March 1 blaze the third major fire on square

BY KYLE TROUTMAN editor@cassville-democrat.com

April 18, 1893. June 10, 1987. March 1, 2022.

These are the dates of the biggest commercial fires on the Cassville square, the latest of which has doomed the old Hall Theatre to demolition.

The fire on March 1 started at 7:30 a.m. and continued through the afternoon, needing hotspot work in the evening and a little after 10 p.m.

The result of the blaze is a

What: Leaves his position as executive director at the Cassville YMCA

More: Remembering a decade of work with the Cassville youth

GoodbYe for now to Ragsdale

YMCA director:

BY JORDAN TROUTMAN jtroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Children who have played any YMCA sport in the past 10 years are likely to remember Rick Ragsdale.

Ragsdale came on as the youth and sports director of the Cassville YMCA in 2012. In 2019, he was promoted to executive director.

“[Tomorrow] will be my last day,” he said. “There are so many things I think of from the past 10 years. Growing soccer in Cassville through the Y and Seven Valleys Soccer Club has been amazing. We started with about 60, and now we have over 200 in soccer.”

Ragsdale said he is proud of raising the profile of the YMCA in the community.

“I was blown away by the number of people who didn’t know there was a Y in Cassville,” he said. “Now, people understand the Y mission and the passion and ability to help the community.”

When he started, Ragsdale

News Briefs

Quilt show coming to Casville

Ozark Country Quilters of Cassville will be presenting their 16th biennial quilt show, “O C the Quilts.” This is a judged show and carries on the long tradition of highlighting the outstanding creativity and versatility of the group’s members. It will take place on April 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crowder College, located at 4020 N. Main in Cassville. Admission is $5. The event will include more than 100 quilts; four vendors; quilt displays and conversations with a long-time member of the guild, Sharon Paulson; ongoing demonstrations; handmade boutique items for sale; and a chance to win the Opportunity Quilt.

Blood drive at Crowder moved to March 23

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Crowder College in Cassville on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People may call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “CCCASS” to schedule an appointment. The Red Cross is currently dealing with a blood shortage, possibly the worst in a decade. The Red Cross is also testing all donations for COVID antibodies for free, with results sent in about a week.

Roaring River State Park hosts Birding Boot Camp

Team members at Roaring River State Park invite the public to a Birding Boot Camp from 9 a.m. on March 18 through 4 p.m. on March 20. Participants can join for just one activity or the whole weekend. Beginners and experienced birders are invited to learn more about bird-watching. The park team will cover topics such as bird identification, songs and nests, and how to help scientists around the world protect birds. This event is free and open to the public. Those interested can get more information or register for this program by calling the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center at 417-847-3742. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Roaring River State Park is located seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.