Cassville Democrat Community Reflections

Community Reflections Inside: BUSINESS:

Business landscape continues to change — Page 4

COMMUNITY:

Awards, celebrations, honors throughout community — Page 5

EDUCATION:

New special ed program, bond issue mark recent education news — Page 6

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HEALTH:

New clinic, possible medical marijuana dispensary coming to area — Page 7

AGRICULTURE:

Loss, honor, change mark recent ag news — Page 8

TOURISM:

Roaring River, lake area continue to drive local tourism — Page 9

More than 1,000 anglers hit the banks at 6:30 a.m. to take in the start of trout season March 1. By 11 a.m., more than 1,500 had purchased tags. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

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Cassville Democrat

Page 2 • Wednesday, March 13, 2019

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Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Business landscape continues to change

New Chamber director, economic developer hired; gaming business opens Cassville Democrat

Business in Barry County is always on the move, and in recent months, a new director or the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce has started her duties, an economic developer has been hired at the city of Cassville, and a new gaming business is making its mark among locals.

New Chamber director takes reins

Rachael Freeman was hired as the new Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce director, starting her duties on Oct. 30, 2018.

“I want to come in and tell people that they want to raise their families here because we have a sense of community and pride,” Freeman said. “I mean, just look at our schools and our square.”

As a graduate from Cassville in 2005, Freeman has degrees and experience to help her execute her new position for the best of the community.

“I worked at the Advertiser for nine years, so I’ve been involved with the Chamber, but I’ve been a board member for about three years,” she said.

Freeman said when the position for director opened up, she didn’t really think of it as something she wanted to do. It wasn’t until Marty Jenkins, general manager of Barry County Advertiser, said she should apply.

“I felt like I was moving

toward a new season in my life and ready for a new adventure and wanted to step out of my comfort zone a bit,” Freeman said.

“The more I thought and prayed about it, the more I was flooded with ideas about new ways of improving and different things that I could do through the Chamber in the director position.”

Freeman said the director position is different from the board president’s position because she wasn’t elected into it.

The board members will revolve, as there are terms there, but the director is a stable position.

“I had to go through an interview process and apply for the position,” Freeman said. “There were several others that applied and were interviewed.”

The Chamber mission statement is to provide resources and sponsorship efforts and maintain connections that will support, strengthen and grow members’ businesses, thereby contributing to and improving the entire community and business life.

“My plans are really smaller steps that I think will pay off in a big way for smaller businesses,” Freeman said. “I have a degree in communications and a minor in business, and I am going for my master’s in social media.

In one of the papers I had to write for a project for my master’s, I took the angle of how to make small towns, that lack the resources bigger communities have, to financially be seen and respected as a professional small business area.”

Freeman said she feels like there are several little things that can be done as

From left, Christy Hermansen, Clara Hermansen, Jeanne Lambel, Wade Hermansen and Andy Lambel prepare salads at the annual Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet held at Cassville High School. Kyle Troutman/editor@cass-

ville-democrat.com

a community or business that will open up revenue and tourism, in a bigger way.

According to Freeman, a lot of that has to do with the businesses online presence, branding or staging of businesses.

“Places like Cassville are the heart and soul of America,” Freeman said.

“If we come together, we can really do a lot of impressive things. We may not have a ton of resources, but we have the heart of community that will make us excel.”

Freeman lives in Purdy with her family. She was a basketball player, softball player, in band and on the student council at Cassville High School. She then went on to play basketball at Central Methodist

University and is currently studying at University of Kansas school of journalism.

“One of the big things I want to do is to really open the door to communication with the members about what their needs are and how the chamber can meet those needs,” Freeman said. “Also branching out to others in our community — not just Cassville. I mean, we live in such a prime spot where we are surrounded

by Northwest Arkansas, Joplin, Springfield and Branson. Why not tap into that and feed off of it?”

At the Barry County Advertiser Freeman worked as an assistant manager.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, left, was sworn in as the 47th Missouri State Treasurer by Barry County Associate Judge Johnnie Cox, right. Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel/Missouri House Photographer

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Page 5

State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick spoke to those gathered in Jefferson City after being sworn in as Missouri’s 47th State Treasurer Monday. Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel/Missouri

House Photographer

Awards, celebrations, honors throughout community

Fitzpatrick named State Treasurer; city of Cassville awarded for finances Cassville Democrat

It has been a busy few months in the local community, with one of Barry County’s own being named to a top position in state government, the city of Cassville receiving an award for its finances, and a local group hosting a cultural celebration in the Wheaton area.

Fitzpatrick named Missouri State Treasurer

Scott Fitzpatrick was sworn in as Missouri’s 47th State Treasurer on January in a ceremony officiated

by Barry County Associate Judge Johnnie Cox. Following his swearing-in, Fitzpatrick reiterated his commitment to fiscal restraint as well as supporting small businesses and Missouri families.

“My experience as a business owner has prepared me to lead the Treasurer’s Office,” Fitzpatrick said.

“When people depend on you for their paycheck to provide for their families, you learn quickly how important strong decision-making is, how important adequate planning is, and how important it is to be responsible.

I view the role of the State Treasurer as a protector of state funds so that Missouri schools can continue to be fully funded, Missouri businesses can continue to grow, and Missouri families can continue to prosper—all which ensure that

Missouri will continue to thrive.”

Gov. Mike Parson and leadership from the General Assembly congratulated Fitzpatrick on his new role.

“As a small business owner and legislator, Scott has built his career with a proven track record of being a wise steward and protector of the people’s money,” Parson said. “From his experience as House Budget Chairman, Scott is fully qualified, ready to lead, and brings strong fiscal conservative principles to the Treasurer’s office.”

“Scott will serve Missouri well in this important role,” House Speaker Elijah Haahr said. “Since we were elected to the House in 2012, I have seen, firsthand, his deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of Missouri’s budget. His leadership in the House’s efforts to produce

The adult painting class offered through Cassville Branch Library gives people the opportunity to be creative, while following a structured lesson. Janis Hinde held her 14-month-old granddaughter Erika Paul as she painted her blue sky, and Amanda Paul focused on her brush strokes during the adult painting class on Jan. 22 at the Cassville library. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com a fiscally responsible and balanced budget over the last six years demonstrates why there is no better steward of the people’s money than Scott.”

“Scott has a consistent, proven record of protecting Missouri taxpayers and their hard-earned dollars,” Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden said.” I am excited to see this continue as he serves our state in his new role as State Treasurer.”

Parson appointed Fitzpatrick as State Treasurer on Dec. 20, 2018.

Fitzpatrick was first elected to the House in 2012, at age 25. He served as Budget Committee Chairman in 2017 and 2018. As chair, Fitzpatrick nearly tripled the state’s budget surplus and fully funded Missouri’s schools for the first time in nearly a decade.

A lifelong Missourian, Fitzpatrick graduated from Cassville High School and the University of Missouri.

He and his wife Mallory have two sons, Luke and Carson.

Painting classes offered at library

For the last two years, the Cassville Branch Library has offered an adult painting class aimed at allowing the community to release their creative sides in a structured environment.

Donna Lawson, adult services librarian, said the painting sessions started during the summer of 2016 as one of the facility’s summer reading activities.

“We just loved offering the class, and the patrons loved doing it,” she said.

“The library bought a year’s business membership, through paintingparties.com, so that we could access all of their painting tutorials.”

Lawson said the website is available for individuals as well, and people can get monthly or yearly memberships.

“To be able to use it with a group, we had to get the business subscription,” she said. “We started doing the class once a month, where we would do an afternoon and an evening session.”

Lawson said the ses-

During the adult painting class at the Cassville Branch Library on Jan. 22, instructor Donna Lawson helped Catharina Kungl with her painting technique. The theme for January’s class was a Yellow Snowbird. Jordan Privett/

jprivett@cassville-democrat.com

sion is a video tutorial, and the group just follows and works through the steps together.

“We watch a brief segment so we can see what the artist is doing,” she said.

“Then, I replay it, and we actually do what they told us to do.”

Lawson said the library allows a two-hour slot for the painting sessions.

“I have found that the people that have been coming regularly are getting much better,” she said.

“They want to do better, so they are spending a lot more time with each step.”

Lawson said there are about 12 people at each session.

“For the last few months, there has been so many people that wanted to participate that I was doing two evening classes, but this month, I just increased the amount of slots for each session,” she said. “For the January evening session we have 18 people signed up so far.”

Lawson said for January, the tutorial will be for a bird on a branch with snow, and even though the entire class follows the same tutorial, people are allowed to make changes how they want.

“For example, if they wanted to paint the bird a different color they can,” she said. “It a very laid back environment, and I always stress to the participants that it is their painting and everyone’s work will look different.”

Lawson said there are

themes for special holidays.

“There are a lot of repeat participants, and I love seeing them grow and get better,” she said.

Lawson said people should sign up before the actual day of the class, because there are only so many slots available.

“There is a $5 participation fee due upon signup,” she said. “We provide everything for them, and the $5 just helps to purchase those supplies. If people want to bring their own brushes or anything like that they can, but if not we supply everything.”

Lawson said the February painting is called the ‘North Star’, so there will be a lot of dark colors like navy blue.

“This was something that the lady in my position before me had made all the plans for, but she left before it started,” she said. “I just did all the programs that she had planned, and since everyone loved it so much we just decided to continue with it. We made it a monthly event instead of just for the summer reading activity.”

Lawson said the February session will be on Feb. 26, so people will have more than four weeks to sign up.

For more information about the adult painting class and other classes offered, people may contact the Cassville Branch Library at 417-847-2121.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Cassville Democrat

Page 6 • Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Reflections 2019 New special ed program, bond issue mark recent education news Virtual classes offered; wellness check program a hit; time capsule buried Cassville Democrat

A new special education program involving seven school districts and a $4 million bond issue coming to Cassville voters in April are the two biggest education stories in recent months.

7 districts join special ed program

Seven area school districts have now officially joined the Monett Regional Special Services consortium, offering special education services to qualifying students from those districts.

Pierce City was the final district to approve paperwork last week. Students from Monett, Purdy, Verona, Cassville, Mt. Vernon and Aurora that also have severe emotional or behavioral issues or chronic behavioral difficulties, or those on the autism spectrum or suffer developmental disabilities, who are typically transported to educational centers in Springfield, Carthage or Joplin, are eligible to attend.

The behavioral program and the autism program, a collaborative effort set up similar to the Scott Regional Technology Center, offers services to students who have limited success in general education environments in their home school districts due to special needs.

Services are expected to begin with the start of the 2019-2020 academic year in August. During the January meeting of the Monett school board, Teena Fare, Monett special services director, said she planned to begin meeting with representatives of the participating school districts to assess the numbers and needs of students each planned to send to Monett.

With that information, she expected to advertise for needed staff in February.

Monett School Superintendent Russ Moreland, who spearheaded the project, figured the operation would have four or five teachers and paraprofessionals. The Monett school board would likely not award contracts until its March meeting.

The consortium would not accept more students than the facilities could handle, Moreland said. Located south of the main building at Monett Elementary and on the west end of the center courtyard, the building planned for the program was where Moreland said he first taught when he began his career. The building had five rooms that could accommodate 100 sixth graders.

“The building is pretty good size, but teachers will have much smaller classes than we had back then,” Moreland said. “It’s a good solid building, perfect for this.”

Maintenance crews in recent weeks have removed material stored in the building since it went out of active use, and are in the process of replacing the heating and air conditioning system as well as painting.

While modeled on the program developed by the Beacon organization, Monett’s program would not be affiliated with Beacon. The teaching partnership with Crowder College through the Maddox Hill Center would provide leadership and hands-on operation.

According to the contract approved by each participating school board, each district will designate a representative to make timely decisions on behalf of the consortium. The representative will also attend quarterly business meetings and monthly review meetings.

A majority of the funding for the program will be apportioned to each mem-

Included in the upgrades to the concession stand are more restroom facilities, a larger front window, and fridge storage added to replace the old method of ice cooling beverages. The stand will also be placed facing north, to offer patrons an easier access and clear flow. The demolition took place on Jan. 15, and the final project will be finished before next football season. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com ber district, based on their percentage of total student enrollment days. The fee for administrative costs to run the programs, an estimated $25,000 annually, will be split among the six sending schools, if they have students enrolled, and go to the Monett District, the designated fiscal agent.

Services will not be available to students from non-member districts.

Transportation of students to the programs remains the responsibility of the sending district, as is the current obligation for students enrolled in centers at Joplin and Springfield.

One of the secondary benefits to the Monett program is a significant reduction in the amount of travel time for sending schools transporting students to Monett instead of Joplin or Springfield.

“Pierce City District has one student attending classes in Carthage,” said Dr. Kelli Alumbaugh, superintendent. “Our biggest savings will come from transportation in the distance traveled.”

Alumbaugh said decisions for students attending the Center will be made in a collaborative effort between the district and the Center, and will be determined on a student-by-student basis.

The process includes observations and collaborations between the district, the center, the parents and the Individualized Education Program team.

Alumbaugh reassured board members the Pierce City District would still have the fall back of attending Beacon Schools, of which they are already members. The board tentatively accepted the agreement with Monett’s program with the caveat Alumbaugh obtain more information.

The Beacon model helped to sell the Purdy school district on the program. Purdy Elementary Principal Julie Dalton said more children with autism issues were coming into school districts in general, putting special education teachers in high demand.

Beacon, she noted, specializes in actions and behaviors and would work to decrease inappropriate behaviors so that students could return to a regular classroom setting.

“Kendale [Ellis, special education process coordinator for the Purdy district] and I have talked about this,” Dalton said. “We’re hitting a wall on where we can go from here. I’ve dealt with kids who have gone to Beacon and come back successful.”

Purdy Superintendent Steven Chancellor said he and Moreland talked in past years about developing a program for high needs students who have been transported to Springfield or Joplin at significant expense to the local districts.

“This will be a stop-gap, a middle layer between what we can’t provide and the state school,” Chancellor said. “I think this will be an invaluable resource. It will allow us to help a handful of kids with what we can’t provide now.”

While Chancellor saw three or four students in the Purdy district who could benefit from the program, the Verona school district hesitated to sign on until the administrative

costs for the program were explained in greater detail.

Board members had no concern once they understood each district would pay only for the students it sends, and pay nothing if no students participate.

“I see this as a win-win,” said Superintendent Tony Simmons. “It’s a great opportunity for us.”

The Beacon program, he noted, charges around $200 a day, which is a comparable cost to the district for hiring a one-on-one paraprofessional for a student. At the present time, Simmons did not see any Verona students who would participate in the new program. Verona would be the smallest district in the consortium.

One additional change may come to Monett’s program. Monett board member Brian Hunter suggested at the January school board meeting that the operation needed “an inspirational name,” something more than “behavioral center” as an encouraging moniker for the public.

Cassville floats $4 million bond issue

The Cassville school district is expected this week to propose a $4 million bond issue for voters to consider in April, with projects focusing on the Early Childhood Center, vintage wing renovation, playground upgrades and other issues across the campus.

Richard Asbill, Cassville superintendent, said if the school board approves the resolution likely to be put up for a vote, there will be a no-tax increase bond issue sent to voters in the April 2 election.

“Our main focus would be the Early Childhood Center expansion, renovation of the vintage wing at the old middle school, then from there capture some [American disabilities Act] improvements at the intermediate school and primary playgrounds.”

Beyond that, the district’s other major plans include work on security upgrades, such as a new intercom system and door security improvements; some roof repair and maintenance, aiming to work on portions of roofing versus doing a whole roof at once; and consideration of moving the bus barn from its location by the football field to the district’s property at 13th Street and Highway 248, which would allow the current location to serve as a maintenance building and possible surplus parking for athletic and community events.

This is the second bond issue for the district in the last 5 years, as a $4 million issue was approved by 64 percent of voters in 2014.

Those bonds funded maintenance, repairs, upgrades, renovations, FEMA additions and improvements including upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning and electrical systems at the primary, middle, and high schools, as well as the installation of technology infrastructure and equipment.

Asbill said the district is prepared to take on the financial burden of another $4 million in bonds.

“The district has an assessed valuation, and in recent years as we have paid off the bonds, and our assessed valuation has

gone up, the difference has provided us with $4 million in bonding capacity,” he said. “The board of education is a body representative of our community, and they are conservative in what they ask for. We want this no-tax increase bond issue to maintain our current plans and have the ability to accomplish what we need to accomplish with our facilities.”

A full list of proposed projects includes, in no specific order: • New bus barn, $1 million • Roof repair, $100,000 • Security camera system, $75,000 • Early Childhood Center, $1.5 million • Vintage wing renovation, $1.25 million • Turf on the east playground, $150,000 • Playground equipment, $300,000 • Pre-K playground fence, $15,000 • Playground improvements, $100,000 • Classroom cabinets in grades 1-2, $55,000 • High school entrance upgrades, $250,000 • Intercom systems for

Cassville school district added new sidewalk around the intermediate playground to help all the children be able to enjoy it to the fullest. Maintenance workers Jack Barber and Leon Mahurin spent back filling the dirt around the sidewalk. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com grades K-8 and grades 9-12, 100,000 • Door replacement, $25,000 The total amount list-

ed for the projects is $4,920,000. Asbill said these are preliminary, ballpark figures, and more CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Page 7

New clinic, possible medical marijuana dispensary coming to area Access to partner with school district; Clark Center opens Cassville office Cassville Democrat

A possible medical marijuana dispensary coming to Cassville, a new clinic in Purdy, a partnership between Access and Wheaton schools, and the Clark Center opening a Cassville office has marked recent health news in Barry County.

Local doctor outlines plan for medical marijuana dispensary

Dr. Lisa Roark, owner of Roark Family Health and Medical Spa, has proposed to the city of Cassville her plans to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Cassville.

Roark provided a packet of information to the City of Cassville, including letters of support and non-opposition from local businesses and residents. Those letters included statements from Cassville City Council, Schell Construction, Flat Creek Home Inspections, Nickle’s Flooring, Messy Apron, Country Kiddos Daycare, Barry County Health Department Administrative Assistant Brianna Meyer, retired Realtor Jan Thomas, Jim Brasel with Starchman Insurance, Law offices of Blake Fields, Ozark Mountain Green and Barry County Sheriff Gary Davis.

In the letter from Davis, he said Dr. Roark is an active member of the Cassville community, as well as the current Rotary president, community partner for the school, previously sat on the YMCA board and ran for the Cassville school board.

“Her strong ties in our

community reassure me that she will be a responsible and knowledgeable person to own a cannabis dispensary in our town,” Davis said. “After speaking with Dr. Roark of the dispensary, LLC, I am confident that their team can provide responsible, secure and patient centered palliative care treatments to individuals suffering from debilitating conditions.”

Dr. Roark presented the board with studies and letters including one from The Economic Journal. In one study, it was concluded results are consistent with the theory that decriminalization of the production and distribution of marijuana leads to a reduction of violent crimes in the markets that are traditionally controlled by Mexican drug trafficking organizations.

Also, an article provided from Economic Inquiry, volume 56, issue 3, said Colorado’s municipality retail marijuana laws (RMLs) and examination of the effect on housing values with a difference-in-differences strategy shows that legalization [of marijuana] leads to an average 6 percent increase in housing values, indicating that the capitalized benefits outweigh the costs.

Finally, ‘Addiction’ published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd. on behalf of Society for the Study of Addiction, reported that current evidence does not support the hypothesis that U.S. medical marijuana laws (MMLs) have led to increases of adolescent marijuana use.

“It is my intention to apply for a Missouri Medical Cannabis Dispensary License under the recently passed Amendment 2,” Roark said. “My proposed location would meet government regulations of greater than 1,000 feet from schools, churches and

More than 50 people showed up at going away party for Dr. Jamie Zengotita. They enjoyed a video that was put together by patients and co-workers wishing Dr. Zengotita blessing in his new adventures. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cass-

ville-democrat.com

licensed daycares.”

Roark said she believes medical cannabis should be accessible and affordable to qualifying patients in the community.

“With my history in the medical field, I feel I would be an excellent candidate to offer this option in Cassville,” Roark said.

According to Roark, there are several reason she feels a medical cannabis dispensary in Cassville would benefit the community. Those include a possible decrease of opiate related deaths, increase of safe options for medical condition that could be treated by medical marijuana, increase of jobs, increase of tax revenue, improved real estate value and improved health care for Missouri veterans.

“I felt like the meeting went well,” Roark said.

“The city council members asked questions relevant to our community, and I felt that no personal bias regarding marijuana was shown.”

Roark said that since medical marijuana is federally illegal, it is difficult to find a bank that will take

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During the going away party for Dr. Jamie Zengotita, Karen Gohr dished out cake and Nicki Gamet poured punch for co-workers, patients and friends who came to say good bye to their beloved doctor. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com money from a marijuana dispensary.

“There are a few national banks that do accept cannabis related money, and if necessary, that’s what I’ll use,” Roark said. “However, I’m still looking for options with credit unions with the hopes of only utilizing local businesses.”

In regards to community concerns about Roark benefiting from owning a medical marijuana dispensary, because as a doctor, she would also have the ability to qualify patients for a medical marijuana card, Roark said the law is very clear regarding who qualifies for a medical card.

“There is no prescription, just a qualification, which means that it’s impossible for me to have any personal bias regarding who qualifies,” Roark said.

Roark said people should realize she is offering this as a free service to her members, and at the same rate as any other physical for non-members $100.

“People will realize I’m offering these evaluations because there is a need in our community,” Roark said. “It’s not because I’ll get rich off of them.”

Access partnering with local school district

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The Wheaton school district and Access Family Care Clinic are considering the possibility of opening a clinic on the Wheaton school campus.

Lance Massey, Wheaton superintendent, said the conversation to this point has been one of him asking the board if they think the idea of a clinic on campus is something they would like to entertain.

“I have heard from Access medical that they have a board of directors that have discussed partnering with Wheaton schools for a clinic,” he said.

“At this point, both entities have said, ‘Yes, we would like to explore that possibility.’”

According to Massey, the school is at a point now of looking into what that partnership would look like.

“They have sent someone down to draw up some plans, as far as, what kind of renovation we may have to do to bring this into reality,” he said. “The entire discussion is still very preliminary in talk.”

Massey said the project would be a large one.

“Even if everything went perfectly, that timeline wouldn’t even be the start of the next school year,” he

said. “I believe that their vision is to have a clinic on campus.”

According to Massey, the Wheaton school district has not committed any money toward renovation to the campus for the clinic, and neither has Access.

“At this point, we don’t know if those would be a district or Access cost,” he said. “The first step in the process would be to determine what renovations would be needed. Then, we’d figure out how much those would cost.”

Massey said after the costs are put together, the two entities would discuss responsibility.

“A clinic on campus would help us with both staff and students,” he said. “The idea that there could be additional education for students because they would have access to an onsite doctor is impressive.”

Massey said the part that makes it a potential for Access is that it could better help the Wheaton community.

“When talking about a walk-in clinic on campus that is open to the public, we also have our students and their safety in mind,” he said. “We wouldn’t put something on campus that could potentially create a weak point for us in school safety.”

Steve Douglas, Access marketing and public relations coordinator, said Access has obtained a grant that will give them funding to provide mental health services someplace in their service region.

“We cover seven counties, and we have a grant that will provide rural mental health via telemedicine,” he said. “We have been working on reaching out to partners, and Wheaton is a school that we have identified because, demographically, they are isolated from a lot of different providers.”

Douglas said that he agrees with Massey that everything is in a preliminary stage and discussion.

“We hope to make a decision in the next couple of months, so that preparation for something to be done in the next school year can be made,” he said. “It will depend on what the Wheaton school board, and our board of directors, decide to do.”

According to Douglas, the grant available only covers a mental health clinic.

“We have had discussions about both a medical clinic and a mental health clinic,” he said. “The grant

covers the mental health side, and it covers a nurse practitioner that can be there. With everything still so preliminary, we don’t know yet if the nurse practitioner would be able to treat the patients for anything.”

According to Douglas, a psychiatrist and a nurse practitioner will be funded through the grant.

“The way that works, is if a person needed mental health care, they would see a psychiatrist in person for the first visit, then they could follow up, if the diagnosis allows, they would follow up with a telemedicine,” he said.

“When we applied for the grant, we had reached out to Wheaton school district and another school district to see if they would be interested, and both have shown interest.”

Douglas said it would be ideal to have a mental health clinic on a school campus.

“The idea is to keep students in school, and to give them easier access to those services,” he said. “Having a clinic on campus will help keep students from missing school, but that hasn’t been determined yet.”

Douglas said Access is trying to support schools inside of their service area.

“There is no question that mental health is a real concern,” he said. “We want to do what we can to reduce mental health issues, we would also like to partner with the Clark Center because they serve the same area.

“People who don’t work with children under 17 years old don’t understand the serious mental health issues that are happening nationwide.”

Douglas said Access wants to support Barry County, help children and change lives.

Dr. Zengotita leaves Mercy Clinic

Dr. Jamie Zengotita, at Mercy Clinic Cassville, is moving on with an administrative promotion, and the hospital and its patients threw him a going away party to show their support.

Taylor Weaver, practice manager at Mercy Clinic Cassville, said Zengotita is a family medicine doctor and typically sees the more chronic patients, but he can see anybody.

“It was open to the public because he has a patient base of a little over 3,000 people,” she said. “He has impacted the community in his 14-plus years here.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Page 8 • Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Loss, honor, change mark recent ag news

County mourns death of hometown hero Mason Lowe Cassville Democrat

The loss of a hometown cowboy made famous in the Professional Bull Riders circuit, a state honor for a local family and the change of ownership of a local stockyard have marked agriculture news in recent months.

Barry County loses hometown cowboy

Few names in the pintsized Barry County town of Exeter brought as much pride to the residents of the community as Mason Lowe.

Lowe was the typical AllAmerican boy. He grew up in the small town, played sports at the high school and had a dream that burned inside of him that no amount of water could extinguish.

That dream was to become a professional bull rider.

“I always ask my students what they want to do when they grow up,” said Christy Hermansen, who taught Lowe English and Communication Arts during high school. “I always had those students that wanted to be professional football players or wanted to be professional basketball players. So, as a teacher, you want to support them in those dreams, but you also ask ‘What is your Plan B? What are you going to do if that doesn’t work out?’ For Mason there wasn’t a Plan B, it was always, ‘This is what I’m going to do.’”

As official word began to spread Wednesday morning of the 25-year-old’s passing from injuries sustained in a bull ride, trib-

utes from thousands of people began pouring out.

“Mason was crazy, genuine, intense and hilarious,” said Jay Allen, who taught and coached Lowe at Exeter. “He was like gravity. People were just drawn to him. He was a popular kid. His friends were fiercely loyal. Mason was a good young man.”

Despite Lowe’s drive to make it big in bull riding, his personality is what made this southwestern Missouri cowpoke different.

“I just remember how down to earth he was with everybody,” Allen said. “He could be an intense competitor, and he was quick to have the back of his friends and teammates. He was a huge supporter of everyone else, and like I said, people gravitated to him.

Personally, I liked having Mason around.”

While at Exeter, Lowe was a two-sport athlete, playing basketball and baseball. While Allen said Lowe would admit to not being good at either when compared to his passion and preparation for bull riding, he was still a great athlete to coach.

“I think that was one of the things that was his strong suit,” Allen said.

“At least with me, he was extremely coachable. I remember a game we played at Chadwick and he was pitching. I told him that when he was hitting that day he was going to have to help himself out and that he probably should do that earlier rather than later, meaning I wanted him to swing earlier. The first pitch he saw was a ball above his eyeballs and he took this axe-swing-ugly-chop attempt at it and ended up hitting a home run. It was a pitch no baseball player had any business swinging at. As he rounded third, he looked at me and said,

Tod Bowser read the obituary for Mason Lowe and offered a message to the about 700 people gathered in Exeter for a memorial service in honor of the PBR rider who died on Jan. 15. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com ‘Something like that kind of help?’ and I said ‘Yeah, something like that.’ From a coaching position it was an ‘Oh god, don’t swing.’ and that turned into ‘Oh my god, it’s a home run.’ But, that was Mason.”

In the classroom, Hermansen used that passion to help further Lowe’s education.

“He was always about horses and the rodeo,” Hermansen said. “Anything along that line he was interested in. He got along great with the students and faculty. He was a young man that knew what he wanted to do. I always admired that about him that he knew what he wanted to do, and he followed that. As a teacher, you always want to find things student are interested in to help them learn.

Take writing an essay. If I wanted Mason to write an essay, all I had to do was tie

the assignment to horses or the rodeo. When I was able to do that, I could get him to easily write an essay.”

Lowe’s rise to the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR) was meteoric.

“There is no way to explain the rush you get bull riding,” Lowe told the Cassville Democrat in 2017.

“You don’t have much time to think, you hold on until you hear the horn, and hope you earn enough points to take home some pay.”

By age 18, Lowe began his quest for a home on the prestigious circuit of the top 35 bull riders in the world.

He competed at his first PBR event on Oct. 21, 2011, at the Touring Pro Division (TPD) event in North Little Rock, Ark. Less than 10 months later, he qualified for his premier series debut in Tulsa, Okla., on Aug. 10, 2012, and posted the first

qualified ride of his career with 87 points on Super Cool Kat. Lowe competed in 69 total premier series events, reaching the PBR’s top level of competition full time in 2015.

He made it back to the premier series by finishing an unprecedented first, second and third at Poplar Bluff TPD in March 2015.

“Whenever you have a person who goes after their dreams and has success, it is something a whole community can get behind,” Hermansen said.

“The community of Exeter was immensely proud of Mason’s accomplishments.

There is no doubt about that.”

Once Lowe made it inside the PBR Top 35, there was no turning back.

The Barry County son participated in 192 PBR events in his career, rid-

ing 141 of the 350 bulls he was pitted against (40 percent) and earned almost $400,000 in his career.

He won 12 PBR events, with 43 top 5 finishes and 67 top 10 finishes, and he had four career rides score 90 or more points. He climbed as high as No. 11 in the world rankings and was ranked 18th this year.

On Jan. 15, the ride ended for Lowe, as he succumbed to injuries after Hard Times, a bull weighing about 1,700 pounds, landed on his chest at the end of a ride.

PBR spokesman Andrew Giangola said Lowe was wearing a mandated protective vest.

“It’s devastating,” Allen said. “I think as coaches, we aren’t supposed to have favorites. We work hard at treating everyone the same.

But, Mason was special. We CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Page 9

Roie Hudson smiles after netting a catch on Opening Day. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Bob Mitchell, middle, fires the Opening Day gun at Roaring River State Park March 1. With him were Paul Spurgeon, left, Roaring River Hatchery manager, and State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

Shell Knob named ‘Best Place to Escape’ in Missouri

One hundred lunkers had been released for opening day, as large as six pounds. Only two lunkers were caught in the first hour, and one of those weighed 8.5 pounds and came from downstream, where it had been living longer than that day.

For many, the fish were almost an afterthought, or an excuse to get the family together in a jolly ritual.

Mitchell attended every Opening Day from 19531996 in his capacity with the newspaper.

“I’m always taking the picture, so firing the gun was alright,” he said. “I bet I could do it better in the summer time. There were two bullets that didn’t fire, and I told [Hatchery Manager Paul Spurgeon and State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick] those were the Republican bullets. But, I would sure do it again. I have a soft spot in my heart for Roaring River.”

Mitchell said over his

Roaring River, lake area continue to drive local tourism Cassville Democrat

The hearty and the adventurous threw caution aside and journeyed into Roaring River State Park’s fabled canyon for another glorious day of fishing on March 1 for the opening of trout season.

Temperatures in the 20s leading up to the gunshot to start trout fishing, plus the weekend threat of snow, thinned the crowd for Barry County’s most striking tradition. Yet parking extended back to the park entrance by 6 a.m., hardly suggesting anything but a banner day.

Only a mild wind wound down along the riverside, a blessing in 29 degree temperatures, making conditions more inviting than

warmer days.

Trout tag sales, however, saw a typical Friday opening. By the gunshot at 6:30 a.m., 1,197 adult tags had sold and 205 for children. That compared to 1,173 adult tags and 243 for children at the last Friday opening in 2013.

The previous Friday opening in 2002 saw a higher tally, with 1,530 adult tags and 270 for children. A long line of customers kept the concession store staff hopping for more than the last half hour before the big moment.

Once veteran newspaperman Bob Mitchell fired the starting gun, the anglers, again lined shoulder to shoulder on the banks downstream from the falls, went to work.

Visual reports showed at the start, fish began biting, but that soon died down, and the anglers, eager to corner the progressively more elusive lunkers, got down to business.

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four decades of coverage, the one thing he will never forget is when a bald eagle flew over him.

“I was taking pictures down at the lower end, and this bald eagle flew down about tree top high all the way up the stream and left,” he said.

Mitchell said also in that time, the park has changed, but only some.

“Not a lot has changed, but the baffles are better now, and the swimming pool is gone,” he said.

Mitchell said the 29-degree morning was typical of the time of year, and he had been to many Opening Days that were even colder.

“It might warm up during the day a bit where you could shed a layer, but I’ve been to Opening Days where it was so cold it would freeze the eye of fishermen’s rods,” he said.

“They’d have to dip it in the river and let it thaw out before they could cast.”

Down by the water, locals who come to the event every year were making good ground catching fish from the start. Roie Hudson, of Cassville, was one of those locals.

Hudson has been to more than 40 Opening Days and gets to enjoy it just a bit extra, as every Opening Day is his birthday.

“I was born on March 1, 1953, so we’ve got about 15 people out here celebrating my birthday with me,” he said. “It’s a tradition for us just like anyone else, and we started it many years ago.”

Hudson takes his Opening Day rituals seriously, as he showed up to the Park Store at 5 a.m.

Thursday to get in line for a tag.

“I was in line for No. 4, but I let a couple people go ahead of me so I could get the 007 tag,” he said. “I’m a big James Bond fan.”

Hudson said he starts at the same hole every year, and his biggest catch was a 7-3/4-pounder about four years ago.

Fishing with Hudson was his friend, John Rosebalm, of Monett.

“It’s all about friends and family,” he said. “My nephew has come in from Iowa for 23 years now, and we’ve brought in people from Cincinnati and Texas.”

“None of us have brains — we just like to fish,” Hudson said.

Rosebalm said his biggest is a 5-3/4-pound trout, but for their group, it’s not a competition.

“We always throw those big ones back,” he said.

“They don’t taste as good, and you can’t really mount them, so we put them back so someone else can catch it and have the fun we have. We had one of our guys catch three lunkers on Opening Day, and he threw them all back. We didn’t even weigh them — just took pictures and let them loose.”

The group does, however, put on another friendly competition.

“We do compete for the smallest catch,” Rosebalm said.

Not everyone at the park comes for the fishing.

Father and daughter Dustin and Kailey Atnip of Cassville considered opening day family time, especially when she was landing fish and he was still working on his first.

Murray Bishoff/Cassville Democrat

Danny Smith, new owner of Copy Cat in Cassville, was walking around the park taking in the event for the first time after helping serve coffee on behalf of the Cassville area Chamber of Commerce. He was also handing out wooden coins with Roaring River art burned in.

“I have about 100 of these coins I’ve been giving to people, and I’ll have more at Copy Cat next week,” he said. “If someone brings their tag into the store, I’ll give them one.”

Smith worked in graphic design in northwest Arkansas before buying the Cassville business, a move he said was a good one.

“I really like Cassville because it’s a slower pace,” he said. “People are so much nicer and have more patience. It’s almost been hard for me to get used to.”

When it came to the spectacle of Opening Day, Smith was at a loss for words.

“I’m just amazed,” he said. “There’s a lot of fishermen here, and I would have never known.”

While he enjoyed the event, Smith was skeptical if he would ever cast a line of his own.

“This is alien territory for me, but maybe one day I’ll give it a shot,” he said.

Nancy Babbitt, a teacher in the Webb City school district, stood pole in hand next to her seated mother, Nancy Wiles, who had come on opening day for the first time.

“When I told my boss I wanted off on March 1, she knew immediately what it was for,” Babbitt said.

“I think it’s great,” Wiles said. “Everyone is really friendly, and it’s beautiful as always. And I caught a big one!”

Some of those came with a year of planning and organizing.

“My buddies and I have been coming on opening day for the last 20 years,” said Wendell Boone of Tulsa, Okla. “For seven years we’ve got a cabin, and this year we got two for the dozen of us.”

As for why they do it, Boone said, “I don’t know,

you tell me. It’s more like we get out and act like a kid with our buddies. We’re not a very mature bunch. Some of us know how to fish. I don’t. One of the guys has a birthday. What we catch we cook at our evening fish fry.”

The birthday “boy,” adult Mike Luttrell, said he had made the trip for the last 15 years on opening day, first coming as a 7-year-old. He assured the success of the evening fish fry by landing a lunker weighing 6.65 pounds.

Stephen Coceljak, of Kansas City, came with three generations of his family and the Sestrich family, eight adults and five children, including grandchildren.

“I’ve come for the last 20-some years on opening day,” Coceljak said. “Forty years ago, we first came one summer. We were coming back from New Jersey and took the southern route and found this place. We stayed at a friend’s and fell in love with the place. I always said you had to be out of your mind to come here on opening day. Now I’m one of them.”

The Coceljak and Sestrich gangs also rented two cabins.

Often the banks offer a rainbow of school colors: Cassville gold, Monett purple and Aurora red.

Very little of that could be found in the colder temperatures. Camouflage green and grays took over and daylight slowly flooded the valley.

This year, it seemed the banks held fewer locals and more people for a distance: Oklahoma, Kansas, Kansas City and Arkansas anglers proved easy to find.

Among the crowd was Mike Sutherland, deputy director of state parks, in from Jefferson City. This was Sutherland’s first trip to Roaring River on opening day, having previously viewed the spectacle at Montauk and Bennett Spring.

“I’m making sure a person who comes to a state park will have a great time and a good experience,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Page 10 • Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

A group of locals play a Pokemon game at Nerdvana. Front row, from left: Joe Reeves, 9, of Washburn, and Ellis Hobbs, 9, of Cassville. Middle row: Jessica Reeves and Gatlan Stockton, 8, of Cassville. Back: James Balash. Nerdvana is a gaming space to meet new friends and play what people like. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com

State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick spoke at the annual Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet held at Cassville High School. He told the tale of meeting Gov. Mike Parson at the Governor’s mansion prior to being named Treasurer, saying he had some trouble figuring out which door to use to enter the estate. Kyle Troutman/

editor@cassville-democrat.com

Business: Economic director hopes to bring business to area; gaming store opens

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

“I have my schooling, I’ve worked on multiple campaigns and worked with a Senator for the state of Missouri,” Freeman said. “I keep up with legislation that is going on and how that might impact our community. Also, by working on campaigns, which is really marketing a candidate, I have developed quite a few connections outside of Cassville and throughout the state.

I think that is something unique that I will bring to the table. Being involved in the political world, I’m confident in being able to reach out and speak with leaders on behalf of our community.”

Freeman said being from this area, she has been able to know the community and watch businesses grow.

“I think that will help show the members that we are really in this together,” Freeman said.

Freeman has also been a board member of the Cassville Community Foundation for about a year and a half, a member of Rotary Club for two years and a member of the James River Church Joplin campus, where she works on the production team.

“I am excited to be more hands on with the members businesses,” Freeman said. “I believe in Cassville and the people who are always working to make it better. I want to see Cassville succeed, I want to see it grow in a powerful way for businesses and the people that work hard every day.”

New face looks to bring business to area

The city of Cassville has been making leaps in economic development, first with the hire of Ron Reed, economic director in a part-time position, and now with the hire of Isaac Petersen, director of economic development in a full-time position.

Petersen said his first day on the job was Jan. 2, but only because Jan. 1 was a holiday.

“The city hired Ron for this position because he had done the same thing and had a lot of success with it in the city of Houston, Mo.,” he said. “He agreed to come in and consult with the city on economic development, but he couldn’t take a full-time job living two hours away.”

Petersen said Reed works Mondays and Tuesdays and has agreed to stay on a little longer than originally planned.

“Eventually, I will be on my own full-time, but in the short term, Ron is helping me along the way,” he said. “We are actually going to an economic development conference in Jefferson City, and he has introduced me to several local business leaders and educators in just the last two weeks.”

Petersen said most of his experience is in the corporate world.

“I enlisted before college, went and got a bachelor’s degree in finance and worked at a bank in St. Louis,” he said. “After I had about three years of experience, I went and got an MDA and then went into consumer goods.”

Petersen said what he did when he first saw the job was look up what the transferable skills were, and what he would have to learn to be successful.

“I actually found quite a few articles that said people with corporate experience can be very successful because it is easy for them to understand what the challenges and opportunities are to the industries that are either already here or that we would be looking to attract here,” he said.

“I think my learning curve area is learning about some of the tools that are available to get county, state and federal monies. The thing there is that people in business can get better loans as long as they are used to create jobs.”

Petersen said he recognizes the opportunities that are here for him to learn, and he expects that his experience will help him figure things out fairly quickly.

“Having a person whose job it is to think about creating economic stability by partnering with businesses that are already here or economic growth is a big commitment from the city,” he said.

Petersen said in his corporate life people put together a plan based on insights from population or industry, and some targets of creating more jobs or different jobs.

“My hope is that, using that process, Ron and I can put out some plans,” he said. “I also want to be transparent so that we can get feedback from the community and businesses.”

Petersen said he is excited and interested in this position because he would like it to be one one of concentric circles.

“Whatever the plan is, I want to make sure the benefit to the community to be huge,” he said. “I think it will get everyone involved and be very rewarding.”

Petersen said he understands that there will be challenges, but thinks the opportunity is huge.

“In real estate they say, ‘Location, location, location,’” he said. “This area is really a gem, and I just want to help the community put a little polish on it.”

Nerdvana offers gaming spot for all ages, interests

The co-owners of the new Local Gaming Store (LGS), Nerdvana, have known each other for nearly 17 years, as they went to high school together.

Chris Kief and Chris Shilling had the idea for a local game store for a while. In fact, Kief held game tournaments at his house before they started the business, but would

quickly run out of room during events.

Shilling said Nerdvana offers any kind of board gaming, table top gaming and collective card gaming.

“We don’t care what kind of games people like to play, this is the place they can come to do it,” Kief said. “We have the space for players and everyone is welcome.”

Nerdvana offers family games, like Monopoly, Uno and Jenga, and there is no charge for the public to come in, grab a board game and play with their families. Nerdvana’s income comes from cover charges for Magic and Pokemon tournaments, also, from special events they hold at the store.

“If a family just wants to come in and play a game, that’s fine” Kief said. “We say as long as there is a table open, come on in and play.”

Nerdvava opened March 2018.

“We offer internet, computers and TVs, and we are a buy, sell and trade store,” Shilling said. “We think this opens the community a bit more.”

Kief said when Nerdvana first started, they thought about an arcade, but decided to set up a pool and ping pong table in the spare room.

“Just as soon as we have the time to move things around and get it set up, we are looking into getting old vintage games like N64, Atari and things like that,” Kief said. “Everyone wants Goldeneye 007 here.”

Nerdvana is getting involved with the high schools and gaming clubs, as guest speakers from the community trying to speak to the students as local gamers in the community.

“We are a central location where the community can come together to have a safe place to play,” Shilling said. “We want to open the doors for people who don’t have a place to play games and have fun.

That’s what we are about.”

Shilling said as for inexperienced guests, the co-owners and other patrons are happy to teach new players the games that are offered.

“We do a lot of events that cater toward new players,” he said. “For instance, people who want to learn Dungeons and Dragons, we will walk them through specific aspects of the game. We have events like open houses that teach players to play a new game, or when there is a new set (card set) for games like Pokemon or Magic, that’s basically to bring in new players and to teach them how to play.”

According to Shilling, Fridays and Saturdays are Nerdvana’s biggest nights. The last couple of Magic events, which are on Saturdays, had every table being used.

“This kind of culture has always been kind of in a negative light, as far as being thought to be nerdy,” Shilling said. “We want

Wyatt Hollingsworth, left, 8, of Cassville, and Alex Patrick, 6, of Cassville, play each other in a one-on-one game of Pokemon at Nerdvana, the new local gaming store.

Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com

to bring the community together, offer a safe place to play games and be the closest LGS in the area. We have a lot of different players, from high school football players, to young children sitting down and playing each other at a game of Pokemon. Growing the community like that is what’s important to us.”

Nerdvana offers pre-release events for new sets that come out, and the game companies will offer retail shops, like Nerdvana, an opportunity to sell those new cards a week early, and hold a tournament with the next set of cards and line of stories. Those events usually start at midnight on Friday, and the pre-release events are huge for Magic.

“We want to include all kinds of games, and we want to offer to people whatever game they are passionate about,” Shilling said. “If there is an interest in a game, we will reciprocate that for the guest. It’s so big for us to see that kind of commitment to something. That’s how we get into different games, and we will get others into it as well. We are here to give gamers room to grow and expand.”

There are no age limits, and anyone is welcome to play any game.

The store hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information on tournaments or events, people may call 417-6710420 or visit the Facebook page, Nerdvana LLC.

24 area businesses contribute to toy drive

’Tis the season for giving, and the Barry County Neighborhood Center, along with 24 local businesses provided for 291 children through Share Your Christmas.

Dr. Brent Herrin, owner of Herrin Animal Hospital, said 2018 was the 19th year his business has been a part of the Center’s toy drive.

“We collect the toys and [the Center, which is part of the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation] distributes them,” Herrin said. “We usually get a pick up bed full or so every year.”

Herrin said they took in toys for all ages, sizes and shapes. Anything from

bicycles to toddler toys and dolls get donated through the clinic.

“This is something the staff and I look forward to every year,” Herrin said.

“We feel like we are giving back to the community that gives to us all year, and it warms our hearts.”

According to Herrin, primarily the clients donate, but the animal hospital also holds a Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where they get a fair amount of items from chamber members.

“We enjoy seeing the toys go off, and we are always impressed with our clients and friends with how much they give,” Herrin said. “The ladies that distribute the toys have wish lists that they try to fill if they can.”

Gail Reed, Barry County Neighborhood Center supervisor, said Share Your Christmas has been going on since before she started 25 years ago. Reed said a lot of times, people bring socks, scarves, hats and things like that, but this drive is really for toys.

“For each child, the parent gets a voucher to get them clothes as well,” Reed said. “Also, for each child 13-18 years old, the parents receive a voucher so the parents can buy for them.”

According to Reed, the money raised by Mr. and

Miss Merry Christmas at Cassville schools and other donations goes toward Share Your Christmas vouchers.

“In 2018, we had 110 families and 291 children we helped,” Reed said.

“There were 24 businesses that participate in gathering the donations.

“They aren’t all here in Cassville though. Towns and schools all over the county help.”

Reed said it starts when a parent fills out an application that is available at the neighborhood center for two weeks before Thanksgiving.

“Then, we give the parents a paper that has a wish list on it for what the children would like, and we try to go by that,” Reed said.

“Finally, we put those wish lists on ornaments and give them to different businesses in the community.

“We send out like a thousand ornaments.”

Reed said the organization understands that big, expensive gifts aren’t really possible, and the parents know that as well.

“Every year, we do this, and everyone has a job,” Reed said. “I love that time of year and this program, and it makes me so proud of this community that we come together so that 291 children had a good Christmas.”

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Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Page 11

Community: Praise band takes stage; location of Purdy Post Office announced

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Methodist Church starts up praise band

Catering to a younger generation, the United Methodist Church uses a band and new style of ministry to keep people coming to church.

Micah Boise, United Methodist Church director of worship and youth pastor, said Uprising is a new ministry that the church is starting, and there is a band that will play for the new ministry.

The band has been a part of the Cassville Christmas parade, the Chili Cook-off and other events in the community.

“The praise band itself doesn’t have a name,” Boise said. “The band will play for the ministry called ‘Uprising.’”

Boise said Uprising meets on Sunday nights from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and includes contemporary worship led by the band.

Instead of a message like a normal church service, Uprising is a discussion.

“The discussion comes from a curriculum called Wired Word,” Boise said.

“Wired Word is an online curriculum that is for sale for churches.”

According to Boise, Wired Word provides two different topics that can be chosen during each service.

It sets you up with news reels and then it provides us with several discussion questions, and also Bible verses that would go handin-hand with the topics.

“The church purchases the curriculum, so there is no charge for the people who participate,” Boise said. “That curriculum takes current events in the news and tries to look at them through a biblical lens.” Boise said Uprising will discuss the events in a large and small group setting.

“We will discuss how Jesus would want us to act according to what is going on in the news,” Boise said.

“We found that a lot of students who graduate high school are actually getting kicked out of their youth programs because they are too old.

“They are having a hard time finding a place to go, whether it be that Sunday mornings they want to sleep in or have to work.”

According to Boise, the church is trying to create an alternative service for post graduates.

“We have some people who will be there that are 50 years or older,” Boise said. “Everyone is welcome, but we are catering it toward ages 18-35.”

Boise said the church group has done quite a bit of promoting for Uprising, but they don’t really know how many people will be a part of the ministry.

“We will also have provide child care,” Boise said.

“We understand that some of the younger families that are interested in coming need that.”

Boise said once a month, there will be a free meal offered, and there will be coffee bar.

“Some of the surrounding churches have tried a similar thing and were extremely successful,” Boise said. “They found that the age group we are targeting is really interested, and once word got out, the ministries they were having actually grew.”

According to Boise, one of the cards that promoted Uprising said that it is an out-of-the-box, come-asyou-are gathering of likeminded individuals to discuss current events through a biblical lens.

“We are recognizing that there is a need to reach a younger group of people who aren’t really coming back to the church after they leave the house or go to college,” Boise said. “This is an attempt for us to reach them on their level.

“A lot of what the younger people are saying is that they want to make an

impact.”

Boise said once Uprising starts and gets some momentum, they want to find better ways to serve and give back to the community. “We are trying to find a new way for younger people to come and meet,” Boise said. “This discussion ministry is really crucial in getting them involved.”

Boise said Uprising will discuss anything from political, social and even religion topics.

“We have a committee that is made up of several members who have actually done this thing before,” Boise said. “They always say that local events will always find their way into the conversation.”

According to Boise, even though the discussion may start on a national level, conversations can quickly turn into something that is local.

“I think local discussions will come as long as people feel they are important enough to bring to the table,” Boise said. “I don’t think we would say no to any discussion that someone wants to bring up.”

Boise said Uprising won’t claim someone as the head of the ministry, instead having a committee of volunteers.

“We want it to be organic so people can bring what they want to the table,” Boise said.

New Purdy Post Office location announced

City officials in Purdy have announced the location of the new post office.

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Bowers, presiding over the monthly city council meeting on Dec. 11, 2018, said the city had received official word that the spec building constructed by Ed Mareth at the northwest corner of Commercial and Washington had been selected as the new post office. He understood engineers needed to make some modifications and hoped to have the office open by June.

A.J. Johnson, the new postmaster, named to the position on Oct. 20, 2018, is presently operating out of the Pierce City post office, which has handled Purdy’s mail since June. Johnson said the USPS is “ordering stuff like crazy” to rebuild the station, including the needed equipment. Among those are the post office boxes, the old ones having been built into the wall and unable to be saved.

“We have 150 box holders now, so I’m hoping the new post office will have about 200,” Johnson said.

Purdy has three routes of customers and that will continue. Johnson said he hopes the building will be ready earlier than June.

“It’s coming, and I can’t wait,” he said.

City of Cassville receives award for finances

Cassville was recently awarded with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association for going the extra mile to produce a financial report that is comprehensive and transparent.

“I am very pleased and proud to recognize Jennifer Evans, our City Clerk and Finance Office for receiving the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year 2017,” said Steve Walensky, Cassville city administrator. “This is the second year in a row Cassville has been recognized from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada for excellence in financial reporting.

The level of effort that is put into our financial reporting is significant and to be judged by an impartial panel of experts in this area and then rewarded by them for meeting their high standards and full transparency on the city’s finances is a

Brittany Pinnell, left, of Cassville, tried the salsa offered by the Barry County Republican Club at the Chili and Salsa Cook-Off. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com tribute to Jennifer’s talent and professionalism.

“Being financially sound positions our community for the future and provides solid credit ratings for any borrowing requirements we may have in the years to come. I appreciate the honor of receiving the award from the GFOA and thank Jennifer Evans for her determination and skill set she brings to her position here at City Hall.”

Evans said the Government Finance Officers Association is a professional organization that has guidelines and offers courses for all government finance from state level to local government and school districts.

“It is a national organization that many governments belong to that is headquartered in Chicago,” Evans said. “They offer education and certification programs.”

According to Evans, when an entity prepares a comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) and submit it for review, it is reviewed by three different reviewers.

“They pick it apart, with a 32-page listed criteria that has to be met,” Evans said.

“It means that we have put forth our financial reports in a format that is transparent, easy to read and is accurate to what out financial state is.”

Evans said every government is required by law to prepare financial statements and follow the government accounting standard board guidelines.

Those financial reports have to be reported to the state auditor every year.

“The CAFR is just a more detailed report that has a few more sections to it,” Evans said. “It has a statistical section, and an interdictory section were we discuss what the state of the city is, where we are going and brings in some budgetary goals.”

Evans said she had to apply for the award within six months of the fiscal year end, so she had to submit it before June 30 for the 2017 reporting year.

“Once it is reviewed, you get the results within four to six months,” Evans said.

“This is the second time we have received the award, I had applied the year before but we did not receive the award for the 2015 reporting year.”

Evans said the first time she applied for the 2015 financial statements, it was a learning experience.

“Once you receive the award, you get a list of things that can be improved upon or made better to help guide you for the next year,” Evans said. “It can be so difficult to obtain because it is a lot of work and criteria that has to be met.”

Evans said the statistical section gathers statistics from 10 years.

“It is a 100-page document, so there is a lot of information to check and double check to make sure you are providing an accurate picture of the financial situation,” Evans said.

Taylor Weaver had a blue disco ball backdrop for effect as she sang “Meditation” by Doris Day at The Show, held in the Cassville Event Center. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

“Typically, a city the size of Cassville does not produce a CAFR because of the amount of work that goes into it.”

According to Evans, receiving this award also helps with the city’s bond rating, so when it goes to borrow money, agencies look a bit more favorably on those that have a CAFR. “They know that what you are producing is accurate,” Evans said. “They know that you have gone through the trouble to produce that in a way that is easy to read.”

Evans said she wants to do everything with excellence, and her requirements are the same of those in larger communities.

“I take pride in my job and think that just because we are small town doesn’t mean we can’t strive for prestigious and excellent things,” Evans said.

“I want to make Cassville proud, and let the citizens know that we are spending their tax dollars wisely, are responsible and care that our finances are in good standing.”

The CAFR is available at www.cityofcassville.com under the finance department for the public to view.

Hmong host celebration in southwest Missouri

The Hmong community has been part of Southwest Missouri for nearly 15 years, and its New Year celebration is meant to bring different cultures together to celebrate, as well as understand one another.

Kelly Lee, secretary of the Southwest Missouri Hmong Association, said the Association is a non-profit organization that serves the Hmong community of Southwest Missouri and surrounding four states region.

“The Hmong, a free and nomadic tribe with origins starting in the mountains of China, Laos, and Thailand and migration to the USA in the late 1970s,” Lee said.

“Although the Hmong people do not have a country of their own, they have a beautiful, rich and unique culture.”

The mission is to preserve and promote Hmong traditions, heritage, arts and cultural unity. Also, it aims to encourage education, and empower the

Liliana Cunningham, 6, from South Carolina, has moved to Wheaton while her father serves in the military for the next year. She wears traditional Hmong garments for the New Year Celebration in Wheaton. Jordan Privett/jprivett@

cassville-democrat.com

Hmong to continue to assimilate as a Hmong American while building strong relationships with local communities in which members reside in.

“The New Year Celebration is a special time in which we honor the fruitfulness of the past year and welcome the upcoming year,” Lee said. “It’s a day filled of traditional music, performances, ball tossing, history and cultural shows.”

Lee said every year they invite the community to participate in what their New Year and heritage is about.

“The doors open at around 8 a.m,” Lee said.

“In the mornings, we do a fashion show to show the different clothing that we wear, dance performances and speeches.”

According to Lee, after the free lunch, there is always more entertainment that includes dances, children showing the history of Hmong people and a singing competition.

“Everything is free and open to our community,” Lee said. “Lunch is always free. This year we did fried chicken, egg rolls, rice and salad.

“The menu is meant to incorporate everyone, but also having the Hmong culture there.”

Lee said this year, the singing competition had cash prizes.

“People all over the four-

state area come to celebrate with us,” Lee said. “We see about 800 people for the New Year celebration.”

Lee said the New Year celebration is important so that their children know to continue these traditions in the future.

“Historically, the Hmong people were scattered in different villages,” Lee said. “So, New Year celebrations start at the end of harvest.”

According to Lee, villages start celebrating New Year at different times.

“Instead of trying to do one big New Year, they made it so people would have time to travel if they could,” Lee said. “A lot of people couldn’t afford to travel from one village to another, so it historically isn’t celebrated on one day, but rather, a time frame.”

Lee said it can be celebrated from October, or the end of harvest time, all the way up to the international new year celebration in Fresno, Calif.

“In Fresno, that celebration goes on for about a week and a half,” Lee said. “It starts right after Christmas and goes on until New Year’s day.”

Lee said she hopes to continue this event every year with the community.

“We serve a radius of 150 miles,” Lee said. “We hope that as we grow, we can grow the event and share it with the community.”

Page 12 • Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Health: Clark Center expands in Cassville; Purdy welcomes new medical clinic

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Weaver said Zengotita is a great influence to people and is a great pillar in the community.

“We put on a video to surprise him with from patients to staff where they all said thank you and gave well-wishes,” she said. “We put that together as a keepsake for him.”

Weaver said Zengotita has been with Mercy Clinic Cassville for more than 14 years, and he truly connects with his patients.

“He is extremely compassionate and caring,” she said. “He is willing to work patients into his schedule, and his care for his patients goes far beyond their physical needs.

“He prays with his patients and is always available for emotional support.”

Weaver said Zengotita got an administrative promotion, which is why he is leaving.

“Mercy partnered with GoHealth, which is like an urgent care in Springfield, and they are opening up five additional facilities in Springfield and in Northwest Arkansas,” she said. “Dr. Zengotita is going to oversee all go those clinics.”

Zengotita said he will be the medical director for the Springfield and Northwest Arkansas markets.

Weaver said as a co-worker to Zengotita, she is devastated that he will be leaving.

“He is leaving a hole that can not be filled,” she said.

“There is no one like Dr. Zengotita. As a person, he is just irreplaceable, and to have his support is amazing.”

Weaver said Zengotita loved his clinic, patients and co-workers like family.

“Dr. Zengotita and Dr. [Connie] Butler have worked together for years, and they designed and built this clinic together,” she said.

Butler, family practitioner at Mercy Clinic Cassville, said Zengotita has been an outstanding partner and a huge part of the community.

“He will be incredibly missed,” she said. “It has been and honor to work with him, and we have really grown in our practice together.”

Butler said she and Zengotita both came on as young physicians and have worked side by side for more than a decade.

“He is extremely selfless in his relationship with his patients, and he is the same way when working with him,” she said. “He cares about his co-workers, and our relationship as leaders of the clinic. He puts the good of the patients and his co-workers ahead of himself.”

Butler said she wanted Zengotita to feel honored and loved at the party.

Zengotita said the decision to leave was very difficult.

“I have been at Mercy in Cassville for a little more than 14 years,” he said. “My heart has always been with the community and with the patients.”

Over the last 10 years, Zengotita said he has done both patient care and administrative work.

“I do enjoy the aspects of my administration duties,” he said. “The opportunity arose where I could do some patient care and more administrative work, and I debated if I should do it or not because I do understand the need in the community for providers and physicians.”

Zengotita said ultimately, this opportunity was a good fit for what he was looking for to benefit his family.

“It was a heart breaking choice for me to leave,” he said. “I prayed quite a bit about this, and I consulted with administration and co-workers about this decision. It was not a decision I took lightly.”

Zengotita said he will still work with Butler in the process of recruiting another doctor to replace him.

“I know I am leaving the clinic in very capable hands,” he said. “My heart

is still here with this community.”

Zengotita said he will not be moving, so he will continue to be a part of the community.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program passed

Aimed at combating the opioid epidemic that is impacting individuals, families, and riddling the medical and criminal justice systems, the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Commission signed an opioid ordinance and join the St. Louis County Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Roger Brock, administrator for the Barry County Health Department, commented on the ordinance that was penned, which will provide a tool for pharmacists and doctors to access information about opioid-related prescriptions.

“We signed a prescription drug monitoring program which will allow us to partner with St. Louis County to do the program that they have,” Brock said.

“The pharmacist will have access to the data that St. Louis County has, to see when people last filled their scripts. The objective is to try to assist in lessening the effects of opioids on the community. It will give them a tool to help better decide whether or not a patient is filling their script too early.”

According to Brock, Barry County is one out of at least 30 that have partnered with St. Louis County in an attempt to address opioid addictions and the myriad of problems that class of drugs can create.

“Multiple counties are partnering with them,” Brock said. “They were the first to create a prescription drug monitoring program in the state. They have a very good model and everything in place to do the monitoring. That’s why we went ahead and went with that.”

The program will monitor Schedule 2, 3 and 4 prescription drugs, Brock said. Under the Controlled Substance Act, the FDA organizes pharmaceutical drugs into specific groups for their potential for physical and psychological abuse or harm.

“Opioids are all Schedule 2 drugs,” said Robert Horton, pharmacist at Walmart Pharmacy in Cassville.

Opioid addiction is not isolated to criminals. It does not discriminate and can affect anyone, whether addiction is intentional or not, such as someone legitimately prescribed the drugs for pain after a surgery, or to treat chronic pain.

“That is an element [of addiction] that you hope doesn’t happen — that people don’t become addicted for whatever medical reason,” Brock said. “This program is more aimed at trying to cut down on multiples scripts and doctor hopping. We are trying to cut down on overdoses and people being out on the streets. You hear every day someone has overdosed on opioids.”

“We hope to have the program online by the early September,” said Cherry Warren, Barry County presiding commissioner. “St. Louis County has a grant, which will cover the cost of the program for us for the first two years. We’ve had good cooperation with the pharmacies and doctors.”

“I think it’s definitely a good tool,” Brock said. “It probably won’t be the golden bullet that completely eradicates [the opioid crisis], but we anticipate it cutting down on overdoses and maybe some of the things that gets out on the street.”

Clark Center establishes office in Cassville

The Clark Center celebrated the opening of its new building in Cassville with a ribbon-cutting this summer.

The occasion celebrated

During the going away party for Dr. Jamie Zengotita, many people stood and shared memories, support and love for Dr. Z. His wife, Itza Zengotita, held one of Jamie’s nurse’s babies, one-month-old Jolee Goetz, and enjoyed listening to friends, co-workers and patients give their speeches for her husband. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com more than just more office space, but the opportunity to provide behavioral and substance abuse services to more people.

“It means increased access to services,” said Brad Ridenour,” CEO for the Clark Center. “We are firmly convinced that no one should have to drive to Springfield or Joplin to get good, quality behavioral health care; our goal is to bring those services to Cassville.”

Previously located in the Sho-Me Plaza, the Center has operated in Cassville for about four years, and in Monett for eight.

The Center’s roots date back to 1971, and since July 2017, it has served over 700 individuals in south Barry County.

“We’re close to the 2,500 figure when you take into consideration all of the counties,” Ridenour said.

“I want to bring awareness that behavior problems are real, and there is help and hope. That’s my passion.”

The Center addresses everything from adjustment disorders, anxiety, and depression to schizophrenia and substance abuse problems.

“We serve an incredibly wide variety of conditions on an outpatient basis,” Ridenour said. “We serve chronic mental illness and children who have severe emotional disturbances [through our community psychiatric rehabilitation program]. We have a fleet of 43 caseworkers who go into the community.”

Addressing behavioral health concerns and life stressors are also somethings the Center addresses.

“Many behavioral health problems are brain problems,” Ridenour said.

“Sometimes, counseling is all that is necessary [for certain conditions] to improve brain health, but sometimes, medication is needed, and sometimes, both are required. Some people come in and just need to know they are OK. The best thing for those people to do is to walk into our Open Access program in Monett and say, ‘I’m not sure if I need to be here or not.’”

Current statistics show that 20 percent of the U.S. population will meet the criteria for a mental health or substance abuse diagnosis this year.

“Some of that would be phobias, like irrational fear of dogs, planes, or clowns, for instance,” Ridenour said. “Those folks can go about life without difficulty because they can avoid those things.”

About 46.4 percent of the population, however will have a diagnosable behavioral health problem in their lifetime, that can take the form of mental health and or substance abuse problems.

“That means about 50 percent of the people you pass by in Walmart are likely to have some type of behavior health problem,” Ridenour said. “And nearly one in five that you pass

any day are likely to have a behavioral health problem this year. The biggest problem is only 41 percent of that 20 percent of people in a year seek mental health treatment.”

He believes that stigma for mental health treatment is the reason but as that stigma decreases, more will seek treatment.

“In the Bible belt, we are taught to take care of people,” Ridenour said. “If we see a person who has a food or clothing need, or needs help with an electric bill, we are probably going to find someone to take care of that. But, because we don’t know what to do with people who have behavioral health problems, we are often the individual who passes by on the other side.

“One of the reasons we pass by is we think they might hurt us. Other reasons are because we don’t know what to do. I think people need to know that mentally ill people are victims of crime more often than they are perpetrators of crime.”

Stigma also exists for drug addiction.

“I anticipate that eventually southwest Missouri will see an increase in opiate use disorder problems,” Ridenour said. “That is such an epidemic. It’s amazing what pain prescriptions have caused.

To help alleviate stigmas, the Center made a change.

“Eight years ago, we put Clark Community Mental Health on the Monett and Pierce City buildings,” Ridenour said. “We did not do that on the Cassville building. We just put ‘Clark Center.’ This is how strong the stigma is. We’ve had individuals who did not want to walk into our Monett facility because the words ‘mental health’ were on the building.

“I try to explain that everyone has mental health just like physical health, and just like some peoples’ physical health is better than others, some peoples’ mental health is better.”

Another change is tweaking its approach to treatment to include the whole person.

“Individuals with chronic persistent health problems die an average of 25 years sooner than the average population,” Ridenour said. “If you have high anxiety for 40 years, how much pressure are you putting on your heart? And some individuals who have to take certain medications encourage certain eating behaviors, which might contribute to diabetes.

“We see a lot of people who die in their 40s and 50s from cardiac and metabolic problems. So we are monitoring peoples’ glucose levels and BMIs, because we’re much more cognizant now of the whole person and how mental health affects physical health.”

The Center accepts a wide range of insurance, along with Medicaid and Medicare.

“And we’ll take indi-

Aiden Bennett, 6, grinned as Dr. Benjamin Leavitt, family practice physician, demonstrated exam strategies in the second exam room at the Purdy Health Clinic last week, as nurse practitioner and clinic administrator Valerie Bennett looked on. If well received, the clinic will build a permanent building for operations at Third and Washington. Murray Bishoff/times-news@monett-times.com viduals who are unable to pay,” Ridenour said. “The services that we offer are not contingent upon one’s ability to pay.”

For more information about the Clark Center and its services, call 417671-8075. A crisis line is available by calling 1-800801-4405.

New clinic comes to Purdy

A new medical clinic has opened in Purdy.

Nurse Practitioner Valerie Bennett has planned a medical service for the Purdy community for about a decade, ever since she began attending nurse practitioner school.

She is a 30-year veteran with CoxHealth Systems, where she has worked as an urgent care nurse practitioner, emergency department manager and registered nurse.

Bennett and her husband, Mike, have long roots in the Purdy community.

Mike Bennett owns Eagle Logistics in Purdy and has served in the fire district leadership and on the school board and BarryLawrence Ambulance District.

“It all came together in the last [10] months,” Valerie Bennett said.

This “coming together” has included mutual interest by other healthcare professionals in joining the operation. This includes Johnny Bowman, optometrist, a Monett native and Aurora High School graduate, who sold his practice in Nashville, Ark. Both Bowman’s parents are from Purdy.

Robert Chapman, a physical therapist, also plans to open his practice at the facility. Chapman, with roots in Pierce City, has been associated with the Healing Arts Center in Branson, and was looking for an opportunity to come closer to home.

Dr. Ben Leavitt, a family practice physician, has also expressed interest in joining the clinic. Bennett said Leavitt is very community-minded. He closed his independent practice in Aurora, and has been working as a hospitalist in

Cassville and Aurora.

Joining the effort in a separate venture is Shane Becker with Old Town Pharmacy in Monett and Pierce City, who announced plans to open a pharmacy in Purdy. Becker has purchased the historic bank building at southwest corner of Washington and Commercial streets for a pharmacy. The front counter will use the original teller window with its bank bars still in place.

Bennett said the clinic will initially open in the historic Purdy hotel building owned by Ed Mareth, next door to the Coffee Cafe, across the street from Becker’s pharmacy.

“We’re basically a bunch of hometown kids trying to come back to community and take care of them,” Bennett said. “Shane offered to put in a pharmacy. Ben Leavitt will come in one day a month for patients that have a higher acuity of need or have more complex medical issues. I will be there through the week.

“We plan to do memberships and have a company come that will do low-cost X-rays and low-cost labs.

There will be a low cost for office visits. Insurance and Medicare and Medicaid costs are killing small practices. This is an opportunity to have someone there tomorrow you can see for help. Once we’re successful, Mike is going to build a building to hold all four of us. Chapman will come on board as well. There’s no spot for him at this point.

It will be a nice resource for us.”

Mike Bennett has prepared a building plan that would place a clinic back where the Harrison-Howell Clinic had been located at corner of Washington and Third. The pharmacy would also then move into the clinic building.

Valerie Bennett is hoping to attract patients from the surrounding area, not just Purdy residents.

“This has been a dream of ours for a long time,” she said. “We’re expanding that dream to include a lot of people. This is for the community.”

Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Page 13

Agriculture: Local family honored; new owners in charge at Exeter stockyard

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

kept in touch after he graduated and I moved away from Exeter. When I would have a big win up here, Mason would reach out to me. When he would win on the PBR circuit or have a big ride, I would reach out to him. The fact we maintained those connections makes this loss cut a little deeper. It hurt the most because I knew he was a great man, who had just married and was living his dream and it feels like it was all cut too short.”

Hermansen echoed Allen’s sentiments.

“I was heartbroken,” Hermansen said. “I followed him on Facebook, I know that he also rode around here locally, and I always had hoped that I could go watch him ride.

When someone has a dream like that and it gets cut short, it is just heartbreaking.”

For several people, Mason held a special place in their hearts, if for no other reason than just being that small-town kid that they could identify with when his dream came true.

“Honestly, I don’t know if I can put it into words, and I honestly don’t know if I am qualified to describe that,” Allen said. “Mason was a champion for a lot of people for a lot of different reasons. He was a local kid that made big. He had a dream, he could define his dream, he attacked his dream and he achieved his dream.

“In that sense when a local kid makes it big, it is something that everyone can rally around and have pride about.”

Cassville family selected as Missouri Farm Family

Raising cattle, running horses and living a farm family lifestyle pays, and a Cassville family was recognized for their work.

Jeff and Elizabeth Reed, and daughter Nellie Jo Reed, all of Cassville, were selected as the Barry County Missouri Farm Family by University of Missouri Extension in Barry County during the 60th annual Missouri Farm Family Day on Aug. 13, 2018, at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.

The Reed family are long-time residents of Barry County. Jeff, raised in Cassville, actively farms daily, running stock cows.

This was the first year the Reed family has been recognized as the Barry County Missouri Farm family. The family was awarded a plaque, and a goody bag from the Mizzou College of Agriculture.

“We were pretty excited to be recognized, and we enjoyed going to the fair,” said Dr. Elizabeth Reed DVM, a large animal vet for Barry County Veterinary

Clinic. “Being a veterinarian, I see a lot of people, and I am on a lot of people’s farms. Jeff manages the ranch, so we are invested in the agriculture community, and we run a little farm, too.”

Reed said the family lives on the ranch her husband works on, and they have cows, horses and chickens.

“We have a small herd, and we run our horses on our place,” Reed said. “We raise Corriente cattle, and they are mainly used as roping stock for rodeos.”

According to Reed, the farm and property is about seven acres, and is owned by the company her husband works for. “[Jeff] is a lifetime member of the North American Corriente Association (NACA), and I am a professional member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and the University of Missouri Extension,” Reed said.

Reed said she knows people run a lot bigger places than they have, but the family has a lot of interaction with other farm families and are part of a lot of the decision-making for other farmers’ operations because of their professions.

“We are kind of non-traditional in the sense that we may not run a lot of cows like other people who get recognized for this, but we consider our opinions valuable,” Reed said.

Reed defines a farm family as one who is providing food for their family, and for the world.

People who are producing a product that they are proud of, whether it be cattle, crops or stock on a farm, it means something to the farmer, and they are proud of it.

“I work with larger farms, and they do a good job,” Reed said. “I think for us though, we have a niche market. We produce really nice roping stock. If smaller farms focus their attention on trying to find a niche market, they would set themselves up for success.”

Reed said she can see that for a small family farm, it can be difficult to compete with the larger farms. However, being this close to Joplin, Springfield and some of the bigger markets, if farms focus on producing a high-quality product, they will get paid a premium for it.

“You take your cattle up there, and they sell for the same that the big guys sell for,” Reed said.

Reed said she works with a lot of flashlight farmers who work a full-time job, then come home and take care of their farm.

“That is the majority of our practice,” Reed

Exeter’s Mason Lowe looks to corral bull named Speckled Demon during the L.J. Jenkins Bull Riding Tour event in May 2017 in Cassville. File photo/Cassville Democrat said. “Everybody wants to do a good job and produce a quality product, and we have a lot of small-time farmers. Rather [than running a large operation], they produce replacement heifers for those bigger farms, and a lot of them have found a market for their product and are doing well.”

According to Reed, if family farmers make it to where their animals have very good genetics, and they have a docile heifer that makes a good cow, people are going to pay for that.

“We are very honored and proud to be recognized,” Reed said.

The annual Missouri Farm Family Day is sponsored by five partner agencies: the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair Commissioners, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and MU Extension and Engagement.

Stockyard in Exeter under new ownership

Barry County Regional Stockyards in Exeter was recently purchased by the Hammen and Keeling families, and the new owners have changed the name to Four State Stockyard.

Chris Hammen, Four State Stockyard co-owner, grew up in Purdy, and his father was a dairy farmer.

“I was raised on a dairy farm,” Hammen said. “We ran and fed a calf operation.”

Hammen said he has nine children and the first six were all boys.

“The boys grew up around farming in this area,” he said. “We were interested in this type of work, and the opportunity to buy the stockyard

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On Jan. 29, the Four State Stockyard in Exeter had its second sale since it was purchased by the Hammen and Keeling family. This family run business has help from almost every member of the families. From left: Chris Keeling, Cade Hammen, Clay Hammen, Colby Hammen, Cale Hammen and Chris Hammen. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cass-

ville-democrat.com

became available.”

Hammen said he and Co-Owner Chris Keeling came up with Four State Stockyard together, and they have known each other closely for a long time.

“I married his oldest sister,” he said. “To get back at me, he married my youngest sister.”

Hammen said the last sale for the previous owners was on Jan. 19, and the first sale for the new owners was on Jan. 22.

“We did make some changes, probably the biggest one being that we do the sale day on Tuesdays now, instead of Saturdays,” he said. “The main reason for that is that maybe having the sale day on a weekday will bring in more buyers. Also, everyone likes to have a Saturday off.”

According to Hammen, there is also going to be an evening replacement cow sale now, so that people who work day jobs can come in in the evening.

“We are trying to run things similar,” he said.

“The main goal is to have a professionally ran business.”

Hammen said because people are used to bringing in cattle on the weekends, they will continue to receive cattle then, and there are plenty of feed and water bins for them to be taken care of.

“Our goal is to have a great operation that is a family ran business,” he said. “As the boys are growing up, this is something that we can all have and do together.”

Hammen said what they offer is a specialty blend of knowing cattle and how to care for them, and trying to bring in a good selection of buyers.

“We want to put together a good, clean and professionally ran market for the seller and the buyers,” he said. “It is a good feeling and a big responsibility to do this. People trust you to take care of them and get them a fair price, so it is a really great experience.”

Keeling said he has been in livestock marketing for 25 years.

“I started in Diamond at the Four State Stockyard,” he said. “Then, I worked at the Joplin Stockyards for

Jennifer Lutes, ag business specialist with the University of Missouri Extension Service, spoke about the economics of alfalfa at the 90th Annual Barry County Soils and Crops Conference, held at First Christian Church in Cassville. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com 21 years.”

Keeling said he wanted to get behind the boys and offer a good cattle market in Barry County.

“We decided it was the right time for the boys to fulfill their dreams,” he said. “We want to get behind them and help them to have work ethic, be honest, do the right things and be fair. For that, they will be rewarded in life.”

Hammen has six sons working at the stockyard: Clay, Colbey, Cale, Chad, Chet and Cade Hammen.

Keeling has three sons working there Colt, Carter and Cash, as well as, his daughter Lexi, who works in the Cafe with Keeling’s mother and Hammen’s wife, Kim. “As a family business, we want to offer a good local auction that is fair,” he said. “We are in a customer service industry, if we didn’t have customers we wouldn’t have jobs, so its all about great customer service.”

Cade Hammen, part owner of Four State

Stockyard, said it has been a busy transition.

“I always enjoyed getting to know and talking to other people in the cattle industry,” he said. “We are excited to offer a good and honest auction to the community.”

Cade said there is a lot of work that goes into preparing for an auction.

“We spend most of the Monday there unloading cattle and making sure they have hay and water, and we make sure to take care of everyone’s livestock,” he said. “Tuesday, we get there early to sort the cattle, and unload if needed. We start the auction as close to 10 a.m. as possible.”

Cade said he really enjoys talking to buyers before the auction.

“We are just excited for the opportunity to pursue a business in an industry that we love,” he said. “I want to thank the community for the support we have had from them, they have showed an overwhelming support for us, and we are grateful.”

Cassville Democrat

Page 14 • Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Gary Youngblood

Jill LeCompte

Amy Boxx

Keith Daniels

Presiding Commissioner

Sherry L. Smith

Janice Varner County Collector

County Treasurer

Prosecuting Attorney

Public Administrator

Craig Williams

Gary Davis

Wayne Hendrix

Gary Schad

Robert Folke

County Assessor

Circuit Clerk

County Sherrif

Lois Lowe

County Clerk

Southern Commissioner Northern Commissioner Associate Circuit Judge

Keith Daniels Public Administrator

Johnnie Cox

Associate Circuit Judge

Jack Goodman Circuit Judge

Gary Davis Barry County Sheriff

Barry County Sheriff’s Department 505 East St Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-6556 www.barrycountysheriff.com

Sherry L. Smith Barry County Assessor

Barry County Courthouse 700 Main, Suite 7 Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-2613 • 417-847-4589 Fax: 417-847-2377

102 West St. Ste. 5.

Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-0541

Danielle Still

Recorder of Deeds

Jill LeCompte

Jim Fohn

Barry County Clerk

Barry County Coroner

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

Danielle Still Barry County Recorder of Deeds

Barry County Courthouse 700 Main, Suite 2 Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-2561

Janice Varner Janice Varner Barry County Collector Barry County Collector

Barry County Courthouse 700 Main, Suite 3 Barry County Courthouse Barry County Courthouse Cassville, MO 65625 700 Main St., Suite #6 Phone: 417-847-2113 700 Main, Suite 3 Cassville, MO 65625 barrycocoll@centurytel.net 417-847-2914

Cassville, MO 65625 Phone: 417-847-2113

Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

Items included in the display for the 150th anniversary time capsule were year books, plaques, art work, photos, historical information and knick-knacks from different clubs and organizations at the school. The display was set up before the game. Jordan Privett/jprivett@cassville-democrat.com

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Page 15

The Cassville High School art class performed a live painting during the Fine Arts assembly on Nov. 20, 2018,. This year there were actually two different canvases being worked on at the same time. Jordan Privett/

jprivett@cassville-democrat.com

Education: Virtual classes offered; time capsule commemorates 150th anniversary

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

research will be done if a bond issue is passed.

Decisions will also have to be made on which projects to pursue, he said.

Southwest offers virtual classes to students

The Southwest school district is making steps toward higher rates of graduates with the program Edgenuity, which offers students online classes for an alternate education.

Tosha Tilford, Southwest school superintendent, said the virtual school Edgenuity can be used for both credit recovery and enrichment.

“Southwest High School instituted virtual school in 2012-2013 with the program called PLATO,” Tilford said. “It was primarily used for credit recovery, but there were some students who used the program for credit advancement and academic enrichment.”

According to Tilford, these courses are not easier than the courses offered at Southwest high school, but can be tailored to each student’s individual needs.

“Virtual school is very costly for the district,” Tilford said. “The benefits to the students outweighs the costs.”

Tilford said PLATO was used for two school years, then Scott Regional Technology Center was able to enter into a contract where all the schools in the consortium could have access to Edgenuity.

“Edgenuity offers the same type of educational opportunities for the students,” Tilford said. “Since there are 15 schools in the consortium, this makes Edgenuity much more affordable than PLATO.” Samantha Coupland, Southwest high school counselor, said the students can go at their own pace, and it keeps them on track.

“It helps my students who are falling behind or at risk for dropping out,” Coupland said. “This is a way to keep these students in here and get them grad-

uated.”

According to Coupland, the main goal is to make it possible in every way for all students to graduate high school.

“Every course that is normally taught is available to students through Edgenuity,” Coupland said.

“We have not run into any issues yet.”

Coupland said the teachers go through the standards from the courses on Edgenuity, and the teachers then compare that to guidelines from the state of Missouri.

“The courses are built for the student with those standards and guidelines,” Coupland said. “So, there isn’t really an instructor, they are more of self-taught courses.”

According to Coupland, the school pays a portion of the cost to vo-tech for Edgenuity.

“There is no cost to the students to use Edgenuity,” Coupland said. “I would say that upward of 30-40 students in the high school use this program.”

According to Coupland, the entire senior class is using Edgenuity to take pre-calculus.

“Although the program can be used to help students who need or want to graduate early, the school district really makes sure the students are absolutely prepared for career or college life to ensure success,” Coupland said.

Wildcat wellness check a hit with parents

Jimmie Barton, Cassville middle school principal, started a program called the Wildcat wellness check, for which he sets aside time every two weeks to call parents of students who have been noticed doing positive things.

Barton said the assistant principal and he have their own networks that they go to, outside of their own district. The goal is to hear other ideas from different districts, and bounce things off one another.

“Darren Rhea, assistant principal, picked this idea up from a Republic principal and brought it back,”

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Barton said. “Basically, it’s a climate survey, and we have tweaked it to fit Cassville middle school and our needs.”

According to Barton, on the survey, the teachers are asked to rate the last couple of weeks, and list any needs that they have.

“I ask the teachers in that survey if they would like to recognize a staff member for doing anything awesome or incredible,” Barton said. “Also, we have a question that asks the teachers to tell me if any student or students are doing something awesome.”

Barton said if the teacher names a student by name, then he makes it a point to call home to let the parents know that a teacher has noticed their child doing something good.

“I read the parent exactly the statement that the teacher puts on the survey,” Barton said. “It is anonymous, so I don’t know which teacher says what.

I just tell the parents that the student was noticed by teachers doing something awesome, and that I am calling to let them know what it is.”

Barton said the response has been very positive.

“To be honest, some of the students that I have called on are not students that get a lot of positive recognition — and that makes it even better,” Barton said.

According to Barton, the students are being noticed for random acts of kindness. For example, there are students injured from sports, and there are students that chip in by carrying lunch trays or books without being asked to do it. Teachers notice students who stop to pick up trash when no one has asked them to. Other nominations have been for always being positive in classroom, and being encouraging to other students.

Cassville middle school students are in sixth through eighth grades, so those children are usually 11-14 years old.

“That can be a hard part of middle school, but also the fun and challenging part,” Barton said. “We all had to go through that, and you try to help them understand that they will get through it as well.”

Barton said he has had parents break down crying on the phone, and parents that he has been on the phone with for 5-10 minutes because they have shared stories about their child’s history and the fact that hearing something good helps.

“I haven’t heard anyone tell me not call again,” Barton said. “When the principal calls, it’s not generally something positive. I’ve kind of chuckled to myself that I’ve had to call some of these parents before on not so great news, and I can hear the apprehension in their voice when they find out it’s me calling.”

Barton said it’s good to have that conversation with the parents for something positive.

“I hope that students eventually start noticing that, ‘Hey, we got a call from the principal and it wasn’t bad,’” Barton said.

Logan Marple played the judge in the Cassville Intermediate School rendition of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 18, 2018. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com “Honestly, it isn’t a chore at all. I look at it as a reward on my end to be able to call and give good news to parents.”

Every two weeks, Barton sets aside about 30-45 minutes to make these calls, more if he needs to. Over about one month’s time in 2018, he made about 27 calls.

“Honestly, I look forward to it every two weeks,” Barton said. “I’ll keep doing it as long as I keep getting responses.”

Barton has been the principal for four years at Cassville, and has had eight years total as an administrator.

Time capsule buried in honor of 150th anniversary

The Cassville school district revealed the items that were be placed in a 50-year time capsule celebrating the district’s 150th anniversary.

Mindi Artherton, Cassville schools communication liaison, said the time capsule was buried in a hole enclosing the capsule in a concrete vault in front of the central office by the J.C. Duncan Gymnasium.

Barry County Ready Mix provided a rock to place on top of the buried capsule as a marker, and the Cassville Middle school industrial arts department built the box for the items.

“This year is the 150th anniversary of Cassville schools,” Artherton said.

“We thought it would be neat to do something big to commemorate this year because 150 years is a big deal.”

Artherton said the school decided it would be fun to put together a time capsule to be opened 50 years from now.

“We worked with the alumni association, which held a chili supper during the time capsule review,” Artherton said. “We had everything on display that will go inside of the time capsule. We thought it would be a good way for the community members to see what will be inside before it is buried.”

Artherton said the time capsule is important because Cassville schools strive to honor its past and traditions.

“I think it’s neat to provide the time capsule to the people who will come after us,” Artherton said. “In 50

Makenzie High performed “Dying in LA” by Panic at the Disco during Cassville High School’s annual Winter Show: Sweets and a Song at the FEMA Event Center. Kyle Troutman/editor@cassville-democrat.com

years, it will be opened up and people will learn what we are doing at this time and honor their past.”

According to Artherton, she got the idea from NWACC campus last year, when she saw that it had a time capsule.

“I liked the idea, and the timing was perfect for us because the 150th anniversary was coming up,” Artherton said. “We have gotten all four campuses involved in the project.”

Artherton said the time capsule will have projects from pre-school students all the way up to high school.

“We have representation of every building inside of the time capsule,” Artherton said. “We have a lot of photos that the Barry County Museum has provided, as well as historical books.”

Artherton said Priscilla Craig, art teacher at Eunice Thomas Elementary and Cassville intermediate, has also been instrumental.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade have been working on a book that they will put into the time capsule. Also, the primary students have added thumb prints to all their artwork.

The Cassville High School Alumni Association planned a chili supper, which started at 5 p.m. inside the J.C. Duncan Gymnasium. The dinner consisted of a bowl of chili, cinnamon roll and a drink for $5 to support the alumni association. People were able to review all the time capsule items then go to the game.

Carolyn Bowen, Alumni Association member, said

the funds from the chili supper go to CHS alumni scholarships.

“The alumni scholarships are given in the spring,” Bowen said. “The Alumni Association meets with counselors at the school, who give us names of students who would be eligible or qualify for the scholarships, and the alumni committee chooses who they think is the best recipient for the scholarship.”

Bowen said it just depends on the amount of money the association has, as far as how many scholarships they can give.

“We don’t generally have any fundraiser for the alumni association,” Bowen said. “However, we thought this would be a great opportunity for one.”

The Association wrote a letter that explains how the school started and where it is at this point in time that will be added into the time capsule.

“The time capsule is really something that reflects our community and our school,” Bowen said.

Friday night’s football game against Lamar was great timing for the time capsule review and the chili supper, because it was the last home game before district playoffs began. Also, it was senior night, where the graduating seniors in band and football were recognized.

“I hope the school will continue to grow,” Bowen said. “We have fantastic teachers and administrators right now, and if we continue to have great educators as times change, I think Cassville will still be one of the best schools in the area.”

Page 16 • Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Cassville Democrat

Reflections 2019

The Primrose family from Branson West carefully loaded lines with lures before venturing from the car to the shore, ready for adventure in the pre-dawn dimness on March 1 at Roaring River. Murray Bishoff/Cassville Democrat

Bentley Trammell, 8, of Nixa, posed with the fish he caught, held by his uncle, Alan Fischer of Carthage, formerly of Cassville, for a photo taken by his dad, Dakota Trammell, before releasing the fish again, illustrating the family nature of opening day at Roaring River. Murray Bishoff/Cassville Democrat

Tourism: Hatchery project nears completion; Shell Knob honored by Expedia

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Sutherland said. “What I see is families. I’m observing people making memories for a lifetime. Their kids will be coming back.

It’s quite a deal.

“Every one of the parks is special in its own way. It’s very different here. There’s a festive atmosphere.

There’s tradition here. We got here a little before 5 a.m. That’s late. There were people everywhere, getting their spot. That’s really cool. It’s a big event, a community event. You can feel that too.”

Mike Fotenopulos, of Springdale, Ark., said he has fished on Beaver Lake and on White River. For him, coming to Roaring River on opening day had become a family tradition.

Lorie Bell, of Strafford, who likely had a trip of equal distance to go to Bennett Spring, said she came to Roaring River because it offers “the best fishing in Missouri.” Bell was accompanied by her friend, Dedra Lair, a first-timer for the event. Both were eager to get their poles in the water.

Eight-year-old Bentley Trammell, fishing with his dad, Dakota Trammel of Nixa, and his uncle, Alan Fischer, a former Cassville resident, now of Carthage, also viewed the event with a first-timer’s wonder.

“I’ve fished here before,” Bentley said. “There’s a lot more people here than I thought. There’s a lot of fish. They’re hard to get, but I like challenges.”

The crowd offered more challenges than some wanted. J.D. Messenger, of Pittsburg, Kan., came for the third time on opening day, all at the invitation of the same friend.

“It’s too crowded for me,” Messenger said. “I’ve spent half my time untangling my line.”

Kevin Yount, of Aurora, returned for his 34th year on opening day. He had come this year again with father and a friend from high school.

“This is the only time I see my high school friend,” Yount said. “I’m just hang-

ing out with the guys and catching some fish.”

Tim and Tammy Sapp of Diamond, married at Roaring River 13 years ago, have come back for the last 10 years on opening day, making the trip a special family tradition.

Bryan Allphin, from Verdigris, Okla., was back for the sixth year on opening day. This year he shared the experience by bringing Cody Miller, 11, with him.

Miller declared without hesitation, “I like the fishing!”

As the fishing extended beyond two hours, many had their four-fish limit.

Several said they threw one back so they could keep fishing. Asked for their secret in catching fish, Dustin Stellwagen of Monett said, “Patience is the key.” His fishing partner, Bill Logan of Monett, added, “That, and maybe some breakfast.” Larry Zebert, of Pierce City, added, “Keep your fingers warm.”

“I try to come on opening day as often as I can,” said John Hammond, of Monett. “I’ve come 20 times in the last 30 years.

It’s craziness, with crazy people. It’s fun to come and be in the atmosphere.”

Casey Rogers of Springfield, fishing with his son, Miller, and his brother, Chad Rogers of Joplin, perhaps summed it up best.

“It’s March 1,” he said.

“I don’t know what to do other than be here.”

Hatchery project ongoing

The $1.9 million project at the Roaring River Hatchery is ongoing, with major work aiming for completion in May and loose ends being tied up by the end of summer.

Paul Spurgeon, manager of the Hatchery, which is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, said in late January, the lower structure, a key to the project that will divert water is poured, allowing the Hatchery to recirculate water into its

top six holding pools.

After the recirculation pump was turned back on, crews turned their attention to finishing the spring pool by April.

“At the spring head, a 24-inch PVC pipe is being installed to the first structure, which then pumps water to the lower structure,” Spurgeon said.

“There’s still work to do in the flume with stop logs being installed. They are basically a dam in the flume, which is a box that feeds the pools. One side is built up with dam boards, and we’re replacing those boards with stainless steel.

If all goes well, we’ll have quite a bit of the project done by May 1.”

Spurgeon said past that point, the work will focus on pouring the concrete for the parking lot, replacing valves and adding the flood gates at the falls and spring head.

“A lot of that stuff has to be custom-built, so it takes two or three months to get it out of the factory,” he said. “The target date for finishing the spring pool is May, and other work will probably go into June, but, all that depends on the weather and if the water comes up or not.”

Spurgeon said the Hatchery project will not affect fishing on Opening Day, as all holes near the Hatchery will still be open.

mentions that Table Rock is one of the best fishing spots in the country.

Shell Knob is praised for its slower pace and relaxing atmosphere and promotes hiking and our resort amenities.

Stonewater Cove, Pilot Knob Conservation Area and The Red Barn are specifically mentioned in the online article.

“Table Rock Lake is the perfect spot for taking in nature’s quieter beauties, and Shell Knob is just the right place to settle in and take life easy,” said Lily Rogers, author of the article. “Calm nights in a cozy cabin, lazy days on the lake and spending time meeting friendly locals sounds like the right prescription for an ideal escape.”

Shell Knob community leaders said they were honored to have been chosen for this recognition from knowledgeable travel experts.

“Those who live in or visit Shell Knob already know that this is a special place with a relaxing, inspiring lifestyle,” a press release said. “It is nice to know that the beauty and amity of our area is noticed by others.”

The Expedia article can be viewed at https:// viewfinder.expedia.com/ features/best-place-escape-every-state/#ShellKnob.

An excerpt from the blog describes Shell Knob.

“Life does not move fast in Shell Knob, and that is just what the doctor ordered,” it said. “This is a

place that encourages visitors to relax, slow down, and enjoy the pleasures of taking it easy. Admire the sweeping views of Table Rock Lake and cast a line at one of the best fishing spots in the U.S. Continue to breathe nature in on a hike through the woods of Pilot Knob Conservation Area — there’s a good chance you’ll have the trails all to yourself. Ease sore muscles with a massage in a treehouse at Stonewater Cove’s Treehouse Spa, where there’s also a meditation room. After these euphoria-inducing activities, a day on the town may seem downright bustling. Hunt for antique treasures at Red Barn and treat yourself to some sweets at Cup Cakes and Cream.”

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Needing to escape, try Shell Knob

Shell Knob was recognized for the second consecutive time as the ‘Best Place to Escape’ in Missouri by Expedia, one of the world’s leading travel companies.

The Expedia Viewfinder blog features travel inspiration on destinations in the U.S. and across the globe.

Expedia’s staff writers sought out locations that provide the best opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy a real getaway.

The website article includes a photograph of Table Rock and one of its campgrounds. The blog

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Cassville Democrat

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • Page 17

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