, so just try it,” he said. “Cole is living proof that it works.”

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Matt Dennison, 14, of Neosho, sets his sight on a rival team member while playing laser tag at Shakin’ in the Shell. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

A large group of children sift through the sand pit treasure hunt at Shakin’ in the Shell.

Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Cassville Democrat

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • Page 21

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Cassville Democrat

Progress 2015

Tourism: Shell Knob tourism industry brings in millions in sales and use taxes

Continued from Page 19

the letter. “Carl Bonnell, natural resource manager at Table Rock State Park, will be contacting the Table Rock Lakes Project Office soon to schedule a walkthrough of the area and coordinate the transfer of permits and contracts back to the Corps of Engineers. Thank you for working with Missouri State Parks to allow us to keep Viney Creek Recreation Area open for visitors during the 2015 season.”

Viney Creek was set for closure in 2014 after $500,000 in budget cuts to Table Rock Lake and Dam, and Driver said multiple factors led to the Corps’ decision to close it.

Driver said Viney Creek Recreational Area cost $43,852.69 to operate in 2013, and it recorded 14,304 visitors, making it the least-visited of the 17 parks, including Viney Creek, managed by the Table Rock Lake and Dam project office. The most-visited of those parks is Indian Point near Branson, which recorded 394,760 visitors last year. In 2013, Viney Creek Recreational Area collected about $30,000 in usage fees.

Table Rock Lake

Shell Knob, located on the banks of Table Rock Lake, may be a community of only 3,200 people, but more than 500,000 tourists make their way through the town per year.

About 10,000 to 12,000 of those tourists stay at the Hickory Hollow Resort, owned and operated by the Crain family.

John Crain, who

moved to Shell Knob in 1993 said the past year has seen a comeback in travelers spending money to stay in resorts.

“Tourism in general has come back in the last couple of years, this year even more than last year,” he said. “Our reservations have been better this year, and we average about 100 people per day.”

Crain said he believes the rise in tourism is due to people being more frugal in making vacation plans.

“I believe people are more eager to let go of their disposable income.” he said. “People had been holding back since the recession hit, and I feel they are starting to let loose again. There’s a pent up demand for people to go on vacation.

Crain said it’s a wide array of visitors as well.

“We get the standard visitors from St. Louis, Kansas City and Wichita,

and we also get a lot from Springfield, Aurora and Marionville,” he said.

“Some come from out of state, like from Hawaii, California and the east coast, and we’ve even had some from out of the country.”

Even though weather conditions have been all over the map in the past year, with lots of snow in the winter and late rain in the summer, Crain said the changes have not had an effect on tourism.

“We have not seen any dip in tourism because of weather conditions,” he said. “People still go on vacation and if the weather is bad, they go to a backup plan.”

Tourism dollars make a big impact on local tax revenues, as according to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Shell Knob raked in $15,559,281.41 in sales and use taxes in 2014. The largest quarter of revenue was from July through September,

Joe Thomas, right, of STIHL Reel in the Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel, sits with a child in the Outdoor Channel’s boat while visiting Roaring River State Park for Kids’ fishing Day. Contributed photo when the area garnered $5,042,165.86.

Monett and Cassville are the only other cities in Barry County that bring in more tax revenues.

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