January 2016 Connection

FREE

A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

JANUARY 2016

Midwest iron horse carnage

Railroad Disasters New Year’s resolve

Health, fitness counts in 2016

Monett history

Records uncovered

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

2 | JANUARY 2016

January 2016

Get Ready BillionPhotos.com | fotolia.com

14

Zip up kids lunches

23

New you in 2016

27

Never give up

33

Will and Iron

55 pleasing picks to get them through the rest of the school year YMCA offers tips for getting the best workout Tenacity required to achieve fitness goals Golden era of the railways came at a cost

43 Building blocks of Monett Early Monett history pieced together as uncovered documents surface

48

Elementary elegance

51

Best of bath

Simple and personal adult coloring books thrill aspiring artists January’s National Bath Safety Month product reviews, unplugged 54 Mounting art form Taxidermy expert from Exeter recreates the game of a lifetime

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

www.edwardjones.com A magazine dedicated to Southwest missourians

PUBLISHER Jacob Brower connection@monett-times.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com Marketing director Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig Marion Chrysler

No time like the present to keep

your future on track

Life changes – and your finances need to keep up. At Edward Jones, we know it’s important to review your finances regularly. That’s why we provide complimentary portfolio reviews.

Have you reviewed your portfolio lately? Call to schedule an appointment to help ensure your finances are keeping pace with you.

Shane A Boyd

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP®

802 West Street Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-5238

1418 South Elliott Aurora, MO 65605 417-678-0277 1-866-678-0277

Jim Haston

Financial Advisor

Nathan Roetto AAMS®

PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson

Financial Advisor

7 East Broadway Monett, MO 65708 417-235-8216

594 North Spring Park Blvd Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 417-466-4620

DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon

Donald E Weber

Scott Young

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor 100 Chapel Dr Suite B Monett, MO 65708 417-235-7465

MKT-1926A-A

4 | JANUARY 2016

CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Nancy Ridgley Shawn Hayden Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Brad Stillwell Jared Lankford Julia Kilmer Jennifer Conner Anne Angle Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Emily Wiseley

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor 100 Chapel Dr Suite B Monett, MO 65708 417-235-7465

Member SIPC

TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send email inquiries to connection@monett-times.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708 Connection is published monthly and distributed free in Cassville, Monett, Exeter, Washburn, Pierce City, Mt. Vernon, Aurora, Verona, Roaring River, Eagle Rock, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, Freistatt, Marionville, Seligman, Golden and other surrounding areas.

Connection is a publication of the Cassville Democrat, The Monett Times and Rust Communications.

z i l Fe

H ! a o p v p e y u N N ew Ye o ñ A

ar!

Thank you for your patronage in 2015!

We look forward to serving you in 2016!

From the Staff at

Let us cater your special events!

505 Plaza Dr., Monett, Mo. 417-354-8408 • www.acambarorestaurant.com CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

43

CONTENTS 9 11 17 21 31 40 57 58 64 66

Proud Parent contest

Healthy Connection

Food: New Year’s luck Bottles & Brews Cutest Pet contest

JOIN US ONLINE:

Photo submissions Community Calendar Familiar Faces

facebook.com/MyConnectionMo

My Connection Parting Shot

twitter.com/myconnection_mo Have an idea for a story you would like to see in Connection Magazine?

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

6 | JANUARY 2016

Getting all your discounts?

I’ll make sure with a Discount Double Check.®

Brad Hill 417.235.1200

Happy Holidays from your Doug’s Pro Lube team!

Before you begin your holiday travels, let us do our part to keep your vehicle on the road and you safely moving to all your holiday destinations.

www.DougsProLube.com WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU ARE ROAD READY!

Great, Friendly Service Committed to Barry County Prompt Decisions Made Locally

845 US Hwy. 60, Suite F • Monett, MO 65708

www.myagentbradhill.com statefarm.com® State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

SBSECURITY BANK OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

Your Locally Owned Independent Bank

Let All Our Friendly Faces Serve You At Any Of Our Three Locations:

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Jct. 37, 76 & 86 417-847-4794

Wheaton

302 Main Street 417-652-3204

Exeter

Bill Pay & Internet Banking at www.sbswmo.com

Front Street 417-835-8111 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

OPEN 7 days a wEEk!

Dr Shanna Chapman 101 North Elm St., Pierce City, MO 65723 Phone: 1-417-476-9005 Email: clinic@chapmanmed.com Website: www.chapmanmed.com Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday Closed 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm for lunch Friday by Appt. Closed Saturday & Sunday

Mon-Sat 7am-2pm, Sun 8am-2pm

BREakFasT aLL day!!! daILy sPECIaLs

Call ahead for all of your Holiday needs!

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“Where Good Food is Always on the Menu.”

Happy Vintage New Year!

JANUARY SALE Jan. 16 & 17 Antiques • Vintage • Primitives Pinterest project supplies Farm sale treasures

SECOND CHANCES AN OCCASIONAL MARKET

Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday 12 - 4 p.m.

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8 | JANUARY 2016

CaSSvIlle Store only!

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Immunizations Here!

Your Friendly Cassville Walmart Pharmacy is your destination for immunizations!

Tetanus – Whooping Cough – DTaP – Shingles – the New Pneumonia Series – Flu Shot – available 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday thru Friday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday Protect your family and your loved ones – Invest in your wellness at the store you trust!

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proud parent

Congrats,

Emma!

Emma Amelia Smith is the 1-year-old daughter of Brandon and Rachel Smith of Verona. Emma is January’s cutest kid.

Are you a proud parent?

If so, take this opportunity to show off that cute kid of yours.

We invite you to share a photo of your child to be featured in Connection’s very own proud parent cutest kid contest.

Email your child’s photo to

connection@monett-times.com

Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information. The contest is open to children ages 10 and younger. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

RELIABILITY... SECURITY...

AFFORDABILITY...

FROM ADEQUATE CAPACITY AND FUEL DIVERSITY Because of federal regulations up to 85 Gigawatts of generation capacity are projected to be lost by 2023, potentially jeopardizing reliability across the nation.

Co-ops keep electricity flowing when demand surges, thanks to diverse power supply and adequate capacity.

During the polar vortex, co-ops and many other utilities produced record amounts of electricity just to keep lights on and houses warm.

If new regulations force more generation to be shut down, will we be able to meet the demands of tomorrow?

We can’t afford new regulations that hurt the reliability of America’s power supply.

SPEAK UP TODAY AT ACTION.COOP

4015 Main St. Cassville, MO 65625-1624 (417) 847-2131 • barryelectric.com 10 | JANUARY 2016

w w w. b e n n e t t w o r m i n g t o n . c o m

A NAME YOU CAN TRUST

BW

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1946

BENNETT-WORMINGTON FUNERAL HOME 216 Second St. • Monett, MO 65708 417-235-3141 • 800-743-9697 Rick Wormington ~ Owner

Healthy Connection Brian Jackson | fotolia.com

‘Journeys’ the beginning of your new healthy lifestyle It’s the new year, which means there is no better time than now to commit to your health. No one else can do it for you. It is up to you.

Have you considered the Journeys Weight Management program at Cox Monett? Journeys is not a diet.

It’s not just a class. It’s the supportive, 20-week beginning of your new healthy lifestyle.

Journeys focuses on your mental, physical and emotional health. We’ll equip you with behavior, nutritional and fitness strategies. You’ll learn practical tips that make a difference, from planning meals and dining out to managing stress and creating an exercise plan that works for you.

You will apply what you learn on a daily basis, keeping track of steps taken, food eaten and daily activity.

Logs are reviewed by a dietitian.

Class topics include: n

individualized meal planning

n

behavior change

n

portion control and avoiding overeating

n

fitness

n

dining out

n

label reading

n

goal setting

n weight n

maintenance

stress management.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 11

LeAnn and Brian will tell you how weight loss has drastically improved their lives through Journeys.

Leann’s Journey I joined Journeys on June 18, 2013.

After having two children, unhealthy eating habits and a relatively sedentary lifestyle, I had reached my heaviest weight. I was wearing size 22 jeans. Throughout my 20s, I just kept gaining weight.

After having my first son, I was working full-time and made no time to take care of myself. I continued making poor food choices and I did not exercise at all, so after my second child was born, I was the heaviest I had ever been. I did not feel well, I had zero energy, and it was hard to get down on the floor and play with my kids.

Two things happened that made me more determined than ever to

12 | JANUARY 2016

change my life. The first was a trip with my family to Silver Dollar City.

My 4-year-old wanted me to ride the swings with him. I told him I could not because I did not think I could fit in the seat. I had to pass on the roller coaster for the same reason.

The second thing was taking my oldest to his 4-year checkup. I was told he was overweight. I had to sit there and listen as his doctor gave me healthy eating tips and other advice. It broke my heart. Not only were my unhealthy habits affecting myself, but they were also affecting my children.

I called Cox Monett to register for the Journeys program. The first

week was overwhelming. Learning to be OK with feeling hungry, and adding activity into everyday life was challenging.

The workouts were tough. Working out when you are not in shape is not an enjoyable experience.

One thing we hear a lot during our workouts is “mind over matter.” Our minds are more powerful than we think. You have to train your brain to let your body go where it doesn’t want to.

I have lost 90 pounds and have never felt better. I very much enjoy being active now and at a healthy weight. I have the confidence to do things I wouldn’t have ever done as an overweight person.

If you are interested in starting your own journey, call Nancy Ridgley Cox Monett Hospital at 354-1280.

Brian’s Journey I started on a life-changing journey on July 14, 2014. I was a 62-year-old male weighing in at 240.2 pounds and a body mass index of 37.2. As of July 2015, I weighed in at 192.8 with a BMI of 29.5. I have established a new personal goal of 175 pounds, and I hope to get there some time this year.

A little bit more about me will help you understand this journey. Three years ago, I had a full left hip replacement and in 2014 started having left knee issues. Family history is against me as both parents suffered from heart disease. I was considered legally handicapped.

I am an engineer, very definitely type A and used to being in control. I have never been at a healthy weight for 30 years with my focus being on work and everyone else in my life.

My motivation: There is a point in your life you need to become selfish and do something for yourself. I did this for me and for my ability to enjoy

life. What others think about your weight loss is totally irrelevant.

What I have gained: Statistically, my risk of heart disease has been significantly reduced. My latest blood tests show significant improvements — so much that I may be able to eliminate all medication. (A note for the engineering and financial wizards: Payback of the cost of the program is about one year if I look at my out-ofpocket expenses for the medication and tests I won’t need.)

The real success: Those of you who know Silver Dollar City know how steep the hills are when walking there. Three years ago, I used a powered wheelchair, two years ago I used a cane and stopped to rest several times. In March of 2015, I walked

up this hill briskly, without stopping, pulling my 40-pound grandson in a wagon. When I reached the top I was sweating, but breathing normally and without pain.

One of the most satisfying successes is the water slide at the YMCA. On a Friday afternoon, I often meet my wife and grandson at the pool after work. I can chase him up those steel stairs and we race each other down the slides.

Each day, when you wake up, ask yourself, what did I gain yesterday and what can I gain today? Did I walk a little further, lose a little weight, and have to buy a new shirt? After a while, you will find yourself smiling more, laughing harder, and waking up thinking it is good to be alive.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

55 easy lunches

to get you

The school year starts out with a bang. You have all your kids’ school lunches planned out and you’re on your game.

But wait. It’s not even halfway through the school year, and your children are already telling you they want something else to eat in their lunchbox.

OK, you think. I can do this. So you revert back to the good ole peanut butter and jelly. You quickly find out that’s not going to cut it. So you’re back to square one. You don’t have time to search the Internet for the latest and greatest lunchbox tutorials.

That’s OK. I’ve compiled 55 of the easiest ones for you right here.

1. Make your own “Lunchables.” Whole wheat crackers, sliced cheese, piece of meat.

2. Bagel and cream cheese.

3. Mini pizza - English muffin, pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni.

4. Banana slices and peanut butter with a handful of popcorn.

5. Ants on a log – celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins sprinkled on top.

6. Homemade granola – Mix rolled oats, Chia seeds, flax seeds, brown sugar and salt.

7. Apple sandwiches – cut apples into ring slices and spread peanut butter on each slice.

8. Cottage cheese with fruit mixed in.

9. Hot dog cut up in to bite-sized pieces. Side of ketchup to dip it in.

10. Hard boiled eggs.

11. Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. (BLT) 12. Mini sliders (tiny hamburger patties with a slice of cheese on a mini roll).

13. Hummus and vegetables.

14. Half of a pita pocket stuffed with sliced meat, lettuce and mayonnaise.

15. Chili with cheese sprinkled on top.

16. Your child’s favorite kind of soup packed in a small canteen so it stays warm.

17. Salad with all of your child’s favorite fixins’ on top. Put salad dressing in a small container so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.

18. Fruit kabobs with yogurt dipping sauce (squirt a little lemon juice on fruit so it doesn’t brown).

19. Bologna and cheese sandwich.

20. Peanut butter and fluffernutter (fluff sandwich).

21. Pancakes (put syrup in a separate container).

22. Your child’s favorite muffins packed with fruit.

23. Omelet.

24. Breakfast casserole (hash browns, eggs, meat, cheese).

25. Waffles (syrup on side).

26. French toast sticks (syrup on side).

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer. She was inspired to write this article after her son was coming home from school every day with his lunch still in his bag.

She took the challenge and knew there were more options for what he could eat other than turkey and cheese sandwiches. Follow her on social media and check out her website MeaganRuffing.com to see more of her work.

14 | JANUARY 2016

through the rest of the school year

Photographee.eu| fotolia.com

27. Yogurt parfait.

28. Smoothie or breakfast shake.

44. Pigs in a blanket (tiny hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked).

29. Macaroni and cheese.

45. Spaghetti with meatballs.

30. Frozen peas and carrots (they will thaw by lunchtime) with pasta.

46. Tacos (assemble at school).

31. Zucchini bread, applesauce bread or pumpkin bread. Pack with a side of applesauce or yogurt and a handful of nuts.

48. Vegetable Panini with a side of chips.

32. Cereal (your child can buy a carton of milk at school) or maybe he or she likes to eat it dry.

33. Chicken nuggets with dipping sauce.

34. Grilled cheese (add tomatoes or bacon) with a cup of tomato bisque.

35. Quiche with a side salad.

36. Baked potato with cheese, broccoli and bacon and a side of chicken noodle soup.

47. Fish sticks with tartar sauce.

49. Lettuce wraps (pieces of bib lettuce with different toppings that can be rolled up in each piece of lettuce).

50. Stir fry and rice.

51. Calzone (pizza dough stuffed with cheese, pepperoni and sauce).

52. Chicken salad sandwich with a side of grapes.

53. Pulled pork sandwich with a side of BBQ sauce.

37. Tuna sandwich and chips.

54. Nachos with crumbled hamburger and shredded cheese.

38. Cheese quesadillas with a side of refried beans.

55. Sloppy Joes on a hamburger bun.

39. Burrito with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.

40. Sliced chicken breast on top of rice with a vegetable.

41. Cheese plate (different kinds of cheese with crackers, olives and spreads).

42. Egg salad sandwich with a side of pretzels.

43. Croissant sandwich (stuffed with ham and cheese).

While some of these ideas may have found their way into your child’s lunchbox already, there is sure to be a few items that you can use to get you through the rest of the school year.

Take it a step further and plan all of your child’s lunches one month at a time. This can be a dry-erase calendar or something you type up on the computer and print out.

Have fun with this and make your child’s lunch something that she will look forward to eating. 

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

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16 | JANUARY 2016

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New Year’s Good Luck Recipes

New Year Black-eyed Peas Ingredients 1 pound dry black-eyed peas 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth 8 cups water 1 pound smoked ham hocks 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes 5 pepperoncini peppers 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme salt and pepper to taste Directions Place the black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse before using.

In a large stock pot over medium heat, cook and stir onion and garlic in olive oil until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and 8 cups water, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in soaked black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and the broth is thickened, about 3 hours.

food

Braised Collard Greens Ingredients 2 pounds collard greens — rinsed, stemmed and thinly sliced 2 pounds fresh ham hocks 1/2 pound salt pork 3 quarts chicken stock 1 cup chopped onion 2 bay leaves 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons white sugar salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar Directions Place ham hocks, salt pork, onion, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and sugar in a large pot with the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.

Stir collard greens into the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 30 minutes, or until greens are tender. Season with red wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

A traditional Greece New Year’s recipe.

A coin is baked in the cake, and the person who finds the coin in their slice has good luck for the year.

Vasilopita Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened 1 3/4 cups white sugar 5 eggs 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, blend together the butter or margarine and the sugar.

Separate 3 of the eggs; add the yolks and the 2 remaining whole eggs to the butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla and water.

In another bowl, sift together the baking powder and flour. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.

Whip 3 egg whites until they are foamy. Add 1 tablespoon sugar.

Continue to whip the whites until they are stiff, but not dry. Fold whipped whites into batter.

Pour the batter into a greased 10 x 4 inch tube pan. Wrap a large coin in foil, and place the coin in the batter.

Press the coin down; it should be completely hidden. Sprinkle the nuts and seeds on top of the batter.

Bake the cake for about 70 minutes, or until done. Cool on a wire rack.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

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To serve, place a lettuce leaf on each plate.

Top with a chicken breast, and spoon Texas Bean Salsa over each, dividing evenly among servings.

If desired, garnish with additional cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

Fiesta Grilled Chicken

Stuffed Red Bell Peppers Ingredients 1 cup uncooked brown rice 2 1/4 cups water 4 red bell peppers, tops and seeds removed 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/4 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 2 large Swiss chard leaves, chopped salt and black pepper to taste Directions Bring the brown rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to mediumlow, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Place the red peppers on the prepared baking sheet, and bake until tender, about 15 minutes.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the black-eyed peas and chard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the chard is wilted, 5 to 8 minutes. Mix in the cooked brown rice, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and lightly stuff the mixture into the red peppers. Serve hot.

Ingredients Texas Bean Salsa: 15.5 oz. can black beans* 15.5 oz. can black-eyed peas* 15.5 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained 1 small red onion, chopped 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 4.5 ounce can diced green chilies, drained 2 ripe tomatoes, diced and drained 1 cup Italian-style salad dressing 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt Chicken: 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 3 limes, juiced 1/3 cup tequila 3 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon pepper 6 Romaine lettuce leaves 6 sprigs cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional) 6 lime wedges, for garnish (optional) Directions To make the salsa, mix the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, red onion, bell pepper, chiles, and tomatoes together in a bowl. Toss vegetables with the Italian dressing, cilantro, garlic, and garlic salt until evenly blended. Cover, and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.

Sunflower Seed Pate in Collard Wrap Ingredients 2/3 cup raw sunflower seeds water to cover 1 large celery rib 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 large lemon, zested and juiced 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1 large clove garlic, peeled 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 collard green leaf, rib removed, or more to taste Directions Place sunflower seeds in a bowl and add enough water to cover; soak for 8 hours. Drain.

Blend sunflower seeds, celery, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, black pepper, and sea salt in a food processor or blender until pate is smooth. Spread pate onto collard green leaf.

Preheat a grill for medium-high heat.

About 45 minutes before serving time, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with lime juice and tequila. Sprinkle evenly with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover the dish, refrigerate, and allow to marinate 10 minutes.

Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, and discard remaining marinade.

Cook the chicken breasts on the preheated grill until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes.

Source: AllRecipes.com

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

Bottles & BREWS

BEER, WINE

Samuel Adams Winter Lager

& SPIRITS

Visit our locations in

Monett Purdy and Cassville

Mount Gay Rum

Produced in the islands of Barbados, Mount Gay Rum is sure to bring a warmth and tropical taste to any cold winter night.

Billed as the oldest brand of rum in the world, with the oldest-surviving deed for the company dating back to 1703, Mount Gay Rum has a floral note of apricot and banana, as well as a hint of vanilla.

Despite it’s dark, spiced-rum color, it is a medium-flavored liquor void of a toostrong aftertaste.

With the crisp, cold bite of winter in full swing, Samuel Adams has provided a crisp, cold counterpart to enjoy during the season with it’s annual release of its Winter Lager. Hailing from Boston, the Winter Lager is a dark, wheat bock with a smooth and inviting taste. It earned an 82 rating in 1,910 reviews on BeerAdvocate.com, as well as an 84 BeerAdvocate Overall Score from the website.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA If you like hops, you’ll love the Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA. Billed as a hop bomb by the brewer, Sierra Nevada says the beer is the first to use its Hop Torpedo, “a revolutionary dryhopping device that controls how much hop aroma is imparted into beer without adding additional bitterness.”

On BeerAdvocate.com, 2,760 reviewers rated the beer a 92 out of 100, and it earned a 99 BeerAdvocate Overall Score from the website.

20 | JANUARY 2016

Not Your Father’s Root Beer

A fairly new “brew” on the scene in southwest Missouri is coming in a different form than traditional beer — Not Your Father’s Root Beer. Brewed by Small Town Brewery, based in Wauconda, Ill., Not Your Father’s Root Beer boats a 10 percent alcohol by volume content, yet staves off the flavor of booze in exchange for a crisp-tasting, normal root beer. In 54 reviews on BeerAdvocate.com, the non-traditional beer boasts a rating of 94 out of 100.

Thank You

BE THE

Best you can be in

2016!

51 Years in the making

Chloe and Dana Leta, Brenda, Gayle and Debbie.

WE

Looking forward to a blessed 2016!

AT LOSING... and so can you!

We’ve helped

OVER 15 MilliOn clients Win at Losing since 1973!

Mon. & Thurs.

6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tues. & Wed. 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

CLOSED FRIDAYS

1613 N. 17th Street

Monett, Missouri 65708

Sunday Morning Bible Study - 9:30 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship - 6 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study - 7 p.m.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

Call now For your Free 2016 CaTalog.

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GET IT BACK,

get fi t, stay fit

Cassville YMCA staff and members share tips

Cassville YMCA member Fugi Thao, of Purdy, works out on one of the center’s cardiovascular machines to stay fit.

The mom of four boys who also runs a chicken farm says finding time and child care are the keys to staying fit and her best advice to others seeking to stay fit. She works out four times a week doing cardio and weight training exercises.

Going to the YMCA also helps keep her children active, too, she said.

W

ith a new year here, it’s time to cinch up, take the bull by the horns, and make those do-or-die New Year’s resolutions to get in shape and stay in shape.

To do it right and prevent fallout, Cassville YMCA staff and members offered their thoughts on how to accomplish that sometimes-daunting goal.

“Procrastination is what ruins you,” said Nancy Grace Kirkpatrick, of Cassville, who teaches a Body Tone class at the YMCA. “Start now. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Get with a group. It gives you camaraderie, which means you have a responsibility and accountability.”

“Get in a routine and make it part of your schedule,” said Marolyn Wood of Cassville, who attends the group.

“Anything you can do is better than nothing.”

“Start where you are,” said Sherry Lewis, of Cassville.

Dennis Jacobs, of Cassville, who works at the YMCA front desk, runs to stay in shape. At 49, he placed third in his age division in November at the White River HalfMarathon in Cotter, Ark.

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

YMCA members move, stretch and tone their bodies at the Body Tone class held on Monday and Wednesday mornings at the Cassville YMCA, led by Nancy Grace Kirkpatrick, to stay in shape and stay flexible.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

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The Cassville YMCA offers cardiovascular and weight-bearing machines, free weights and other methods to help people stay in shape. The center also has an ActivTrax machine, which creates custom workouts for members on-the-spot.

For Jacobs and his wife Lisa Munday Jacobs, 42, age is just a number when it comes to staying fit. Both get up at 4 a.m. each day and run four miles. Lisa also ran in the marathon, placing 16th in her age division.

“You stay motivated knowing you have set a goal by signing up for a race,” Dennis said. “We eat lean on the weekends as well as through the week, but we don’t deny ourselves food. It’s all about portion control. We also know what we eat on weekends will affect our running the next week.”

“Through running, I have lost over 40 pounds in 18 months,” Lisa said. “I started at the YMCA on the treadmill, and did the Couch to 5K setting where you start running two minutes at a time, then work up to three miles.”

Tammie Gouvion, YMCA office manager for six years, has seen many members come and go with good intentions.

“You have to stay at it,” she said. “Everyone always has a good plan for making changes, but after the first of the year, we get back in our old routines. It takes 12 weeks for a habit to form. You also have to keep focused on what you’re trying to do. Look at the big picture.

“We have trends; we have New Year’s, then people fall off, then we better get in shape for summer, then the holidays

come. So it’s the in-between times that get us.”

She emphasized that it is important to set goals, but to also cut yourself some slack when it comes to sticking to them.

“It’s hard to stay in a rigid routine,” she said. “You have to have some flexibility built in. We have a tendency to really beat ourselves up when we don’t follow our plan, and I think that’s really critical to staying in shape when we don’t get back in there and keep going.”

Cassville resident Ron Stafford, 46, who also ran in the White River HalfMarathon, placing first in his age division, doesn’t let age limit him.

“The 40-50-year-old division in marathons is the most competitive age bracket, and it’s because it’s made up of people who’ve decided to take their health seriously,” he said. “I’ve run 20 half-marathons in the last few years.”

Stafford advised picking a cardiovascular activity to help burn calories, finding an accountability partner or group to join, and eating a balanced diet.

YMCA member Fugi Thao, of Purdy, says that finding time and child care are key, especially for moms. A mother of four boys, Thao also runs a chicken farm, so finding time is no easy task. Yet she makes activity a priority for herself and family by working out four times per week.

“I just started out,” she said. “I’m more energized, more active, and it gets my kids more active, too.”

Kandice Stough, of Cassville, who works in Child Watch at the YMCA, said staying fit comes down to deciding what’s important. Stough stays active by keeping up with members’ children in Child Watch, plus running after three of her own.

“You have to figure out what’s really important, and if your health is going to be a priority,” she said. “You have to make it a priority.”

Rick Ragsdale, YMCA program director, said you don’t have to wait for an ideal time to start.

“You can start any day,” he said. “As far as healthy eating goes, only eat what’s worth it to you. If your grandma makes an awesome pie, go ahead and have a piece because it’s worth it to you, but don’t eat the store-bought leftover pie that your coworkers brought. It’s all the extra junk that’s out there that we don’t need to eat.”

Rhonda Stafford, YMCA Zumba instructor, said a strong cardio program, consistency and stretching are important to getting fit and staying motivated.

“It can be a variety of things,” she said.

“We’ve got to be stretching and lubricating those joints so that we can continue on with our cardio. I think consistency is the key because we have good intentions, but it’s going to take time, and even on those days we don’t want to do it, we still need to. And during those times, we get an accountability partner or attend a group class. I think encouragement from others helps. I have people tell me, ‘I need to come to class because I know there will be people wondering where I’m at.’”

Gouvion said the YMCA is a great place to reach your goals, and a great place for families.

“It’s kind of a gathering place,” she said. “In a small town in particular, it’s nice to have a place for kids to go.” 

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

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Your fitness plan hasn’t worked?

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Getting in shape is something my wife and I always wanted to do — some day.

We each made attempts at doing so, together and individually. Our efforts usually lasted a few weeks, at most, before fizzling out.

The problem with our plans, and why they failed, is that there was always something more pressing that needed to be done, or we were too tired, when the predetermined workout time came.

After missing a workout, the plan was to make it up at a more convenient time — which, of course, never came.

During my first year as a publisher, I attended a meeting with other publishers from sister newspapers. I have

Photos by Dionne Zebert

known one of the publishers — a gentleman in his late 50s — for many years.

After discussing business, our conversation shifted to wellness. He told me about his intense daily workout regimen.

I listened to him explain his routine, then chuckled, “I drive past the YMCA every day. I just can’t find the motivation to go in.”

His face turned serious as he leaned in.

“Jacob, this job is going to kill you.”

He paused.

“There’s your motivation.”

Gulp! Sold.

I’m only 35, so I don’t think about such things often. But health has long

been a concern of mine. I have known too many people in my line of work who died too young. I didn’t want that to happen to me, but I didn’t really have a plan to prevent it, either.

My mentor’s much-needed shove gave me the motivation I needed to finally visit the YMCA. I quickly realized I was going to fail if I tried to do this on my own. The last time I exercised consistently and achieved positive results was in high school. But that happened with coaches standing over me and telling me what to do. Surrounded by all the workout equipment the YMCA has to offer with no direction, I wouldn’t have had any idea where to start.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

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Fortunately, the YMCA put me in touch with one of their trainers, Dionne Zebert. She met with my wife and me in August 2014, and asked us to explain our goals. Mine, of course, was to live long enough to enjoy retirement. A secondary goal was to bulk up and get rid of the spare tire that had accumulated over the past few years. My wife’s goals were more weight-loss oriented, but she wants to live a long and healthy life, as well.

We started with a personal trainer, not really knowing what to expect. She told us that we would eventually want to “graduate” from her to work out on our own and save money.

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m all about saving money. But, in this case, I am afraid of where that would lead.

Part of what makes our regimen work is that we are accountable to someone else.

We made the appointment, and we feel obligated to keep it.

There are times we go to our workouts when we don’t feel like it. There are times that we work out with problems weighing on our minds, and would much rather be sitting at home. But these twice-weekly appointments have kept the distractions of everyday life from knocking us off our path to a healthier lifestyle.

Since we started working out, we have both seen changes in our overall health, mood and appearance. I’m often surprised when I see pictures of us from only a year ago. Our trainer took pictures of us the day of our first workout. A few weeks ago, we wore the same clothes and she took our pictures again. The difference is notable.

When we first started, the 20-pound dumbbells were often daunting — as embarrassing as that is to admit. Now, I’m almost ready to press the 80-pounders.

That said, we’ve yet to reach our destination. Temptation too often leads me in the direction of greasy bacon cheeseburgers and fries. I tend to shun exercise in any form on off days, and can drink sweet tea by the gallon.

But we’re definitely a lot closer now than we were only 17 months ago.

Of course, no two people are exactly alike. What works for us may not necessarily work for you. For one, working with a personal trainer isn’t cheap. If you can afford to do so, great. If not, don’t let that stop you from reaching for your fitness goals.

Read health and fitness articles online or in this magazine. Go to the gym and approach someone who looks like they know what they’re doing and ask what they recommend. Exercise more self-

discipline than I’ve shown in my previous workout attempts.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”

I wish I had heeded FDR’s wisdom in my younger years. Nonetheless, it’s never too late to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Jacob Brower is the publisher of Connection Magazine, The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat. He is a graduate of McDonald County High School, Crowder College, and Missouri Southern State University.

He lives in Barry County with his wife, Kara.

He can be reached at connection@monett-times.com.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

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Hell on wheels

Train wrecks brought death and destruction in Monett’s railroad heyday

Iron, fire and the will of man spurred society on to progress from the late 1800s to 1930s.

Story by Murray Bishoff

P

rior to World War II, Monett had two major employers that provided hundreds of jobs. The biggest was the Frisco Railroad (St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad), with around 400 employees, followed by contractor and construction wizard, M.E. Gillioz.

The shopkeepers, the ice plant workers and the farmers all faced dangers. Workplace safety laws did not exist in all states until the late 1930s. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) did not come into existence until 1970.

Many laborers for the Frisco or other railroads that served Barry and Lawrence counties in the first half of the 20th century kissed their wives goodbye, picked up their lunch pails and walked to the railroad yards knowing full well that anything could happen to them. They could lose a limb, or life, very quickly, and usually not because of anything they did wrong.

Nor was the danger limited to Monett.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

On March 14, 1908, an iron nut left on the tracks eight miles west of Bristow, Okla., caused the Frisco train to run off the tracks. The mail and express car “broke into splinters,” according to the Dallas Morning News. W.H. Posten, a mail clerk from Monett, was pinned to the floor of the car and died before passengers found him. A train fireman was also killed.

On April 5, 1918, Frisco passenger train No. 715 heading to Monett from Paris, Texas, ran off a 125-foot bridge near Hugo, Okla., that had been weakened by rains. The engine, baggage car, day coach and chair car plunged into a stream, killing C.A. Welch, an express messenger from Monett. A total of 32 passengers were hurt.

Two Frisco passenger trains collided head-on near White Oak, west of Vinita, Okla., on May 31, 1920. James J. Randall of Monett, engineer of the westbound train and grandfather of present-day Monett attorney James Randall Sr., was killed.

According to an eyewitness account by William Randolph, political reporter for The Tulsa (Okla.) Tribune, “For five hours passengers and Frisco laborers searched for Randall, of the southbound train. Finally he was unearthed at the very bottom of the debris, underneath tons of coal.

He, too, had stuck to his cab and gave his life to save those in his charge [applying brakes to save the passengers] when the moment of decision came.

Death had been instantaneous for both engineers.”

“Jack Danker, of Oklahoma City, express messenger on the southbound train, and Dave Barolin, of Monett, Mo., his helper, were rescued only after a long search from their wrecked car where they were pinned beneath boxes and luggage. Danker had suffered severe internal injuries and may die.”

34 | JANUARY 2016

When the forces collided harried scenes of shamble and unfortunate death ensued.

Randolph described the rescue effort as “going down into the very depth of the wreck when the toppling engines and cars every moment threatened to fall, and the smoldering flames and heat of the boilers made the task all but unbearable.”

The Monett Times reported, “Probably the largest audience ever assembled for a funeral here was at St. Lawrence Catholic Church” the following Wednesday for Randall’s funeral.

Mistakes were often fatal.

On July 22, 1922, a Monett engineer, C.H. Ring, on The Meteor pas-

senger train, was supposed to turn onto a side track at Logan, five miles west of Rogersville, to allow the No. 2 engine to pass on the main line. According to The Joplin Globe, Ring failed to slow the train enough to engage the switch when The Meteor was supposed to exit to a side track. When the train passed the switch, The Meteor ended up face-to-face with the oncoming No. 2 passenger train.

“Engineer Ring remained until the last, applying the emergency brakes before the crash. He was crushed to death,” The Joplin Globe reported.

A.W. Gelker of Monett, the fireman on The Meteor, jumped to safety and received a broken leg. On the No. 2 train, both engineer J.W. Donahue and fireman C.S. Nealy, both of Springfield, leaped to safety.

The collision occurred at 3:50 a.m.

“As the trains came together, the fronts of the locomotives were crushed and the head end coach of the No. 2 telescoped the front of the second coach, crushing about four feet of it,” The Joplin Globe reported.

In the second coach was the Andrew Hammer family from Stoutland, five of whom were killed. The baby in Mrs. Hammer’s arms laid peacefully for four hours until rescuers could reach her under the heavy steel car, though the mother’s head was crushed.

Another brother also survived. Frisco officials credited engineer Donahue for preventing a more catastrophic loss of life by climbing his locomotive to turn off the fuel on his oil-driven engine before leaping, thus preventing a fire. In all, six died and at least 20 were injured.

Memorable incidents, with similar consequences, even occurred in the Monett rail yard. On Jan. 23, 1930, En-

gine No. 1057 derailed coming around the curve in the yard, at the same time Train No. 712 pulled into the terminal.

“The engine went off the track south of the highway, and fell into a deep ditch to the west of the track,” The Monett Times reported. “The baggage car plunged on about 75 feet before derailing, and the rear end of it swung out to the west, so that had an automobile been waiting to cross the track it would have been struck. Part of the trucks of the baggage car fell south of the highway and the car itself lay just to the north of the road.

“The train consisted of a baggage

car, a combination mail and Jim Crow car, one day coach and two Pullmans.

The rest of the train kept the tracks.”

William Phipps, the fireman on the train, was killed, possibly by a tank falling on his back. A subsequent investigation determined the train had too much speed rounding the curve near the station. The steam had been turned off and the train was coasting, in hopes of easily stopping.

On the train was Monte Carmack of Monett, the express messenger. Carmack’s daughter, Wava, became Mrs. Gene Mulvaney. Carmack survived by grabbing the rod at the train door and hanging on. He was found “standing up and calmly removing the pipe from his mouth.”

According to The Monett Times, “This wreck was a small one compared to some [Carmack] had experienced.

In 1912, when he was still a helper, No. 5 was wrecked at Springdale, Ark., as he was going out. Jim Moore was the engineer. The engine, baggage and mail car, smoker and chair car all went into the ditch. Carmack jumped for the rod that time and came out without any injuries. The next night, coming back on No. 6, a double header, both engines jumped the track, every car was derailed except the sleeper, and the fireman was killed.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

Monett Depot with a locomotive “This is the reason Monte Carmack automatically jumps for the rod whenever anything unusual happens when he is on duty.”

Train wrecks offered a kind of spectacle for the locals. Ruby Fay Highbarger, who later married Virgil Shirley, was an 11-year-old student in Mildred Butler’s fifth-grade class at the Marshall Hill School in Monett.

Students were asked to write about a major incident as a class assignment.

Ruby wrote about the train wreck.

Then, she recalled, the entire class got dressed in coats and boots and walked from the school at Maple and County Road down to the train yard in the snow to look over the wreckage and clean-up effort.

In the early 1990s, several box cars got loose in the Monett train yard and rolled nearly to Granby before a train crew stopped them. In October 1991, the Burlington Northern corrected an engineering oversight that had made the Monett yard deadly from its inception.

Four miles east of Globe, a location west of Verona, the railroad tracks began a downhill incline, extending

36 | JANUARY 2016

Monett train yard, 1913 past Granby. Crews had to block and secure trains in the Monett yards for fear of cars breaking loose.

That incline led to disaster and death on Nov. 9, 1937. Around 3 a.m. six freight cars broke free and rolled into Pierce City. Ralph Waltrip, who started working for the railroad in 1918 as a teenager, was one of the dozen men on duty in the train yard

that night.

“The yard was dark,” Waltrip recalled. “There weren’t any lights, and I didn’t have a lantern. You had to move around on your instincts. I must have crossed within a couple of minutes of the cars getting away, and if I’d listened hard I probably would have heard the clickety-clack of the cars headed down the sectioned rails.”

Monett Depot, 1930s

Had the cars broken free in the daytime, a switchman could redirect them onto the line to Purdy, which would stop them. At night, however, no one saw the cars, and nothing was done in time to stop them.

“They could just as easily have run over me,” Waltrip said.

A switch crew had kicked six cars down through the No. 1 track. Linzy Lloyd, the switchman and a Monett resident, who usually didn’t work that shift, followed the rolling cars and got on board to set the brake.

“Lloyd evidently lost his grip on the brake and fell to the ground, the train running over the top of his head, killing him instantly,” The Monett Times reported.

The switch engine crew subsequently discovered the cars continuing to roll.

They set off in pursuit on a switch engine, driven by engineer Charlie Rauch, but as the loose cars continued down the grade, they gained speed.

Monett train yard crew

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

Locomotive 1285, Monett yards, Oct. 10, 1935

Down the tracks, at an unknown distance, was The Flash, “the Frisco’s crack freight train, No. 437,” sitting 35 cars long over a distance of half a mile, in the Pierce City yard. At that time there were no radios in the train yard. The telephone ran from the depot to the caller’s office and the yard master’s office, not to the train itself.

A warning did reach Pierce City from the Tulsa dispatcher. Ray Stapp, the Frisco station master, leaped into action.

“I put on the signal lights to stop the passenger train and ran a quarter of a mile east to where the freight train was waiting,” Stapp reported to The Monett Times. “If the freight train could get up enough speed, I knew the impact of the loose cars would not be so great when they hit.”

The train started to move, but there was no way to alert the crew what was happening. Rolling at approximately 25 miles per hour, the cars slammed into The Flash’s caboose. The impact killed W.D. Baker, a brakeman from Sapulpa, Okla., who was standing on the end of the car. Conductor Fred Turner was badly hurt. The Flash had been diverted to the Joplin line, an uphill climb, and had only managed to move about three car lengths before the collision.

The Pierce City Leader-Journal reported, “All are agreed that (Stapp’s) quick thinking and quick action saved the lives of the scores of passengers aboard the Blue Bonnet, who were racing through the darkness unaware of the death and disaster which was reaching out to engulf

38 | JANUARY 2016

them. Mr. Stapp is habitually unassuming. He makes no pretensions to heroism. In fact, instead of thinking he was saving lives, he said to himself as he raced the quarter-mile up the track, ‘These runaway cars can never get through.’”

In the lore of train wrecks, reports grew about the incident. The Pierce City Leader-Journal reported that Victor Niemeyer, with the Niemeyer Funeral Home, had a premonition the night before the wreck and had prepared all his ambulance equipment and went to sleep on his ambulance cot, placed next to the telephone. W.C. Hyde, the Pierce City station agent, had dreams of a disaster that night. He awoke shortly after 4 a.m., hearing the short wailing whistles of a locomotive in trouble.

Crews in the Monett yard did not find Lloyd until after giving chase to the rolling freight cars. Waltrip re-

called there were no disaster scenarios in place for the railroad employees to reference for what to do next.

It was obvious what to do at the Pierce City end. The Monett Times reported that in the collision, “the caboose turned over and burst into flames. The switch crew (from Monett, chasing the loose cars) worked heroically to extricate the freight crew from the wreckage. The caboose and one car of The Flash, and three cars of the six, which left the Monett yards, were derailed. The three cars were loaded with oil, only one of them, however, was leaking.

The cars were spread on each side of the track, making a most spectacular scene. Crowds gathered from miles around to view the wreckage, but were not permitted to get within 50 feet of it.”

Traffic on the Frisco that night stopped for four hours. 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

Alisha Ginn recently captured this photo at the Shell Knob bridge.

Valerie Miller recently captured this photo in Monett at sundown.

Do you have a photo you would like to see published in Connection Magazine?

Email it to connection@monett-times.com for consideration.

40 | JANUARY 2016

These photos of winter feeding birds were captured by Pamela Dorton of Verona.

These sunrise and sunset photos were recently captured by Tari Prier Underwood of Eagle Rock, with Shell Knob shining in the distance.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

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The Boergers rolled up the precious Monett promotional posters the same way they brought them into town for transfer to the Monett Museum.

Pieces of the Artifacts from Ohio shed light of Monett’s earliest days

A

little rural farming community in central Ohio seems like the most unlikely place for treasures that directly connect to the history of Monett.

Martin and Caroline Eirich, who lived there, after all, never traveled to southwest Missouri. As far as anyone knows, when Nina Boerger — the great granddaughter of the Eirich’s only daughter, Mary — came to Monett in October, she was the first. Nina (NY-nah) thought that possibly her great-great grandmother’s brother-in-law George Emanuel Fox, might have been here before her.

Nina and her husband, David Boerger, came looking for clues, and carrying treasure. To people in Ohio, the treasure meant nothing. To people in Monett, it was gold.

Martin and Caroline Eirich were successful farmers in rural Maryville, Ohio.

They had some extra money. One day,

Story by Murray Bishoff

puzzle

probably in 1887, they heard from Caroline’s brother-in-law, George Emanuel Fox, a builder who had connections into the railroad industry through his brother, Fred C. Fox, a telegraph operator for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.

Fred Fox heard of a new town that was about to come into existence in southwest Missouri, one that would be the division point for four railroads. Fred told George it looked like a great place to invest. George told his sister he planned to invest, urging them to do the same.

And so they did.

A letter Martin and Caroline Eirich received from pivotal early Monett realtor, real estate agent, insurance man and property manager, Robert Johnson.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 43

The Eirich family photo shows John Valentine, Mary, Emanuel, mother Caroline and father John Martin.

In March 1888, the Eirichs paid $1,250 to buy Lot 6 in Block 5 of the Original Subdivision for the City of Monett. At that point, Monett had only been a town for a few months. It would be another month before the first city council was elected.

Monett came into existence in September 1887, when the Frisco Railroad moved its roundhouse, the big horseshoe-shaped maintenance building for trains, from Pierce City six miles to the east. The railroad had eyed points south and west and wanted a better way to head south into Arkansas, and ultimately west to Texas, the big prize. A rail line had been built south from what would be Monett in 1882, but there wasn’t much of a town at the time. The spot was known as Fredrick Von Gonten’s post office, or, a bit later, as Plymouth Junction, but most of that town burned down in 1886. The fact was, no matter how much the Pierce City people didn’t like it, the long-anticipated line going south from Pierce

44 | JANUARY 2016

The Eirich farmstead in rural Marysville, Ohio, where treasures of Monett lay stored for 128 years, in the back of the barn.

City would have to run through Bricefield, today known as Pulaskifield, and running a train through there offered no easy going compared to a straight shot south from Monett.

Frisco executives decided they would move their division point from Pierce City to Monett. They built a new roundhouse just west of

today’s Centennial Overpass bridge at the foot of Marshall Hill. When it opened in September 1887, they told all their employees who lived in the area, mostly in Pierce City, that they had to move to the new town.

Monett began as a tent city of railroad workers who strived mightily to put up homes before winter settled upon them.

The Monett Town Company came into existence in April 1887.

Its officers knew what was coming.

They set out to sell the land, enlist realtors and make their own fortune.

Two of the land dealers recruited, C.A. Saunders and E.A. Crewson — neither of whom were known locally — printed small colored cardboard ticket-like promotions to hand out.

They called Monett “The phenomenal City of the South-West— A New Town — Center of the Frisco Railway system — End of four divisions — Great opportunity for profitable investments — Will make a City soon — Buy a lot while it is cheap — Take our address.”

This is the message that reached the Eirichs. Mannie Fox likely led the way, purchasing Lot 2 in Block 5. Their two purchases, based on the plat from the Monett Town Company, put them on the south side of Broadway, between Third and Fourth streets, a block away from the train station; prime ground for future development. Today, those lots are part of the Bruner’s Pharmacy and Brownsberger’s stores.

As far as Nina Boerger can tell, the Eirichs never came to Monett.

They purchased the lots through Robert Johnson, the real estate agent whose name appears prominently on many advertisements and documents of the period. Johnson also served as an abstractor, insurance agent, a notary public and a property manager. He managed the Eirichs’ land, signed up two other realtors as tenants and kept the couple abreast on the condition of the property in a series of letters over the decades.

In April 2015, Norm Eirich, Martin’s grandson, who spent his whole life on the family farm, died. He gave the farm to a man who worked for him for 40 years. The time came to sell the contents that dated back

to when Martin Eirich’s parents, George and Barbara Eirich, emigrated from Germany in 1838. They lived in a log cabin until they built the present farmhouse in the 1880s.

A friend of the Boergers served as auctioneer, and he let the family recover much of the memorabilia that would have little market value.

“Everything was still there,” Nina said. “It was just pushed to the back, even the hat Barbara Eirich wore over from Germany, that looked something like an army helmet.”

In that sea of ephemera, remnants of past lifetimes, was the record of the Monett property. But more than just a deed, there were letters, tax papers, receipts and those funny-colored cardboard ticket promotionals from Saunders and Crewson.

Letters from Robert Johnson were inside envelopes covered with photos of early Monett and enthusiastic promotional writing for the town covering the backside. Two tax assessments from the City of Monett billed property owners for the installation of curbs and bricking of Broadway, which took place, according to the dated document, in 1911 — a date that surfaced in no other previous research. A water main was also tapped in 1911, showing the upgrade to a reliable system, a major concern in Monett’s early years.

Assorted correspondence described the Eirichs’ property in 1894 as a one-and-a-half story wood frame building in the middle of the block with an addition. Over the years, real estate agents generally rented the rooms as offices. Their building had a variety of structural issues over the years. Pharmacist A.H. Cox, in offering to buy their lot in 1913, described how the building had “slid to the east.”

Most extraordinary of all were two posters from the Monett Town

One of the first promotional fliers for Monett, identifying the first lots as being sold in September 1887. Residential lots started at $100, business lots at $300, and farm land from $12.50 to $25 an acre.

The notarized tax bill from 1911 from the City of Monett that went to property owners to pay for putting bricks on Broadway. This document finally determined at what date Monett’s streets upgraded from dirt and cinders to real paving.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

Company, probably dating back to mid1887, surviving folded up in a big envelope. The promotional advertisements measure approximately 31 inches wide, the larger one extending 42 inches, the smaller one resembling a square, having likely had the bottom piece torn off.

In big red letters toward the top, the poster blares the words, “Monett, Mo.” under black letters of the “St. Louis & San Francisco Rwy.” At the bottom in big letters are the words, “Monett Town Company.”

No posters like these have these have been seen in Monett in memory, making the Eirich copies possibly the only ones still in existence.

The posters show the platted streets from First to Eighth streets, extending north six blocks. One map has handwritten prices on the lots. Except for the layout of the streets, the pieces of the town were not quite firmed up. The roundhouse is shown south of Eighth Street, but in fact ended up farther to the east.

The Boergers donated all these items to the Monett Historical Society for future exhibit.

The couple came to the area to trace other family history on the way back from a conference David attended in Kansas City. While visiting the land records in Cassville, they found that Caroline Eirich sold their land in 1918 after Martin had died for $2,400. According to the federal Consumer Price Index, the Eirichs’ original investment would have been worth $31,250 in today’s dollars. Their sale price would have been worth $37,819.07, nearly the doubling of funds that face value suggested.

Nina was never able to discover if Mannie Fox, a bricklayer and contractor, had erected the building that became the fabled Corner Drug Store at Fourth and East Broadway. Since then, she has found he probably did not. Fox was killed in a construction accident on Aug. 5, 1896 in Covington, Ohio, when the 50-foot scaffold on which he was working to build a new brick school-

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A copy of an 1888 receipt from the Bank of Monett to the Eirichs for part of their investment in Monett. (far left) The promotional tickets from Saunders and Crewson promoting land sales in Monett when developers claimed “Will make a City soon.”

house collapsed. She was not able to find how the property in Monett left family hands.

Fred Fox, the link that tied the Foxes and Eirichs to Monett, lived a long and productive life. Promoted from dispatcher to division chief, he retired from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad after 47 years, the last 17 as general manager of the eastern region, living to age 82 until 1945. He left no children from two marriages, so his 13 nieces and nephews inherited his estate. Nina still receives proceeds from an oil field Fred owned. Fred’s “plantation” home in east Texas had a sitting room carpeted in wool from old Pullman cars, still beautiful to this day, Nina said.

The Boergers also visited past family sites in West Plains and Carrolton in northwest Missouri. Another family member bought property in Reynolds County, Mo., in what is today part of the Arcadia National Forest, so not every distant land purchase proved profitable.

Family research leads to odd discoveries. Nina discovered, in reviewing her own genealogy, and she and her husband were distant cousins.

“George Emanuel Fox’s mother, Elizabeth Fox, was my third great grandmother, and William Boerger is David’s third great grandfather. We are fourth cousins in several different lines as both our fathers were of 100 percent German heritage, making homes here in the Settlement near Marysville.

Neither of us were aware of the Fox/ Boerger connection until many years into our marriage when I began studying our genealogy.”

The enthusiastic reception the Beorgers received for their gift made the long trip worthwhile.

“Our trip was wonderful,” Nina said.

“Just today, I looked at the photos I took and am so thankful for the information [provided] to lead us to the right places and the contacts and arrangements made for us. It was a fun, fun time.” 

Photo by Murray Bishoff

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

Adult coloring trend offers participants relaxation, focus

I have not done this since the first grade. − Melva Vroman

48 | JANUARY 2016

C

oloring isn’t just for kids anymore. The new adult coloring trend is sweeping the nation, offering those who partake in the activity time for relaxation and focus on something other than work or other daily pressures.

A pioneer in the adult coloring book industry is Johanna Basford, a Scottish artist who was asked to draw a children’s coloring book in 2011 and suggested instead a coloring book for adults, “The Secret Garden.” Since 2013, the book has gone worldwide, encouraging adults to lay down their troubles and escape into art. Patterns are often intricate designs and not typically suited for youngsters who find it difficult to stay within the lines in their larger format coloring books.

“Coloring books for adults have been around for a long time,” said Betty Alyea with the Barry Lawrence Regional Library in Monett. Staff at the library recently started putting 50 copies out for people to color.

“They’re usually gone by the next day,” Alyea said. “They either come in and color them here or take them home and color them there.”

With the sheets flying out the door on a daily basis, Alyea suggested hosting an adult coloring class at the library, allowing people to come in and meet, talk and color together in a relaxing atmosphere.

“It’s something we haven’t done before,” Alyea said.

Books for adult coloring enthusiasts offer tips on such topics as blending color, coloring media, and shading. In addition, the library is willing to copy the intricate patterns on regular paper for those who want to color the same design or pick one from one of the facility’s coloring book selections. Several local retailers are also carrying adult coloring books as well.

“It’s relaxing and fun,” Alyea said.

“People just come in and do their own thing. Each completed pattern is unique to the person who drew it. No two are alike.”

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

There are studies on the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing stress, and coloring seems to offer some similar benefits, according to some studies.

When talking on the phone or otherwise occupied, many people will pick up a pen and doodle which is a way for them to unconsciously organize their thoughts and focus.

Yvonne Kerr, who recently purchased the “Little Book of Coloring for Calm,” prefers to use gel pens for some of her works.

“There is glitter in the ink, and I like that,” she said. “I don’t plan. I pick out the colors I want to use first and start in the middle and work to the outside. I want something that pleases me. If [the pattern is] too complicated, I can’t control it as much.”

“I haven’t done this since the first grade,” added Melva Vroman. “That’s been a while.”

Verda Brown, who was attending her first coloring social, had not colored since her early school days either.

Each completed pattern is unique to the person who drew it. No two are alike. − Betty Alyea “I just thought it would be fun,” she said.

Doodles aren’t limited to the pages of a book, either. Artists are turning their doodling talents to greeting cards, footwear, clothing, scrapbooking pages, empty wine bottles, home decor and, in at least one case, a car, as seen at www.boredpanda.com/car-art-sharpiepen-drawing/.

Artists use anything from colored pencils, pens, paints, sharpies and watercolor markers to blend colors and

create definition in their work. Much of their media selection is based on the size of the pattern design as well as personal preference.

“There are so many different patterns,” said Betsy Fenner, who was thumbing through a winter-themed coloring book, “and they’re all so pretty.”

“There is no right or wrong way to do this,” Alyea said. “It’s completely up to the person and the colors they like to use.” 

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

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This a great safety guard for little fingers that like to find their way into the drain. Bath time for a lot of kids is when they let their imaginations run wild, and you never know when a superhero is going to jump off the ledge and into the drain. Be sure they have a safe landing spot and a secure suction, so your little ones don’t get their fingers caught in the drain.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting journalist who is in the thick of it with her three young children.

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art, skill, science:

Taxidermy Odenbrett: ‘A good taxidermist can make that animal look life-like’

S

cott Odenbrett of Exeter didn’t set out to become a taxidermist, it just happened.

Since becoming one, he has used the art, skill and science of taxidermy to nearly bring animals back to life.

Originally from Iowa, Odenbrett moved to the Barry County area in 1986. He worked a regular job, but always enjoyed hunting and trapping. But a taxidermy career came calling one year when he brought home some furs to sell.

“When the kids were little, I had some furs to sell for money to buy Christmas presents, but they got ahold of them, and when I took them, they screamed bloody murder. My wife said since they liked them so much, I should keep them and have them tanned.”

But the only taxidermist in the area was too expensive, so Odenbrett saw in a trapping magazine that he could get a product for tanning hides and decided to do it himself.

“People came over and saw those tanned skins, went nuts over them, and wanted to buy them,” Odenbrett said.

From there, friends urged him to get trained as a taxidermist.

54 | JANUARY 2016

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

Scott Odenbrett of Scott’s Taxidermy talks with a customer in his shop. Odenbrett, who makes his home and business in Exeter, has been working as a professional taxidermist since 1996.

For more information on taxidermy or mounting an animal, Odenbrett can be reached at 417-835-2053.

“So, I eventually went to school up north in Iowa, spent a summer there, and came home and opened up that fall of 1999.” Odenbrett said.

Odenbrett said the end goal making an animal appear life-like, and creating a quality mount that lasts.

“A good taxidermist can make that animal look life-like,” he said. “You want the animal to look how it looks in nature.

Like a bobcat, they’ll want a bobcat with its mouth open, but out of all the bobcats I’ve seen in the woods, I’ve never seen one with its mouth open, unless they’re hot and panting, or fighting. So unless it’s an aggressive mount where they’re fighting or something, I try to mount things the way you see them in nature.

“It’s also a skill and a science. To be good, you have to know the anatomy of the animals. For instance, the ear canals and nose openings.

“Good work will last forever. That’s most important — the quality and lifespan of the mount. I try to achieve both. I’ve done mounts 16 years ago for people that still look brand new.”

Odenbrett said each taxidermist specializes in certain things, and tends to have an eye for, and be best at, the animals he sees the most and has first-hand knowledge of.

“With me, it’s deer and turkey, because I like to hunt and trap. Obviously, those are my favorite things to mount. I’m better at doing them. There’s not really a taxidermist that’s good in everything. Some guys are really good at fish, water fowls, reptiles, or game heads. There are good taxidermists that can do it all, but not any that are excellent at everything. It’s what you’re used to doing.

“With me, I do the trapping and hunting, so game heads and mammals are my thing. Or like guys who do a lot of bird hunting are good at doing birds, because they know more of how they look and act in nature.”

Running a taxidermy business is a fulltime job, and one that requires being available for customers, Odenbrett said, especially during hunting season. Odenbrett’s

personal hunting plans revolve around his work schedule.

“I love to deer hunt, but I don’t get to spend a lot of time in the woods because I’m working,” he said.

But in 2010, Odenbrett hit the motherload, downing an unheard of 28-point buck in Barry County’s woods with a bow and arrow after only 15 minutes in a stand, which landed him a feature in Field and Stream magazine. To make the story even more incredulous, it was the same buck he had encountered the previous season, in which he missed the shot, but shot off a piece of the deer’s massive antlers.

The estimated 4-1/2-year-old buck was officially scored by Pope and Young, and gross-scored 255-6/8 inches and netted 247-1/8 non-typical inches. The monster buck was estimated to rank 16th on the Pope and Young list of the biggest nontypicals ever killed, and was the biggest non-typical bowkill in Missouri in 2010.

Taxidermy work is not terribly gory, Odenbrett said, but does requires a lot of time, attention to detail and knowledge of an animal’s anatomy.

“There’s a lot of detail work,” he said.

“There’s a lot of prepping and finishing work. It’s not an overnight thing by any means. Good, quality work takes a lot of detail. You want to take your time so you can give it the detail it deserves.”

After a customer brings him an animal to mount, he takes measurements, then skins out the head and splits the eyes, ears and nose.

“Then it has to be flushed, salted, pickled and tanned, and all your repair work has to be done,” he said. “Then you have to order the form or mannequin, prep and mount it, set everything, then pin it. Pinning it will keep everything intact while it dries. Most things have a two-week dry time. After it’s dry, you have to pull the pins, do epoxy work, do finishing touches and then most everything has to be painted, then groomed.

Then it’s ready for the customer to pick up.

So it’s really time-consuming.

“Once a customer brings you their animal, it’s in your hands, it’s your responsibility, and your reputation for them to get

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 55

something quality back, so you can’t just let it lay around and go deer hunting. It’s not a nine-to-five job. If a customer wants to bring something in fresh, you have to be available.

So if you’re not home, chances are they’ll find someone else.

“Having a business on the property, customers will come on weekends to pick up, so it’s basically seven days a week. You don’t get paid vacation, sick days, etc.”

Another pursuit that makes Odenbrett stand out from the average Joe and keeps him at home are the buffalo he raises. After learning his wife had high cholesterol, they sought out a healthier way of eating as a family and discovered buffalo meat.

“It’s a lean meat,” he said. “There’s no cholesterol in it, so people who have heart conditions can eat buffalo.”

Along with the taxidermist providing good work, what the customer does before bringing the animal in is paramount to having a quality mount.

“A lot with taxidermy depends on the customer,” Odenbrett said. “You’ve got to have them do things right in the field. If they cut the throat, that’s not good, or if they kill a turkey and rough it up, break the tail or wing feathers, that’s not good. So the better care the person takes before it comes here, the better job we can do, because we don’t have to try to fix those things.”

What also makes a difference, he said, is bringing the animal in as soon as possible after the kill, or freezing them until they can be delivered, before decomposition sets in.

“Some bring them in frozen,” he said.

“Mammals, especially meat eaters, spoil faster than anything else, so they have to be taken care of in a faster period of time. Some do not have the freezer space. I have four chest freezers. Once [decomposition] starts, you can’t stop it, the damage is done. Bring it in right away, or freeze it.”

Odenbrett mounts a lot of deer, turkey, and game heads, but also mounts other animals, including fish, ducks, and a variety of mammals.

“I’ve mounted a lot of animals for the Conservation Department and for museums,” he said.

Some taxidermists only mount pets, which is big business.

56 | JANUARY 2016

Scott Odenbrett of Scott’s Taxidermy, which is based in Exeter, shows a collection of animals he’s mounted over the years, including deer, antelope, bobcat, otter and a boar. Odenbrett said knowing an animal’s anatomy, making it appear life-like, paying attention to detail, and doing quality work are some of the most important facets of being a good taxidermist.

It really warms your heart when someone brings in their kid’s first deer... it’s always a lot of fun. − Scott Odenbrett “Taxidermy is big in that industry,” he said. “I have a buddy, he doesn’t even touch wild animals. It’s all pets, like cats and dogs.

That’s big money.”

Overall, Odenbrett said what he probably enjoys most about taxidermy is seeing the different animals.

“Every deer’s got a different rack, for instance, but probably most enjoyable is hearing the stories,” said. “It’s pretty cool. It really warms your heart when someone brings in their kid’s first deer, and you get to hear the story and the kid and dad are all excited, that’s really neat. Or a guy who kills a big buck, or how it was chasing does. It’s always a lot of fun.”

When customers pick up their prize is another aspect of the job he enjoys.

“It’s always a great sense of accomplishment when they come pick it up, and they get that smile on their face and say, ‘Wow, it looks good.’ That makes you feel good, too.”

Turnaround time depends on what is brought in, workload, and the season, but averages about six months.

Odenbrett said there are more taxidermists now than when he started, so for anyone looking to mount an animal, he advises looking at a taxidermist’s work before making a decision.

“I do quality work at affordable prices,” he said. “There are guys doing things really cheap, but you get what you pay for. But in the same aspect, not all guys that charge a fortune are doing a great job. So the best advice is, if someone’s never had anything mounted, it does not hurt to shop around.

And I don’t mean price-shopping. Go look at the work, because the work will speak for itself.

“I encourage anyone to come down and look at the work, and once they see the work, then there’s no doubt about it. That speaks volumes, and word of mouth.” 

January 2015

Calendar Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob

Jan. 2

Jan. 20

n The Cassville Senior Center Dance will begin at 7 p.m.

n The Roaring River Cookie Bake will be held at the Cassville Senior Center, beginning at 10 a.m.

 Domino Poker, 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Jan. 21

 Paint Classes, 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.

Jan. 4 n The Monett Senior Center Dance will be held at the senior center, beginning at 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 n The Methodist Manor Blood Pressure check will be held at the Cassville Senior Center at 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 7 n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held at the Seligman Event Center, beginning at 7 p.m.

Classic Country band will perform.

Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking. 417-662-3612. n The Cassville Senior Center Paint Class begins at 9 a.m.

Jan. 9 n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held beginning at 7 p.m. at the Seligman Event Center. Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking.

Admission is $4.

Jan. 13 n The Cassville Chamber of Commerce will have its third session of “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”

Jan. 14 n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held at the Seligman Event Center, beginning at 7 p.m.

Classic Country band will perform.

Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking. 417-662-3612.

Jan. 16 n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held beginning at 7 p.m. at the Seligman Event Center. Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking.

Admission is $4.

Jan. 19 n Cassville Senior Center Bingo begins at 10 a.m.

n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held at the Seligman Event Center, beginning at 7 p.m.

Classic Country will perform. Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking.

417-662-3612. n The Cassville Senior Center Paint Class begins at 9 a.m.

Jan. 23 n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held beginning at 7 p.m. at the Seligman Event Center. Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking.

Admission is $4.

Jan. 28 n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held at the Seligman Event Center beginning at 7 p.m.

Classic Country will perform. Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking.

417-662-3612.

Jan. 29 n The Monett Chamber of Commerce sponsored 5th Friday Coffee will be held at the Arc of the Ozarks, beginning at 8 a.m. n The Cassville Senior Center will hold a birthday lunch at noon.

Jan. 30 n The annual Cassville Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held at the First Christian Church, Cassville, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Cassville Chamber office. n The Aurora Chamber of Commerce annual banquet will be held at the Aurora High School beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $20. The public is welcome to attend. The speaker will be Tom Krause. n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce Dance will be held beginning at 7 p.m. at the Seligman Event Center. Snacks are welcome. No alcohol or smoking.

Admission is $4.

Regular events:  Mah Jongg, Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Line Dancing, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.  Quilting for Charity, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Knitting and Crocheting classes Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.  Pinochle, Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.  Cards Galore, Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Wood Carvers, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Community Support Groups:  The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Group of Cassville meets at 8 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville. Meeting Jan. 3-5, 7, 10-12, 14, 17-19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31.  The Turning Point AA Group meets at 7 p.m. at the west corner of Mitchell Plaza on Hwy 86 in Eagle Rock, beginning Jan. 4, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26.  Celebrate Recovery will meet at 7 p.m. at the Golden Baptist Church on Hwy J in Golden. Dinner is at 6:15 p.m. This is for anyone with hurts, habits or hangups. Meetings begin Jan. 4 and continue Jan. 5, 11, 18, 25  Narcotics anonymous meets at 8 p.m., Jan. 5, in the basement of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at the corner of Seventh and Cale streets in Monett. Call 417-442-3706.  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at 7 p.m., Jan. 5, at the First Baptist Church Activity Center, 618 Second Street in Washburn. Call 417-489-7662.  DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group will meet at the First Baptist Church, 602 West Street in Cassville at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 5. Call 417-847-2965 for more information.  Cassville Al-Anon Family Group meets at 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Cassville. Meetings being Jan. 7 and continue Jan. 14, 21, 28.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

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Alternative Gift Fair was held on December 6 at

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the Monett Area YMCA.

1. Zoey, Olivia and Emilie Lynn 2. Elizabeth and Amelia Lucore, Deanna Vincent 3. Linda Lanning, Cindy Frazier 4. Shirley Bass, Jane James 5. Pat Johnson, Sharon Burke 6. Virginia Gaston, Linda Swadley 7. Bill VanEaton, Margaret Prim 8. Kami Willis, Gordon Brown 9. April and Rebecca Clark 10. Bethanie Ellis, Jayne Haralson 11. Bradden Smith, MaLinda King 12. Christine Pate, Leonard Bauer

The Monett Senior Center offered its “Cowboy Christmas” for December on Dec. 7 at the Monett City Park Casino.

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10 1. Jan and Wendell Bishop, Bill Seufert 2. Teresa Worley, Ray Hagan 3. Harold Lettington, Sigrit Smith 4. Edward and Charlie Kolset 5. Faith Yates, James Stephens 6. Bill Hendrix, Jackie Bernhart 7. Don Graves and Neal Stanley 8. Lynette Davey, Tricia Rudman, Diane Walker 9. Virginia and Don Lasswell 10. Louise McCullough, Bud Dorey 11. Arlene Richmond, Glen Smith 12. Don and Evelyn Shilling

TiTle loans Pay Day loans Phone: 417-235-4200 • 775 Chapel Dr., Suite F, Monett, MO 65708 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

Monett High School Student Council hosted senior citizens for the 42nd annual Golden Age Dinner, held Nov. 19 at the MHS Commons.

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PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com 60 | JANUARY 2016

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1. Jake Bower Sr. and Dolores Bower 2. Darlene and Terry Hensley 3. Marilyn Shepherd, Mary and Kirk Lowe 4. Bernice Critchfield, Trauta Helsel, Kathie Browne 5. Polly Joel, Edna Stricklin 6. Irene and Hollis Andes

“A Little Store With Big Savings” Residential & Commercial Owned & Operated by Jim & Jayne Terry

7. Jean Hartman and Velma Stoneking 8. Larry and Sharon Mosley 9. Peggy and Leon Riggs 10. Danny and Diane Brafford 11. Gale Allred, Kenneth Allred 12. Bob and Tippy Pennington

Bus. (417) 235-0016 Fax (417) 235-6364 Res. (417) 442-7974

The Monett Chamber of Commerce held its December monthly membership mingle, the “Jingle Mingle” on Dec. 10 in the Chamber’s community room.

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Reagan Bluel, David Jimenez Steve Burks, Samantha Wormington Allison Archer, Beth Carlill, Renee Swearingen Sara Coatney, Wendy Larkin Andrea Graddy, Karina Hernandez Richard Mettlach, Craig Golubski

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7. Oscar Serrano, Julie Davis 8. Cheri Davidson, Gina Hodge 9. Todd Schubert, Lenny Davis 10. Polly McCrillis, Rich Mach 11. Brian Pearman, Jeff Weaver 12. Jeff Meredith, Thad Hood, Ken Hopkins

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

The annual Old-Fashioned Jolly Mill Christmas and annual open house was held on Dec. 4 and 5 at the Jolly Mill Park, southwest of Monett.

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Elizabeth, Krista and Lane Boykin; Braydon & Darrell Trueblood Caden, Kyra, Vanita, Brentley and Mark Garner Cali, Amiah, Hunter, Lukas, Tori and John Erickson Cara, Kacia and Haven Lowe Shayla Doss and Amy Mattlage Front: Khyle, Kyler and Kaylee Dotson.

Back: Kahleb & Jeanette Dotson

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12 7. Heidi, Jessica, Craig and Heath Horton 8. Audrey and Dena Chapman 9. Sierra, Savanna, Tammy, Mandy and Donald Gunter 10. Erin, Brock, Cade and Stephen Flehmer 11. Ginny Leavitt, Helen and Jessica Andelin 12. Ardrew, Annie, Grant and Molly Hedeman

The Monett Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual on Dec. 10 in downtown Monett.

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1. Joyce Harlow, Kolton Worm 2. Zade and Mary Dunfee 3. Dillon Waltrip, Duncan Waltrip, Telitha Bee 4. Marika & Izabella Vesco, John Hull 5. Ayden, Ashley and Haile Moore 6. Karly, Hailen, Manda, David Gudgell [Nathan Gudgell at rear left] 7. David McMillan and Ryliegh; Melissa McMillan, Hailey Pedersen, Rosalie

10 holding Jamison Pedersen 8. Ray Coley, Sheila Buck, Anthony Boucher, Tatum Young Boucher, David Buck 9. Matthew, Rebekah and Paul Oldnettle 10. Olivia Stolin, Iris Cardenas, Octavia Kristek, Crystal Cardenas, D.J. Stolin 11. Olivia Ennes, Randall Prock, Ella Ennes 12. Front: Riley and Cooper Wilson. Back: Jeremy & Mary Wilson

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

My

Edgar and Glenda Schoen, of Freistatt, visited their daughter, Dana Robb, and her husband, Aaron, in Layfayette, N.J., over the Thanksgiving holidays. Connection Magazine accompanied them on their trip. The Schoens are pictured with their triplet grandchildren, pictured from left: Kelsie, Katie and Caleb Robb.

Raymond and Bobbi Vanzandt, of Exeter, recently took Connection Magazine with them to the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals in Las Vegas.

Ad List A Beautiful Image . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Four States Dental Care. . . . . . . 50

Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Acambaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Ramey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Grande Tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Second Chances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Ava Belle’s Flea Market. . . . . . . . 18 Barry Electric Coop. . . . . . . . . . . 10

Guanajuato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Scott Regional Technology. . . . . 50 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . 7

Bennett Wormington Funeral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Houlihans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Burrus Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Ila Bohms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Carolyn Hunter, DMD . . . . . . . . 42

J&J Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Sisters Home Cooking . . . . . . . . . 8

Cassville Health & Rehab. . . . . . 32

Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . 26

Smiles Designer Dentistry. . . . . 30

Chapman Medical Clinic. . . . . . . . 8

Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . 46

State Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Community National Bank. . . . . 39

Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . 18

Cornerstone Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Macadoodles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Jane Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Country Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Making Memories. . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Tomblin’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Cox Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . 68

Michael Riehn, Attorney. . . . . . . 39

Tried & True Candles & Tans. . . 46

Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . 39

Missouri Loan Center. . . . . . . . . 59

Trogdon Marshall. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Mocha Jo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Walmart Pharmacy. . . . . . . 8 & 53

Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Monett Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Wickman Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . 21 Edward Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Farm Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 First State Bank of Purdy. . . . . . 22 Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . 28 Four Seasons Realty . . . . . . . . . . 24

64 | JANUARY 2016

Old Town Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . 53 Ozark Regional YMCA . . . . . . . . 24 Peppers and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Plymouth Junction. . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Willis Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Youngberg Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Ziggies Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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parting shot

Photo by Pamela Dorton of Verona.

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.

We can help write that story by setting goals.”

— Melody Beattie

66 | JANUARY 2016

Make Your Holiday Meal Reservations With Us!!!

1 FOR $1.00 when you buy one entree of $6.00 or more you receive a second entree for $1.00 must purchase 2 drinks with special.

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68 | JANUARY 2016