Connection July 2016

FREE

Wild, Beautiful, & Free Monett Welcoming

Water relaxation

The steak inn

Newspaper man

Tour the iconic Monett home: Callamura

Pick up the best tips on local parks and marinas

A long-standing restaurant in Missouri tradition

Bob Mitchell, retired editor of the Cassville Democrat

A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

JULY 2016

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

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 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 Sierra Gunter

Happy Independence Day Shane A Boyd

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

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon

Financial Advisor

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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.

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP®

Scott Young Financial Advisor

1418 S. Elliott Aurora, MO 65605 417-678-2102

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

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• Dentures, Partials & Bridges • Crown & Veneers • Routine & Periodontal Cleanings • Implants • Sleep Apnea Appliance • Adult Ortho

Features 9 Callamura tour

Photo by Ester Hightower

100 years of hospitality at this Monett cornerstone home

17 Welcome to the water

Many options for water sport at Table Rock Lake and Roaring River

29 Bring your appetite

The Steak Inn masters the recipe for success

37 A man with a mission

Bob Mitchell, former Cassville Democrat editor and owner, reflects on a long, full career.

49 Marketing Mount Vernon

Scott Regional Tech puts promotion in students’ hands

57 Part of the band

HometownSound and The Redhots thrill throughout the decades

60 Fortunate finds

Shell Knob brothers recover long lost rides

June 2016 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

9 17

Cover photo by Joseph Miller

Contents 21 Community Calendar 23 Healthy Connection 25 Recipes 28 Bottles & Brews

JOIN US ONLINE: Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo 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 | JULY 2016

43 Column by Pam Wormington 47 Proud Parent contest 52 Photo Submissions 64 Cutest Pet contest 69 Familiar Faces 74 Parting Shot

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

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’ p i h s d n e i r F f o e s u s r ‘Ho a e y 0 0 1 s e t a r b e cel

Andersons share legacy of F.P. Sizer as a touchstone to Monett’s early days

O

ne of Monett’s most prominent homes celebrates its 100th birthday this month.

“Callamura,” the home built by Monett attorney Fielding P. Sizer in 1916, has remained a landmark in town throughout its history. Located at 800 N. Central, the pillared home is distinctive in its appearance. Its only rival in old Monett is the large home two blocks south built later and long occupied by Sizer’s longtime law partner, Horace Gardner.

Story and photos by Murray Bishoff

The Sizer home is unique, however, in that much of the home remains intact. Furnishings, books and decorations date back to Fielding and his wife, Nell. Renovations over the past 20 years have updated the home and kept it as a vibrant family gathering place, embracing its original vision.

Rod and Janice Anderson, who purchased the home in 1996 from F.P. Sizer’s grandson, Parker, have happily shared the story of the house to visitors and with the Monett Historical Society.

Fielding P. Sizer

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The distinctive name, “Callamura,” has been identified as meaning “House of Friendship.” The name is known to have been used as the title of an 1868 novel by Southern novelist Julia Pleasants Creswell. Unknown today, Creswell was well enough known then to have had one of her poems in the pocket of President James A. Garfield when he was assassinated in 1881. How Fielding Sizer came upon the name and adopted it remains a mystery.

The moniker nonetheless reflected the sentiments of the Sizers’ hospitality. Those entering the home crossed the tiled foyer with the word “Callamura” on it as they approached the guest book, remaining from the beginning. On the opening page, along with a poem, are the words “The love we give is the love we keep, so may your harvest indeed be great.”

The two-story house has a full basement built by M.E. Gillioz, while L.A. Mason, father of longtime Ford dealer Les Mason, was the main builder on the rest of the house. The first-floor library contains a living room on the south side of the center hallway, the library with Sizer’s collection of vintage books on the north side, and a grand staircase leading upstairs. The first floor kitchen has been totally remodeled, as today’s ideas of conveniences far surpass the original concepts.

The bedrooms upstairs, with original furniture and Oriental rugs purchased by Sizer in 1930, bear testimony to the Sizers’ vision of comfort and style. The staircase landing midway up is framed around a stained glass window, designed from Ginko trees from the yard. A Christmas tree set out by the Andersons bears ornaments used by the Sizers. On the walls hang prints of paintings by Maxfield Parrish and R.A. Fox in the same style, especially popular in the 1920s.

“The love we give is the love we keep, so may your harvest indeed be great.”

- reads the inscription in the original Callamura guest book

The library in the Andersons’ home still contains Fielding Sizer’s bookcase and his collection of vintage volumes.

10 | JULY 2016

The outside porch at the Anderson home originally had a mosaic tile pattern on top. Janice Anderson speculated the tile became too slick when moist and was later covered with the blocks in place today.

Sitting next to the tiles is the Andersons’ granddaughter, Eva Mae Mudge, age 3.

The living room of the Andersons’ home, showing the Sizers’ original couch, still in use. The stained glass window at right came from the Methodist Episcopal Church in Monett, which the Sizers attended, acquired by Rod Anderson. The window was in memory of the Don’t Worry Club.

Every grand home in Fielding Sizer’s day had a piano. The Andersons have one as well, holding sheet music bearing the face of Harry Truman, one of Rod Anderson’s political heroes.

(Below) The dining room at the Andersons’ home. The table and eight of the matching chairs were the Sizers’ furniture.

The last intact very large flower pot with a grape design acquired by Fielding Sizer for his home. Another pot exists but had been broken.

(Below) One of eight matching original flower pots purchased by Fielding P. Sizer for his home still on display by the Andersons. The catalogue for the company selling the pots remained in Sizer’s personal papers.

12 | JULY 2016

Decorative pieces in the home also add to the ambiance, such as Grandma Anderson’s sewing machine, a buffet cabinet from Calloway Furniture and Undertaking in Monett from 1920 and a grandfather clock dating from around 1900. There’s a light colored hutch from Thomas and Son Furniture and Undertaking in Monett from 1914, which has an advertising slogan in it, “From the cradle to the grave.” The Andersons have also installed in the kitchen one of the stained

glass windows that originally hung in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Monett, where the Sizers were active members.

The 975-square-foot third floor had what was initially described as “a full gymnasium” used for dances and social events. It was still unfinished when the Andersons acquired the house. With the help of contractor Jim Copeland, the room has been finished and today serves as a man cave of Rod’s political memorabilia.

Outside in the back yard and side yard are other pieces of Monett memorabilia. The brick floor of the gazebo came from stone and brick from the old Plymouth School. A large “G” in stone came from the Gillioz movie theater.

There are design stones and one dated from the original Barnsley Brothers cutlery building, from 1888, that had been located at the Sixth and Front streets.

The garage, remodeled in 1927, added to the home’s resources.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

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Sizer kept copious records, leaving an amazing history for how he furnished, decorated and remodeled. Just as his ledgers offer a who’s who of decades of businesses active in Monett, J.C. Richardson, father of longtime coach Kenley Richardson, earned money for remodeling the garage and painting. There’s furniture from H.I. Bradford, attic materials from W.H. Floreth, a hall clock from Perry Short, drapery from R.M. Callaway, paint from Davis and Chapell, and so on. There’s a meeting of the Monday Evening Club in September 1916 that included Dr. and Mrs. J.M. Russell and an early reception for 13 leaders of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in from Springfield and Joplin on Nov. 3, 1917, just after the first local chapter organized.

In the same vein, the guest book offers a window into the Sizers’ world.

R.J. Cooke, bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, wrote on Sept. 30, 1918, “A happy week in a beautiful home, full of cordial hospitality and the revival of friendships from olden days — a week never to be forgotten.”

“Callamura is so bright and fair and love awaits all who enter there. For me it has been a most wonderful time. May God keep you and bless you all is the sincere wish of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Rogers,” the wife being the Sizers’ daughter, Ruth.

Rogers was direct family to later Monett photographer Sinclair Rogers.

The home initially cost $18,000, which would translate into about $395,000 in

The Andersons have acquired a number of pieces of furniture that fit in the style of Callamura. The hat rack piece at left, sitting outside the library, contains several canes carved with donkey heads by Eugene Dollarhite of Highlandville, a now deceased Missouri artisan. An avid Democrat, Rod Anderson gave Bill Clinton and Al Gore each one of those canes at a time when each needed a little ambulatory support.

today’s money. Sizer made a considerable fortune representing people injured in railroad accidents. In 11 years of litigation, Sizer, according to The Monett Times in 1919, tested the mettle of the railroad’s best legal counsel and, in many cases, the railroad chose to settle rather than take him on in court. Sizer was also well loved in the community for the charitable support of his church, his activity in Masonic groups.

The Andersons have had no reservations embracing the Sizers’ legacy. Their introduction to the house in 1995 was somewhat tenuous. At the time, Parker Sizer lived there alone and sent out delicate feelers toward prospective buyers.

Rod recalled how when he returned to seriously discuss the house, he felt Parker put him through “an interview process.”

“I explained my interest in Monett history and Callamura,” Rod recalled. “Parker was passing on a large part of the Sizer family history by departing Callamura. I assured him the Sizer story would remain prominent and the home would function as the treasured ‘House of Friendship.’”

And so it has. 

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A general store with apparel, food, supplies, alcoholic beverages and more is available for the convenience of boaters when they are ready to come off the lake.

Big M Marina

Campbell Point Marina

Marinas, river offer opportunities for recreation

W

hen in need of a full-fledged vacation, a weekend getaway, or even just a day trip, one can find all the needed ingredients for rest and recreation in two rugged areas of Barry County involving a lake and a river.

Built on the banks of the lake, the quiet, but active, little community of Shell Knob, which is actually a township, was established when Henry and Elizabeth Yoachum Schell built a trading post on the banks of the White River in 1835.

Even with growth, the community has been able to maintain its sleepy, cottage-town appeal, which beckons tourists over the summer, and retirees and locals all year long.

“Shell Knob is a unique community with a lot of things going on, but with the appearance of being very peaceful,” said Twilia Harrison, Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce director.

“We’re very active. The lake is a huge draw, we have a tremendous amount of fishing and events going on, whether it be tournaments or other activities.

“So you’ve got fishing, water sports, and when you come off the lake, there are plenty of places to eat, shopping, and we’re very centrally located, so if you want to do Dogwood Canyon, Silver Dollar City, Roaring River State Park or Branson, they’re all nearby. There’s also hiking, exploring, and there’s a lot of history here. There’s just tons of stuff to do, and plenty of friendly people here, too.”

Three marinas offer the lion’s share of carefree fun and recreation, along with local shopping and great restaurants. So whether traveling by boat, jet ski, car, or bike, visitors will be sure to enjoy every second of their vacation or weekend getaway.

Each marina offers boat rentals along with food, fuel, bait, shopping, and even on-the-water-dining. Plus, events like the annual Antique Boat Show on Kings River June 4, and National Marina Day June 11, are sure to entertain.

Story by Julia Kilmer

&

rest

Kings River Marina

Shell Knob attractions and Roaring River beckon visitors Upcoming Events:

Annual Antique Boat Show on Kings River, June 4 National Marina Day, June 11 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

Big M Marina, located at 26111 Big M Campground in Cassville, offers boat rentals and equipment, slips, gas, a general store, hand-dipped ice cream, refreshments, beer, apparel, Hunts Brothers Pizza, drinks, boating and water accessories, fishing supplies and the Dock-N-Eat Cafe with grilled food, salads and wings. They can be reached at 271-3853, or online at BigMMarina.com.

There are fun times to be had for the entire family, with boat rentals from Big M Marina off Table Rock Lake.

Kings River Marina, just four miles south of Shell Knob, offers a variety of services, and recreational activities to locals and visitors.

Kings River Marina, located at 27504 Big Rock Road, just four miles south of Shell Knob on Highway 39, offers rentals, boat repair, boating accessories, slips, towing and rescue, a full-service store including fuel, beer, ice and water toys, along with Carmelina’s Italian Bistro, a new, upscale dining venue. The marina can be reached at 417-858-6429, or online at KingsRiverMarina.com.

Kings River Marina not only offers boat rental, boat slips, fuel, food, clothing, and a general store, but has Carmelina’s, a fine-dining Italian bistro, in a separate building attached to the marina where boaters can pull into a courtesy slip to dine for the evening after the end of a great day on the lake, or carry out.

Campbell Point Marina, four miles off Highway YY, which was recently remodeled, offers boat and equipment rentals, boat slips, a store with apparel, alcohol sales, an ice cream stand, full-service gas dock, and Harlow’s Lakeside Grill. They can be reached at 417-858-6331, or online at CampbellPointMarina.com.

Visitors to Campbell Point Marina can find everything they need at their general store, including clothing, water and boat accessories and food.

18 | JULY 2016

A general store with apparel, food, supplies, alcoholic beverages and more is available for the convenience of boaters when they are ready to come off the lake.

Big M Marina in Cassville offers several boat slips for locals and visitors.

In addition to the ambience of onthe-water-dining, vacationers can get the fast-food convenience of Subway sandwiches or Pizza Hut, on the lake, too.

“We’ve got all the restaurants,” Harrison said. “You can get on your boat and never have to leave the water because of all these restaurants that are on the lake.

Subway is the only restaurant of its kind in the nation that has a dock slip [here].

Whatever you want to eat, it’s all there.”

The Corps of Engineers offers a 61site campground within walking distance of Big M Marina, Kings River Marina offers Viola Campground within walking distance, and condos, and Campbell Point also offers campgrounds.

There is plenty of fun inland, too.

“We have shopping at Red Barn, Treasures Then & Now, the Old Church Gal-

lery, Williams Brothers Ski and Sports, and all of the marinas also have things for sale,” Harrison said. “There is also CASK (Creative Arts of Shell Knob), our own art guild. They have a gallery right behind the Bridgeway Plaza. They’re open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

Other nearby places of interest and wonder include Dogwood Canyon, Silver Dollar City, Branson and the historic Beaver, Ark., Bridge.

“Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark., is a beautiful place to go on a rainy day if you can’t get out on the lake,” Harrison said. “It’s not a bad drive.”

In town, outlets are available to keep up one’s routine, or just chill.

“There is the Retreat Day Spa, which opened in April. They do hair, nails,

Campbell Point Marina covers of an area of about 7,000 square feet on Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob, and offers a variety of fun-filled services for locals and visitors.

massages and facials,” Harrison said. “As soon as you walk in, you feel relaxed. It’s a very nice environment. They’re in the Bridgeway Plaza. And Fox Fitness 24 is a 24-hour fitness gym. When people go on vacation, they like to stay in routine and they’re able to go in there and buy a day pass or whatever they need to do. They have yoga, tanning — they have everything in there.”

There are also wonderful restaurants in town.

The Roadhouse, just south of the bridge, has quesadillas, soups, burgers, and a fish fry on Fridays.

Nonna’s Nummies offers pizza, burgers and sandwiches, lasagna and more during lunch and dinner. Steak Inn, which has been open 40 years, is known for its unique, wood-charcoaled grilled steaks and hospitality.

“Terry’s Cafe is on Old Highway 39, and you can get a really good breakfast there,” Harrison said.

Jug N Plug is also located in the Bridgeway Plaza, to get fishing licenses, bait, apparel, beer and wine.

And don’t forget the Old Church Gallery on old Highway 39.

“That is a really cool shop,” Harrison said. “They have antiques, collectibles, fossils, jewelry, fine arts, and a Farmers’ Market Thursday mornings.”

For more information about things to do in Shell Knob, call the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce at 417-8583300, or visit their Facebook page.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

Photos by Julia Kilmer

A young angler pulls a line taut to snag a trout while fishing at Roaring River State Park, an area just south of Cassville that has entranced and enticed visitors since the 1800 with its premier trout, serenity and history.

Roaring River Near the lake, there’s fun to be had in the woods and rivers, too, at Roaring River State Park, famous for its premier trout fishing.

The park mesmerizes visitors, and locals, with its history, serenity and deep blue spring within the backdrop of the sounds and sights of the roaring river.

The park was established in the early 1800s by settlers who discovered the natural spring, which produces an average of 20 million gallons of water a day, and originates from a canyon-like gorge.

A variety of lodging is available including campgrounds, cabin rentals and rooms, including the newly renovated CCC Lodge, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps workers. Hikers can explore the rustic terrain on any one of seven hiking trails that weave their way throughout the park.

Visitors can also stop by the Nature Center, park store for supplies or a souvenir for the kids, dine or stay at the rustic Roaring River Restaurant and Inn, or just throw a line in the river and enjoy a quiet afternoon on the banks of this majestic river and park.  To reserve a room or cabin call 417-847-2330. To book a campground, call 1-877-422-6766. To get a fishing license, bait, or supplies, visit or call the park store, 417-847-4971.

20 | JULY 2016

Anglers line the banks at Roaring River State Park to catch prize rainbow trout for which the park is known. (below) Along with great fishing, hiking trails to explore the rugged woodlands is another way to spend one’s time at Roaring River State Park near Cassville.

Community calendar Roaring River

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS  The Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 2 p.m.

at the First United Methodist Church, 1600 N. Central in Monett on the second Thursday of every month. No charge to attend. Call 417-269-3616 or 888-354-3618 to register.

 Celebrate Recovery meets at 7 p.m. at the Golden

Baptist Church on Hwy. J in Golden every Monday of each month. Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m. This is for anyone with hurts, habit or hangups.

 The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Group of Cassville

meets at 8 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays every month.

 The Turning Point AA Group meets at 7 p.m. at the

west corner of Mitchell Plaza on Hwy. 86 in Eagle Rock on Mondays and Tuesday every month.

 DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support

group meets at the First Baptist Church, 602 West Street in Cassville at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Call for more information, 417847-2965.

 Cassville Al-Anon Family Group meets at 8 p.m.

at the United Methodist Church in Cassville every Thursday of each month.

 Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. the first

Tuesday of every month in the basement of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at the corner of Seven and Cale streets in Monett, 417-4423706.

 Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous

group meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the First Baptist Church Activity Center, 618 Second Street in Washburn. 417-489-7662.

Central Crossing Senior Center

Shell Knob, 417-858-6952 Regular events:  Domino Poker, every day from 12:45.  Mah Jongg, every Monday and Wednesday from

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Paint Classes, every 2nd and 4th Monday of

each month.  Line Dancing, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.  Quilting for Charity, every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Pinochle, every Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.  Cards Galore, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Wood Carvers, every Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Tai Chi on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 to 9:45 a.m.  MOB exercises Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8 to 8:30 a.m.  Bingo on the First and Third Mondays 12:45 to 2 p.m.  Dominoes on the Second and Fourth Mondays, 12:45 to 3 p.m.

CASSVILLE SENIOR CENTER  Dominos, every Friday at noon.

July 2016 July 1

n The July 4 Lunch will be served beginning at 11 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

The center will be closed on July 4. n A Patriotic Cowboy picnic will be held at the Central Crossing Center Senior in Shell Knob. Attendees should wear cowboy outfits. Contests will be held.

July 3

July 13

n The Monett Senior Center will have Blood Pressure Checks beginning at 10:30 a.m.

July 21

n Paint Class is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center. For more information, call 417-847-4510.

July 22

n The Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Community Picnic and Movie in the Park beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Community Park.

n OJ’s Cookout will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be grilled.

July 4

n A Sports and Arts Camp for Kids will be held July 25 through 29. This is being sponsored by the Cassville First Baptist Church. For more information, call 417847-2965.

n Monett’s Freedom and Fireworks will be held at the Monett South Park. There will be unlimited rides for a $15 fee. This event is sponsored by the Monett Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 417-235-7919. n Fire and Thunder Boat Parade and Fireworks on the Lake at Shell Knob, beginning at dark. For more information, call 417-858-3300.

July 6

n Methodist Manor Blood Pressure Check will be held at the Cassville Senior Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. No appointment necessary. Grace’s Foot Care (by appointment only starts at 9 a.m.

July 7

n Paint Class is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center. For more information, call 417-847-4510. n Jay Crosthwait and Alan Topo will be playing bluegrass music during the lunch hour at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

July 9

n The annual Golf Tournament will be held at the Honey Creek Golf Club. n The four-person scramble will begin at 8 a.m. This event is sponsored by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 1417-678-4150

July 11

n The regular monthly dance will be held at the Monett Park Casino from 7 to 10 p.m.

July 25

July 27

n The Monett Senior Center will have Blood Pressure Checks at 10:30 a.m.

July 29

n Monthly Birthday Lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Cassville Senior Center. For more information, call 417-847-4510.

July 29

n Nell’s Nails is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Monett Senior Center.

July 30

n The Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob will have a Fried Chicken Dinner Fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

The Cassville YMCA will be offering week-long Summer Day Camps all during the months of and July and until Aug. 12. for children age 6 (out of kindergarten) through completed sixth grade. For more information call Rick Ragsdale at 417-846-1535.

FARMERS’ MARKET

The Cassville Farmers’ Market is held on the Cassville Square every Saturday running through the month of October, 8 a.m. until noon, and every Tuesday at the Sale Barn Road location from 2-6 p.m.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

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22 | JULY 2016

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HEALTHY CONNECTION

Benefits of berries I

Cool down with a

t’s berry season! Not only are berries bursting with flavor, they are also high in vitamin C, folate, potassium and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are compounds in plants that give them their strong colors and promote health beyond regular nutrients.

They play a role in reducing inflammation and risk of cancer and heart disease. The main phytochemical in berries is anthocyanidins, which give them their deep red, blue, or purple color. The fiber in berries can help with weight control, lowering cholesterol, and managing diabetes. Their high water content will keep you hydrated during hot summer days.

Berry Blast!

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh blackberries (or berry of your choice) 1/2 frozen banana 1 (6 oz) container fat-free plain Greek yogurt 4 ice cubes *Splash of milk or sweetener, if needed

Directions: Place all ingredients in blender and blend until fruit is pureed and ingredients are well combined. Serves one.

Try one of these creative ways to enjoy your berries:

Serving Size: 12 oz Calories: 215 Total Fat: 1 g Carbohydrates: 34 g Fiber: 9 g Protein: 21 g Sodium: 82 mg Potassium: 705 mg Calcium: 24% Vitamin C: 47%

Berry ice: Add frozen berries to your water to add flavor P B&B: Use fresh berries on your sandwich instead of jams or jellies high in sugar Berry topping: oatmeal, Instead of adding sweeteners or syrups, top off your cereal,

pancakes, waffles, or yogurt with fresh berries Berry salsa: Combine diced berries, jalapeños, and red onion to make a tasty salsa Looking for local berries? n Rausch’s Blueberry Farm, located just north of Monett at 21655 Highway H. Open TuesdayFriday and all day on weekends. Call 417-235-7825 for more information. n Monett Area Farmers Market, located at the Monett South Park (near the tennis courts).

Open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – noon.

Call 417/235-7919 for more information.

LISA BUCK, R.D., LD is a registered dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in dietetics and Spanish from Missouri State University and is working on a master’s degree in public health. Lisa is passionate about international development work and has volunteered throughout Central America working in the area of health education and promotion.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys biking, running and all things outdoors.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

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24 | JULY 2016

TOMBLIN &

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Star spangled desserts Patriotic French Toast

Fourth of July Layered Gelatin

Ingredients 1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 cups milk 2 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter 8 thick slices bread

Directions n Preheat an oven to 250 degrees F. n Combine the thawed strawberries with their juice and the blueberries in a bowl; set aside. Beat together the softened cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar until smooth; set aside. Whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. n Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet or griddle. Dip bread into egg mixture, coating thoroughly. Cook until well-browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Place cooked slices on baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm until ready to serve. n Spread the cream cheese mixture over each slice of french toast, then top with 2 tablespoons of the fruit. Serve immediately.

Ingredients 1 (6 ounce) package cherry flavored Jell-O(R) mix 2 (.25 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin 2 cups boiling water 4 (.25 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin 1 cup boiling water 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (6 ounce) package blue raspberry flavored Jell-O mix 2 (.25 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin 2 cups boiling water

Directions n Place cherry gelatin mix into a heatproof bowl, stir in 1 packet of unflavored gelatin, and mix with 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until the gelatin has dissolved and the mixture is clear, about 2 minutes. Pour into the bottom of a 9x13 rectangular glass baking dish. Place in refrigerator until completely cold and set, about 1 hour. n Sprinkle 4 packets of unflavored gelatin onto 1 cup of boiling water in a heatproof bowl, allow to stand for about 3 minutes, and stir until dissolved; mix in the sweetened condensed milk. Allow to cool but not thicken, about 10 minutes; gently pour into a layer on top of the cherry layer. Return to refrigerator and allow to chill completely, about 1 more hour. n Place blue raspberry gelatin mix and 1 packet of unflavored gelatin into a heatproof bowl, and mix with 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until the blue gelatin is clear, about 2 minutes. Allow to stand and cool but not thicken, about 10 minutes; gently pour onto the white layer. Chill in refrigerator until the dessert is firm and cold, about 1 hour. To serve, cut into squares.

RECIPES All American Trifle Ingredients 3 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced 1/4 cup white sugar 1 quart heavy cream 1 (3.3 ounce) package instant white chocolate pudding mix 1 (6 ounce) container lemon yogurt 2 tablespoons coconut-flavored rum, or to taste, divided (optional) 2 (16 ounce) prepared pound cakes, cubed 2 pints fresh blueberries, or as needed

Directions n In a bowl, sprinkle the strawberries with sugar; stir to distribute the sugar, and set aside. Chill a large metal mixing bowl and beaters from an electric mixer. n Pour the cream into the chilled mixing bowl, and add white chocolate pudding mix, lemon yogurt, and about 1 tablespoon of coconut rum, if desired; beat until fluffy with an electric mixer set on Medium speed. n Spread a layer of pound cake cubes into the bottom of a glass 10x15-inch baking dish, and sprinkle the cubes with another tablespoon of coconut rum. Cover the pound cake with a layer of strawberries; sprinkle blueberries over the strawberries. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the berries. Repeat the layers several times, ending with a layer of strawberries sprinkled with blueberries and reserving about 1 cup of whipped cream; top the trifle with dollops of whipped cream to serve. Refrigerate leftovers.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

American Flag Cake

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3 (10.25 ounce) packages white cake mix 9 egg whites 1 cup vegetable oil 3-3/4 cups whole milk 2 tablespoons clear vanilla extract 2 tablespoons red food coloring 1 tablespoon blue food coloring 1 cup white chocolate chips 10 cups fluffy white frosting 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips, or as needed 2 tablespoons white sugar, or as needed 1 4-inch round paper or cardboard stencil

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26 | JULY 2016

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Directions

n Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line 4 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. n Combine white cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 30 seconds using an electric mixer on low speed. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 more minutes. The batter will still be slightly lumpy. n To make the red cakes, measure half the batter into a separate bowl and whisk in red food coloring. Evenly transfer the red batter into 2 of the 8-inch prepared cake pans; smooth tops of batter with a spatula. Transfer half of the remaining uncolored batter into a third prepared cake pan; smooth top as before. This will be the white cake portion. n Add blue food coloring to the remaining uncolored batter in the large mixing bowl; fold 1 cup white chocolate chips into blue batter until combined. Transfer batter to remaining prepared 8-inch cake pan; smooth top of batter with a spatula. n Bake all 4 cakes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove the cakes from oven and place onto cooling racks until cooled completely. n Run a knife around edge of each cooled cake. Invert cakes, remove pans, and peel off parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to trim tops of cakes flat and even. n Cut both of the red cake layers and the white cake layer in half horizontally. You will have 4 thin red cake layers and 2 thin white cake layers. n Place a 4-inch round stencil on top of 1 thin red cake layer; cut out a 4-inch red cake round. Repeat, placing stencil on 1 thin white cake layer to make 1 4-inch white cake round. Center the 4-inch round stencil on the blue cake; cut out and remove center portion covered by the stencil to make a blue cake ring.

n To assemble the cake, you will need 2 thin 8-inch red cake layers, 1 thin 8-inch white cake layer, 1 4-inch thin red cake circle, 1 4-inch thin white cake circle, and 1 blue 8-inch cake ring. Reserve the leftover thin red cake layer and other cake pieces for making crumbs for decorating. n To assemble cake, place 1 8-inch thin red cake layer on a cake pan and frost the top generously with white frosting. Place the thin 8-inch white cake layer on top of the red one, and frost the top. Place remaining 8-inch thin red cake layer atop the white one. Frost the red layer. n Place the blue ring cake on top of the 2nd red cake layer and carefully frost the inside of the blue cake ring. Gently fit the 4-inch white cake layer into the blue cake ring. Frost the top of the 4-inch white center. Place the 4-inch red cake layer on top of the white one. Gently press small cake circles flush with the top of the blue ring. n Frost the entire outside of the cake generously with the remaining frosting. n Crumble red and blue pieces of leftover cake into 2 separate bowls. Score lines into the top of the cake’s frosting with a kitchen knife to make a flag design on top of the cake. It should have a 2-inch square at the upper left for blue field and white stars, and 7 thick horizontal stripes about 1 inch wide. n Fill the square field at the upper left with blue crumbs and press 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips upside-down into the blue crumbs to make ‘stars.’ Fill the bottom stripe and every other stripe with red crumbs to make red stripes. Sprinkle white sugar generously into the white stripes to make them stand out. n To serve, cut cake into wedges. The inside of the cake will reveal its layers of red and white stripes and blue field with white chocolate chip stars in every slice.

RECIPES

Directions n Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, cocoa powder, and melted butter in a bowl until mixture is thoroughly combined and crumbly. n Transfer crust mixture to a 9x11-inch baking dish. Press crust into bottom of dish until smooth and even. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. n Mix cream cheese and mascarpone cheese in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into mixture.

Patriotic Fruit Pizza Ingredients 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1/2 cup margarine, softened 1-1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 large bananas, sliced - or as needed 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or as needed 1 (16 ounce) package fresh strawberries, sliced 1 (6 ounce) container fresh blueberries

Directions

No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake Ingredients Crust: 1-1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 6 tablespoons butter, melted Filling: 1 cup cream cheese at room temperature 1 cup mascarpone cheese at room temperature 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup white sugar 1-1/4 cups cold heavy whipping cream 20 large fresh strawberries, hulled and halved lengthwise, or as needed 24 large fresh blueberries, or as needed

n Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

n While the cookie base is cooling, mash the cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Place sliced bananas in a bowl, and gently toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

n Spoon filling on top of the graham cracker crust, spreading and smoothing the top. Tap the pan gently on a work surface several times to settle the crust and filling. Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 3 hours. n Starting at the bottom long edge of the cake, arrange strawberry halves in a horizontal line with the pointed bottoms of the strawberry halves pointing to the right. Start a second stripe of strawberry halves at the top right of the cake, arranging strawberries with the bottoms pointing right in a line stretching about 2/3 of the length of the cake. n Continue to make strawberry stripes, starting about 3/4 inch up from the bottom stripe and laying down 3 more stripes stretching the full length of the cake. Make 1 more line of strawberries beneath the short stripe to leave a square space for the blue field of stars. n Lay a line of blueberries with the blossom ends pointing up in the upper left square space. Continue to lay down blueberries in lines, berries touching the previous line, until the square is filled with blueberries. Cut cake into squares to serve.

n In a large mixing bowl, mash the vegetable shortening and margarine together until thoroughly combined, and beat in 1-1/2 cup of sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix in the flour mixture to make a workable dough, and spread the dough out in a rectangle shape onto an ungreased 12x17 inch baking sheet. n Bake in the preheated oven until very lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

n Whisk 1/3 cup sugar into whipping cream in a separate metal or glass bowl until the cream is fluffy and forms soft peaks. Add whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and gently whisk until filling is soft, fluffy, and well combined.

n To decorate the pizza, spread the cream cheese filling all over the cookie base in an even, smooth layer. Place the blueberries in a square in neat, closelyspaced rows, in the left upper corner for blue stars. Arrange alternating stripes of white bananas and red strawberry slices across the pizza. Refrigerate leftovers.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

bottles & Brews

Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy

New Belgium Heavy Melon

A traditional weiss beer, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy is an Wisconsinbrewed staple of summer, know for its trademark crisp, light taste.

In 2012, Summer Shandy won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

It pairs well with barbecue chicken, fruit salads, watermelon and fresh, grilled fish.

It is rated a 72 out of 100 on BeerAdvocate.com, most known for its lemony taste and smell.

A new offering from the Colorado-Based New Belgium Brewing Company, Heavy Melon is a seasonal beer infused with watermelon and lime flavors.

Starting with a fruity flavor, Heavy Melon finishes with a slight bitterness and touch of tartness, and it is a fitting drink for hot summer nights. It has earned a 78 out of 100 rating on BeerAdvocate. com.

Gosling’s Black Seal Rum A Bermuda black rum built for mixing, Gosling’s Black Seal Rum has been produced in Bermuda since 1806, with its name coming from the black wax originally used to seal the bottles. With subtle notes of butterscotch, vanilla and caramel, the rum mixes well with a range of sodas and juices.

The rum earned a gold medal in the Global Rum Masters competition in 2016.

28 | JULY 2016

Blue Moon Belgian Table Pils A summertime beer intended to be paired with a meal, the Blue Moon Belgian Table Pils is exactly what its name indicates — a Belgianstyle pilsner — and is brewed with mandarin orange peel. Balanced with a light, bready malt character, the orange peel provides a hint of fruity flavor fit for summer. It is ranked a 79 out of 100 on BeerAdvocate.com.

The Steak Inn

a local tradition, still going strong after nearly 40 years

W

hen something or someone is special, you just know it. You can’t always put your finger on why, but you just know.

That’s the case with the Steak Inn steak house, a fine-dining restaurant tucked away in a remote corner of the Ozarks on the edge of Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob, the last place one would expect to find such an establishment.

And ironically so, because that’s the very reason, about 40 years ago, that Vona Sue Wood and her husband got tired of driving about 60 miles to Springfield to enjoy a nice meal and decided to open a nice dining establishment for locals.

After moving to Shell Knob in 1974, she ran a business installing antennas to give residents TV reception before the days of cable and dish antennas. But as the

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

famous saying by John Lennon goes, “Life happens while you’re busy making other plans.”

“There was no place to eat, and we got tired of driving to Springfield,” Wood said. “We started [the restaurant] mainly because my husband said ‘We can charcoal.’”

So they decided to specialize in steaks, but cook them in a way no one else was doing that gave it a unique flavor.

“It’s the charcoal we use,” Wood said.

“It’s your natural, hardwood charcoal, not a briquet.”

In this case, it’s good for Wood that life happened to lead her in a different direction, because her restaurant, The Steak Inn, which opened in 1977 after a two-year remodeling of a what was once a home, is amazingly, still in business nearly 40 years later.

The Steak Inn, a timeless restaurant based in Shell Knob for 40 years, stays busy all the time, with an average one hour wait if you don’t arrive early.

Steaks, salad bar, consistency, timeless hospitality restaurant’s calling card CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

The restaurant business is purported to be one of the toughest to survive in, partly due to its profit-loss margin, and high turnover among staff. But whether you call it a niche, luck, or some special mojo, Wood has found an effective formula for longevity in the industry that works.

What is her competitive advantage, one might ask? Steaks for one, and lots of them.

T-bones, Kansas City strips, filets, top sirloin, ribeye; you name it, she makes it. They also serve pork chops, salmon, shrimp and scallops, kabobs, frog legs, and more. Entrees include the salad bar and a fresh-baked loaf of bread.

“The steaks are better here,” said Chuck Singleton, of Denver, Colo., whose favorite steak is the filet mignon. Singleton has a second home in Shell Knob and has been coming to the restaurant for 20 years.

“It’s not like I don’t have nice places to go in Denver. We have Del Frisco’s there, but the steaks here are just as good. Most of the waitresses have been here 20-plus years so you know them. It’s also consistent in that they’re not having to retrain cooks and waitresses because they stay. It’s a family deal.”

“There are people waiting 45 minutes to one hour,” said Bob Richardson of Wichita, Kan., and Shell Knob, who is retired and has been bringing his family to eat at the steakhouse for 20 years also. “We used to bring our kids all the time, and they’re all grown up now. Our friends would all talk about how good the steaks are, so we came three or four times, and just kept coming. It’s because of the way they cook them, on the wood charcoal. It’s good food and a good atmosphere.”

Wood and her staff are also proud of their salad bar, which customers brag about also.

“Our salad bar has been a calling card for us,” Wood said, “with 19 items, all freshly made.”

They also have a lounge area where guests can have a cocktail or glass of wine, which few establishments offer in the area without having to go to a bar setting.

Another competitive advantage, although not overtly spoken, but seen and felt if one spends any amount of time at the restaurant, has to be Wood’s personal brand of customer service and warmth that make customers want to keep coming back.

30 | JULY 2016

Delicious, mouth-watering steaks, cooked over wood charcoal, ready to be served to customers.

Zanetta Campbell mixes a martini for a customer at Steak Inn in Shell Knob on a busy Saturday evening.

Owner Vona Sue Wood visits with a couple who have been coming to her restaurant for more than 15 years. They are just two of many customers who have been coming to her restaurant, and bringing their children and grandchildren. Wood says she has seen four generations of families come through her doors in the 40 years she has been in business.

(Left) The salad bar at the Steak Inn is one of its calling cards, Wood says.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

Celebrate summer at a vintage market!

Bentonview Park Healthcare & Rehabilitation 417.235.6031

Bentonview Park Healthcare & Rehabilitation is located in rural Monett, 30 minutes Southwest of Springfield on 1-44.

JULY 2 & 3 JULY 16 & 17 Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday 12 - 4 p.m.

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SERVICES • 24 Hour Skilled Nursing • Respite Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Wound Care • IV Antibiotic Therapy • IV Hydration Therapy • Medication Management • Wound Vac Therapy • Tracheostomy Care • Bariatric Care AMENITIES • Special Care Secured Unit • Daily Activities Programs • Housekeeping and Laundry • Transportation Arrangement • Beauty Shop • In House Hospice Services • Smoking Facility

410 West Benton Street, Monett, MO 65708 T. 417.235.6031 • F. 417.235.8676 • Intake. 417.461.4576

God Bless AmericA! Proudly serving AmericAns since 1861!

Soda Fountain ~ Home Decor ~ Gifts & Cards Prescriptions ~ Fashions ~ Accessories All Medicare Part D and Insurance Cards Accepted

Whitley Pharmacy

101 West 8th, Cassville, “on the Square” 417-847-2722 or 417-847-2717

Where every customer is special

32 | JULY 2016

Wood takes time to stop and visit with her customers, and has even named tables after them.

“I think we have treated our customers very well over the last 40 years,” Wood said. “We have a lot of loyal customers.

It’s a nice atmosphere and reasonable prices, and I’ve seen four generations of families. I just try to serve what I would like to eat and not anything I wouldn’t eat myself.”

Wood has seen thousands of customers come through her doors, including well-known faces in surrounding communities like Barry County Commissioner Cherry Warren, local attorney Donald Cupps and the late attorney, historian and newspaper publisher Emory Melton.

“He was a pork chop eater,” Wood said.

Then there’s the atypical fact that her staff don’t turn over, they stay put. But after putting two and two together, one might guess that it’s because Wood is like a surrogate, second mother.

“I’m loyal to her,” said Jay Schoelzel, her cook who has worked for her since 1984. “She puts up with us.”

Greg Gates, left, Jay Schoelzel, middle and Ron Shephard, work in tandem at Steak Inn to get delicious steaks out quickly to customers. The three cooks have worked for the restaurant for years, practically unheard of in the restaurant business. Gates has been there 20 years, Schoelzel, 32, and Shepherd, 10. All of them say it’s because they have a great boss.

“It’s a good place to work and I have a good boss,” said Ron Shephard, cook for 10 years.

“I love my job,” said waitress Glenda Ratliff, when asked why she’s stayed 20 years, as she hustled to prepare drink orders.

“It can be hectic, but we’re all pretty close here,” said Stacey Larson-Moeller, another 20-year employee. “I’ve stayed because of the people I work with, but the customers as well. And my boss is awesome. She’s like a second mom. I get her something for Mother’s Day every year.”

“I’ve stayed because of the people I work with, but the customers as well. And my boss is awesome. She’s like a second mom.

I get her something for Mother’s Day every year.”

- Stacey Larson-Moeller CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

In addition to enjoying great steaks and good food in a picturesque setting and atmosphere, customers also have a good time at the Steak Inn. Waitress Tonya Rickard shares a laugh with customers.

In total, Wood has a staff of about 15, including waitresses Kasie Moore and Jenny Allen, cook Mason Loveland, and a salad bar staff of two.

Wood claims she doesn’t know what makes them stay so long, but says they are like family.

“I had two other waitresses here for over 23 years,” she said. “They just work until they can’t anymore. They make good money and they like to work for me. I treat them the way I’d like to be treated, and I guess they go for it.”

Now 72, Wood has no plans of slowing down, and is grateful for the success the restaurant has seen.

“This place has been good to me, and all my customers, too,” she said. “I hope I don’t ever have to leave.”  Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day but Monday. The beautifully-landscaped restaurant is located at 22290 Waters Edge Drive in Shell Knob off Highway 39, and can be reached by calling 417-858-6814.

34 | JULY 2016

Stacey Larson-Moeller and Glenda Ratliff stop for a quick picture on a busy Saturday night at work at Steak Inn. Both have worked for the popular steakhouse about 20 years, each, a rarity in the restaurant world.

s Collision Center ’ n e K The Area’s Finest Collision Repair Facility

At Ken’s, we do things differently Here at Ken’s we use the XRAY Repair Planning™ system to improve the quality and speed of the collision repair process. We examine, catalog, bag and rack every part to ensure your car gets everything it needs to complete the repair.

Just another way we work for you, the customer, to make sure your car is fixed right, to Factory Specifications with the right parts, by highly trained technicians.

Keepusin your sightsfor your archery needs!

We are your full service bow shop, serving all of your archery needs.

Ken’s Collision Center – anywhere else is just a body shop!

712 W. 10th St. • Cassville, MO 65625 • 417-847-1200

www.kenscollisioncenter.com

• We carry a full line of Xpedition Crossbows and bow accessories for children & adults.

• We provide service for all bows.

New, State-Of-The-Art Dental Office

Children’s & Family Dentistry We offer digital X-rays, ortho, crowns, bridges and root canals.

We accept most dental plans Missouri Medicaid providers up to age 21.

Thomas ALMS Jr., D.D.S.

155 W. Patterson • Mt. Vernon, Mo. • 466-3443 HOURS: Mon. - Thur: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 5 p.m.

Putting Quality in the Field 19821 Hwy. P, Verona, MO 65769 Sam Burkholder 417-498-2310 Open Tuesday & Thursday • 5 – 9 p.m.

Saturday • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

On the banks of Table Rock Lake, Bob Mitchell, left, former editor and owner of the Cassville Democrat, along with The Monett Times, hosted the Missouri Press Association for some grilled steaks. From left: Norman Chaney, Julia Davis, Truman Baker, Mary Francis Baker, a guest, Mitchell, Sue Mitchell and Cecil Davis.

Bob Mitchell, back right, former editor and owner of the Cassville Democrat, poses for a photo with his wife, Sue, back left, and children, Shelley, front left, and Bruce.

From the Navy to the newspaper

Bob Mitchell, former editor and owner of the Cassville Democrat, works on a story during his time with the newspaper.

36 | JULY 2016

Bob Mitchell, left, former editor and owner of the Cassville Democrat, poses for a photo with his wife, Sue.

M

any family trees have generations of roots in the Cassville and Barry County area, but not all go back as far as former Cassville Democrat Editor Bob Mitchell’s, whose family covered Barry County like the morning dew for more than a century.

Growing up in the 1930s and 1940s, Mitchell began his adult life by shipping off to the U.S. Navy, where his long and illustrious journalism career saw its humble beginnings. Mitchell enlisted in

1949, going to boot camp in San Diego, Calif., then Navy Journalism School at Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago.

He followed that education up with public relations school at Fort Hueneme in California, then joined the Atlantic Fleet at its headquarters in Norfolk, Va. “I did writing, PR and a lot of photography in the Navy,” Mitchell said. “At one time or another, we had 31 correspondents filing copy through the office in Tokyo I was stationed at. I got to work with some of best newspapermen in the

world, and I got two or three really good assignments.”

Mitchell said the best story he ever got to cover was probably the recovery of the first downed MIG. “I was in the photo lab one day, then sent out on photo mission,” he said. “It required lots of film and at least two cameras. There was a [dock landing ship] underway out there, and that’s where I was going, and they said I’ll find out more about the mission when I was aboard ship.

Former Cassville Democrat owner recounts 50-plus years of service in Barry County

“I got there and went straight up top side to the captain’s quarters, and he explained the MIG was shot down in waters near North Korea, and some smaller craft were recovering it under cover of two Canadian Destroyers.”

Mitchell said once he got out to the site, conditions were not what he had expected.

Story and photos by Kyle Troutman, editor

“The next morning, I got up, and it was so foggy you could cut it,” he said. “It was too foggy for pictures, so the next morning I got up early, and everything they had recovered was on the ship covered in canvas. I went up to the chief petty officer involved with the salvage and told him I had to get pictures.

Bob Mitchell took this photo on Dec. 24, 1950, at the Hungnam evacuation, also known as the Miracle of Christmas, after UN forces and North Korean civilians were evacuated and facilities in the area were leveled.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

“I took pictures of everything, and then an Army major, who was also an intelligence officer, got on me and the petty officer pretty good for uncovering the parts and photographing them. He told me to turn over my film, and I said, ‘No sir. I’m just acting on orders. This is Navy film.’

We went back to the captain and the major asked again to have the film. The captain said to turn it over to him and he would put in a safe until we got back, then let the admiral make the determination. Sure enough, the admiral was waiting on us and went up and got the film.”

Mitchell also got to meet some big names during his service, including a former president.

“I was in Key West, [Fla.], when Harry Truman vacationed there,” Mitchell said.

“Charlie Ross was Truman’s press secretary, and he was buddies with my uncle, Means Ray. The White House press corps was there doing Navy press briefings, so I went one day and everyone was standing around the lobby, asking what’s going on and if the president would be there. When Truman got there, Mr. Ross introduced the president, saying this is Bob, the nephew of Means Ray and a fellow Missourian.”

After his four years of service, which included covering the evacuation of Hungnam on Christmas Eve of 1950, Mitchell returned to his Missouri roots and began a 41-year career at the Cassville Democrat.

“My uncle [Means Ray] was not in good shape, so I was needed back here,” he said. “I had the opportunity to get orders to go to Paris, and [my wife] Sue and I would have loved that, but I had to be here.”

Mitchell worked at the Democrat for a long time with his mother, Kathryn Mitchell.

“I did most of it because I was younger and eager,” Mitchell said. “We were on the other side of square with our press, then we built [the current Democrat] building and put a web film press in.

She went along with it, and anything I wanted to do she did.”

Mitchell did, however, know when his mother wanted something from him.

38 | JULY 2016

At a Missouri Press Association meeting, Bob Mitchell, back left, former editor and owner of the Cassville Democrat and MPA treasurer, joined other MPA members for a photo opportunity at an annual meeting in Kansas City at the Hilton President Hotel.

“She had this one thing she always said — ‘You oughta.’ Like you oughta do this or go there. When she said that I knew I’d better do it. For a housewife, which was most of what she ever was, I guess [the newspaper business] was just in her genes from her family, and she was a dandy. Ask about anyone who knew her, she was a fine, Christian lady.”

Mitchell said coverage in his early days was a little different than the pace of news now.

“It all came pretty natural to me,” he said. “We had country correspondents, and that was important to [the readers].

We had the best ones.”

Mitchell said he preferred covering news events and breaking news.

“I didn’t particularly like sports, although I did a lot of it,” he said. “In fact, we turned the Democrat into having pretty good sports coverage.”

Mitchell said one of his favorite stories to cover was when the National Flood Insurance Plan was introduced in the 1970s.

“Back then, there was a strong feeling around here, and people here come

from a different cut,” he said. “They all say, ‘No one will tell me what to do with my property.’”

Through all the enjoyment of his job, Mitchell said the paper did have its difficulties, especially when it came to its political affiliation and namesake.

“The one thing we thought about, and uncle Means pretty astute, was that we always figured about one-third of potential income was lost because of name of paper. You’d be surprised back in those days, and it still may be true now, how many people would say, ‘Bob, you have best newspaper in the county, but I’m a Republican, and I can’t have my name on your circulation list. But I do buy it every week in the newsstand.’ It was the same way with advertising. A lot felt they couldn’t do ads with us because of the name.”

Those minor setbacks from the newspaper’s name did not translate into setbacks when it came to Mitchell’s involvement in growing the community. He said one of his favorite projects over the years was leading the Cassville Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

“It started in the 1970s when my dad loaned a man money to work in Springfield,” Mitchell said. “He became big in trailer suspension manufacturing during World War II, building water tanks on skids to drag through jungle. I worked for the guy when I was in high school in Springfield.

“When I came back here, he came through and was going to Fort Smith to make a prototype of a new invention he was going to start manufacturing. We asked how Cassville can get involved, and he said he would be back in two days, and we should get some people together.

He had been in Lamar and had gone under, so he went out on his own. But, influences in town at the time were jealous of him and didn’t want him in the area.

After that, some of us younger ones just took over, decided we’d had enough.”

Mitchell said Wells Aluminum was the first industry the IDC brought to Cassville, building a plant on Sale Barn Road. Jumpin’ Jacks was the next manufacturer who found a home in Cassville, which later became Justin Boot.

“A friend of mine from Eagle Rock in Monett was the head of a print department,” Mitchell said. “He was the one who pushed us into offset printing. I was up there one night and went out for a beer at a tavern in Monett. We sat in a booth with the Jumpin’ Jacks guy, and he said there was no way they could make all the boots they sold, and they needed another plant. We asked about Cassville getting involved. They came in and had a guy absolutely run it into ground and that’s when Justin came in, and took over their facility.”

FASCO planted itself in Cassville next, and Mitchell said convincing that business to come in was easier than some others.

“There was a family living here with a dry goods business, and they were related to the Missouri vice president for the Ozarks,” Mitchell said. “We talked to the guy and wanted to get an opportunity for a plant in Cassville, and he said, ‘We know more about Cassville than you

Photo by Kyle Troutman Bob Mitchell, former editor and owner of the Cassville Democrat, searches through bound volumes for one of the stories he wrote through the years.

think.’ I asked if we needed to make a formal presentation, and he said no. We had to raise $50,000 for the land. We knew our biggest competitor was West Plains, so we asked him if they had the natural gas the plant would need. West Plains didn’t have it, and we did.

“I’ll also never forget, when FASCO came to town, one of the concerns was absenteeism. I said we could connect FASCO with Jumpin’ Jacks and they would open up their books. Jumpin’ Jacks threw their absentee record open, and FASCO looked at it and said it was unbelievable.

All that speaks well for the people of this area and their work ethic.”

As chairman of the IDC for 16 years, Mitchell said it was important to bring those jobs to the area.

“There was a time we had more manufacturing jobs in the city than Cassville’s population,” he said. “The city population never really grew. Young people would come back for jobs, but basically, they hired farmers from around here and people in rural areas who knew how to use their hands and had good work ethics.”

Mitchell said none of those accom-

plishments for Cassville would have happened without help.

“Bill Easley was president of Commerce Bank and the vice president of the IDC when things were really going on,” he said. “And, Jack Nickols was the chamber president.

“It was always funny, when we came to people to raise money in the 1970s, it was a lot more vibrant community than it is now. One of the first guys Easley and I would go see was Herschel Stehlik at Barry County Lumber. If we had a goal of $50,000, like in the case of FASCO, we’d ask for $1,000 contributions, and he was always more than willing. We could then go on the square and raise $25,000 easy. That was just Cassville. Joe Ellis was also a big help.”

Darlene Wierman, longtime office manager at the Democrat, said he was at his happiest when manufacturing deals closed.

“I don’t think anything made him happier than when Cassville was able to secure FASCO and Justin Boots,” she said. “These industries provided many job opportunities for residents of this

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area. Bob played a big part in bringing these factories to Cassville through the IDC. “Bob was not just the editor of the Cassville Democrat, he was an involved citizen. He was a member of the Cassville Rotary Club, the Cassville Chamber of Commerce, the Cassville IDC, the First Christian Church, and probably others that I’ve forgotten.”

Another one of Mitchell’s big accomplishments was facilitating the construction of the Cassville Golf Course on Highway 112.

“It was about the time of the Cuban missile crisis and I picked up a Mitchell, S.D., newspaper, and they were applying for a Farmers Home Administration (FHA) loan for their golf course,” Mitchell said. “We had built a sand green course, but everyone was talking about getting grass greens. Berryville, Ark., wanted to start a course through the FHA, so three of us went down to talk to them and start the application process [for Cassville].”

Mitchell said there was a deal for 80 acres, and Cassville submitted the application to FHA, which if granted, would give the city the first FHA loan for a golf course in the state of Missouri.

“The application was moving through and the government was not very forthcoming, so the option [on the land] ran out and the guy who gave the option knew he had us in a bind,” Mitchell said.

“So he took 40 acres off and we had to scramble to get 30 more acres for a ninehole course.

“Our senators came through for us with the FHA, and we got the nine-hole course built. You can see what it is today at 18 holes, and the Kansas City Star listed it as one of the top public courses in the state.”

Another accomplishment surrounded the life, death and remembrance of Joe Starchman, in whose memory now scholarships are awarded to local graduates.

“Lige Frost came in one day and

said little Joe Starchman needed a heart and lung transplant, and he had to raise $250,000 to have in-hand to pay for things like the rejection drugs,” Mitchell said. “We put together an organizing committee, and I resigned last year as the last of the charter trustees.”

Mitchell said the fundraising efforts went off without a hitch, bringing in donations from Joplin, Lamar, Springfield and Arkansas.

“We came up with the money pretty quick,” he said. “Joe lived to be 16 but died before he could get the transplant.

I’ll never forget as long as I live, there was a news conference at the school, so the TV crews came and Joe’s parents were being interviewed. I was in another room talking with Joe, and he was looking outside at a helicopter and he asked me, ‘Bob, am I famous?’”

After Starchman died, the money was funneled into a non-profit group for disbursement of scholarships in Starchman’s name, and the same funds fuel the program today.

“Back then, banks were paying [extremely high] interest, so the fund actually grew,” Mitchell said. “In 2014, that was the first time we had to dip into the principal sum.”

Each year, the organization hands out 16 scholarships of $500 per semester for two semesters. Scholarships are available to every high school senior in Barry County.

Mitchell said during his time in the business, he saw copious amounts of change.

“The biggest change over time was the move to offset printing,” he said. “Coverage-wise, some of the rural correspondents died, and we had some good ones.

“Dale Freeman, the editor of the Springfield News-Leader, was a friend of mine, and there were about three or four correspondents Dale would quote almost religiously in his column in the NewsLeader. One time, he called and asked if I had my boat in the water. I said yes, it’s in

Big M, and he said he was going to come down and go for a boat ride. He wanted to meet our correspondent in Seldom Seen Hollow. We got to her place and he said, ‘Ma’am, I just love your correspondence, keep up the good work. And he was right. She was a dandy.”

As correspondents died or quit writing, Mitchell said it became more and more difficult to replace them.

“They’d ask if it had to be every week, and about the pay,” he said. “I don’t know how significant it was getting rid of them, but we used those as fillers, and when they dried up, it became just as easy with offset printing to just lead things out.”

With so many accomplishments over his career at the Democrat, Mitchell decided to sell the newspaper in the 1990s, but was specific in who he would sell it to.

“We had two or three groups in wanting to buy the paper, and I always had decided I’m not going to sell to corporate groups,” Mitchell said. “One of the guys, a newspaper broker, asked what is the main problem with competition. My response was [my competition is] a lawyer.

The broker said he was, too. So, I said that cut him out.”

Mitchell said he was talking to someone on the phone about the future of the paper one day, and Wierman asked if he was planning to sell it.

“She said Lisa Schlitchman would probably like to buy it,” Mitchell said. “I told Darlene to tell Lisa she had better get her pennies in line.”

That conversation was in May of 1995, and one month later, Schlitchman and her husband, Mike, closed the deal.

“I was ready,” Mitchell said. “I had been here 50 years. Political things were evolving more, and I probably would have done some silly things. But, I’ve never regretted it, and I enjoy writing the column now.”

Wierman said in working with Mitchell throughout the years, it was Story continued on page 65 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

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Column

Two broke to be funny

I

love the closeness of our family, but the togetherness can be a bit too much sometimes.

Last year, my husband was loading some alfalfa bales when a fluke accident occurred and he broke his right ankle. In the middle of winter, “cabin fever” took on a whole new dimension. With trucks and drivers pulling their load, the milk man could hardly stay put. It wasn’t uncommon for him to secure a sack around his cast and hobble outside in the snow with crutches and coveralls. Due to the kitchen being remodeled, the microwave was now located in our bedroom upstairs, along with a small table and Rubbermaid tubs of dishes and food. I have always loved a good bed and breakfast.

Less than a week later, we were preparing for my birthday party when we got the scary call from our oldest daughter, Nicole, exclaiming that our youngest daughter was in a head-on car accident just outside Aurora. I was amazed at how fast this one-legged daddy could get himself and his cast and crutches in the back of my vehicle. I was equally amazed at how much faster he thought I could drive with his backseat instructions. The 12mile trip seemed like it was across the state. Thankful for four-wheel drive and a fast beating heart, I was able to get us there, pass the traffic and into the ditch next to the wreckage.

The ambulance was occupied, and we instructed our son-in-law to take our vehicle and our daughter to the hospital. After all, our vehicle was already handicap-equipped. As I stood there with my husband on crutches and no vehicle, I had another brief moment of panic that screams “What now?” Fortunately, a coworker of Kimber’s, who had witnessed the accident and had stayed on the scene, offered to take us to our other daughter’s vehicle, which was parked on the opposite side of the accident scene. Once we

arrive at her car, I proceeded to get out and thank Tia for all her help. She so calmly replied with “your husband is lying in the ditch.” Apparently, sliding out of the back seat of a vehicle on a slope is a challenge for a man with one leg and two crutches. He was OK, just a bit of bruised pride.

We were very thankful that our daughter’s injuries were no more than a broken right foot and some lacerations. While standing in her hospital room, she made a proclamation that caught me so off guard, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Since I can’t work and my leg is in a cast, I think I will just come home and hang out with dad.” Why not? Every household needs two people with two broken bones, two scooters and too much togetherness.

The biggest challenge was getting them home. With both having the right leg casted that meant the same leg had to be pointed in the same direction while riding in a vehicle with one back seat. This is similar to putting two square pegs in one round hole. Fortunately, once I could squeeze them into the Pathfinder, I could also store their two scooters in the back. I love my roomy SUV. After, Kimber’s surgery, it really hit me that I had too much responsibility. As I assisted my husband and his scooter into the vehicle, the nurse was promptly behind us wheeling her out for me to take home too. These two adults were relying on me totally to get them from point A to point B. Of course, with pain meds and some kind of irritable syndrome

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“God had other plans,” she said. “My husband, who likes to remain anonymous, is a kind and patient man who works very hard either teaching me or fixing what I didn’t learn.”

Pam and her husband live in the country and raise grass-fed beef. They own Wormington Trucking, carrying on three generations of milk haulers.

“I love my life and all the laughs that come with it,” she said.

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Back at the ranch, Kirk had his chair and stash of snacks and items of necessity while Kimber had the couch. I might add her spot didn’t come with a TV remote like her dad’s.

This was the first sign of too much togetherness. Within 24 hours, our daughter had been exposed to Queen Concerts and Walton reruns on TV. While I attempted to return to my job and work with the contractor explaining that the kitchen remodel needed to come to a completion soon, I was continually met with 2-year-old challenges. Yes, my husband and daughter would tattle on each other via text messaging. “Kimber wrecked her scooter,” followed by a picture of her laying in the floor and “Dad went down the stairs to the basement,” followed by a picture of an empty scooter next to the stairs. I must confess, I am not too sure that when I wasn’t home there weren’t scooter races in the open kitchen dining room area and down the hall, but I had no evidence and as long as there were no additional broken bones, I would just let this be their entertainment.

As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons make lemonade. It’s kind of hard to do when you have no kitchen but we managed.

We took our old cabinets and made ramps so that the scooters and their riders could make it in and out of the house. Another speed trap for this daddy-daughter duo who loves a good adrenaline rush.

Looking back now, it all seems a blur. He has a new ankle, she has a new foot, and I have a new kitchen.

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

The makers of

marketing Marketing class members, pictured from left, Mollie McDonald from Mt. Vernon High School, Lena Western from Exeter High School, Sierra Wise from Pierce City High School, and Holly Thompson, seated, from Crane High School worked together on some logo options.

Aurora High School student A.J. Covarrubias, part of the Scott Tech marketing class, is pictured practicing his portion of the presentation. (left) The afternoon marketing class is pictured at the Frisco caboose in the park on the Mt. Vernon Business Loop. Pictured, front row from left, are: Chamber Director Pam Dudley, Jimmy Jaime – Verona, Isel Trujillo – Monett. Second row: Kelly Aldaba – Monett. Top row: Aaron Moore – Marionville hanging off the train, and A.J. Covarrubias – Aurora. The photo was taken after the class met with Dudley to determine what her needs were.

48 | JULY 2016

Selling the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce becomes goal for Scott Tech students

M

arketing is an art, the professionals will tell you. There are Don Drapers in the world who shape ideas into visions and jingles that stick to one’s psyche like glue.

It can be an honorable profession, as it is taught at the Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett to students from 14 area high schools. It’s one thing to talk about it and another to do it.

This spring, students in teacher Jill Fannin’s marketing classes took on a real assignment and had a chance to show if they were made of “the Right Stuff.”

Their client was the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Pam Dudley, the new director, had not worked for a Chamber before, having served as an accounts manager for an industry.

“She needed ideas on what to do with marketing and promotion efforts,” Fannin said. “She contacted Anessa Brown,” the former business technology instructor at Scott Tech who is now the career services coordinator, “and asked if we could help them.”

Fannin came to Scott Tech after working in advertising agencies for 13 years.

“I was used to doing a project a month,” Fannin said. “I’d done this with professionals several times. This was dealing with first-timers. I had to make sure they understood the project, to put it in the context of a beginner.”

Fannin had two classes: morning and afternoon. Each operated independent from the other. She had to direct the students into identifying its target audience, goals and objectives, marketing strategies, shaping messaging ideas, competitive analysis and a media plan.

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sioned a business-to-consumer message, their assignment was business-to-business, or the city communicating with a business. That focus tailored the content of the message and how it was packaged.

Business-to-business was a new approach for the students.

“I was pleased with the team effort,” Fannin said. “I could give them a good start and let them run with it. What I loved is a lot of the concepts taught all year manifested into this thing.”

These were all first-year students.

Second-year students go out to businesses and work on internships, making the success of the classes even more remarkable.

Students had some creative approaches that even surprised their teacher.

“I loved their Facebook live-streaming approach,” Fannin said. “I was not familiar with that. They had ideas for contests and giveaways, for billboards and some innovative ideas for how to get new members. They presented how to do a Google ad that comes up on the computer screen in top searches.”

Fannin’s two classes each had five students, small enough that they could work together as a team. The classes worked from the same strategies but came up with totally different ways to launch their campaigns. Because they worked on a small budget, the students relied on innovation and a number of social media approaches that were free. Classes also teamed up with the graphic design class and ended up presenting eight different logo ideas.

“Pam [Dudley] was wonderfully supportive of all of it,” Fannin said. “She loved everything. Everything was very usable. Miss Dudley could use them to promote the Chamber or the city.

“Understanding what a Chamber does was huge for the students. They had to understand how a Chamber gets business, how it promotes itself and how it oper-

ates. They had to understand media, the delivery mechanisms. That took a lot of time. It was new to them, especially social media communications in general to other businesses. In working with the graphic design team, they had to learn how to

communicate what a client wants to communicate and to refine their original ideas before presenting them to the client.”

The morning class identified strategic strengths of Mt. Vernon, such as its location, recreational opportunities and major attractions like Apple Butter Makin’ Days. They noted the limited staffing at the Chamber, its remote location despite its proximity to the square and its past limitations in technology use.

In addition to suggesting a new logo,

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the class proposed strategies used by other chambers, such as online tools, a chamber blog, job openings and a free membership for suggesting new innovative approaches.

Social media boosts, E-newsletters, giveaways, securing an LED sign to enhance visibility and seeking community feedback suggested directions to take.

The afternoon class suggested SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound) objectives, such as increasing chamber membership by 25 percent by the summer of 2017 and attracting two new businesses that could produce more than $2 million in sales revenue by the end of 2017.

After identifying weaknesses in approaches used by chambers in and out of the area representing major markets, the afternoon class recommended a much more active social media stance. They encouraged creation of content in marketing that viewers would like to see, sharing posts from the city and from Facebook by members, regularly utilizing Twitter for short announcements, making direct mailings to every address in the ZIP code, advertising online, using Facebook live streaming, seeking sponsorships to establish higher visibility, using more promotional items, rewarding loyalty and asking members for ideas.

The students spoke well of their experience.

“I really enjoyed this project,” said Mollie McDonald, a Mt. Vernon High School junior. “It is more fun to have a real client, than just doing pretend projects. The hardest part was getting the plan exactly right and making all the little changes at the end of the project. This one was a little less stressful than the plan we did for the Repurposed Faire [in Monett], since that was our first experience with presenting to real clients.”

“My favorite part of this project was brainstorming different ways to bring the message to the market, like what kind of media made the most sense for them and keeping the costs within her budget,” said Kelly Aldaba, Monett High School senior.

One of the big challenges was how

Marketing class members, pictured from left, Mollie McDonald from Mt. Vernon High School, Lena Western from Exeter High School, Sierra Wise from Pierce City High School, and Holly Thompson, seated, from Crane High School worked together on some logo options.

quickly the project had to be completed.

Fannin noted she had to teach concepts before the students could do them.

“I welcomed the challenge,” Fannin said. “It helps students more than anything else. It’s the best way to teach.”

She also played to the students’ strengths, letting those who wrote best do the writing, for example, rather than trying to have everybody do everything. She felt the most difficult part to grasp came from putting all the pieces together — coming up with the media options within a budget, determining exact costs, who to contact and who to email. Making the presentation was also new to the students.

Fannin found this was one of the biggest learning experiences.

“That’s what we’re about, teaching professional life skills, teaching concepts and fundamentals of marketing with life skills to be employable,” Fannin said. “A few of them said they want to go into marketing now. One student has taken on a client this summer, and I told him I would help. That’s exactly what a teacher wants to hear: that the student likes it and wants to do it again.”

The process may not be as easy to repeat next year. Due to successes and perhaps the students talking up their experience, Fannin said her enrollment numbers will triple next year. 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

These photos were recently captured by Dave Fielder of Shell Knob.

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

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

52 | JULY 2016

These photos were recently captured by Esther Hightower.

See more Hightower photos on page 6

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

These photos were recently captured by Alisha Ginn of Berryville, Ark., in her yard.

54 | JULY 2016

These photos were captured by Joseph Wiley Miller between Monett and Granby on Memorial Day weekend.

a miller p hoto is featured on the Connection July 2016 cover CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 55

These photos were recently captured by Valerie Miller

These photos were recently captured by Grace Wormington, age 15.

56 | JULY 2016

HometownSound

a

The RedHots Entertaining audiences for two decades

W

ith a couple clicks of his drum sticks, HometownSound and The RedHots leader and producer Greg Beck cues the band to pick up where they left off during a rehearsal. Then, lead guitarist Jack Reed, ends on a perfect guitar lick, and the band takes a break to crack a joke or two.

“Hey, what are ya playin’ there?” a member jokes. Keyboardist Jennifer Evans plays a G on her piano. “Does that not sound right?” she asks.

Not your typical band, HometownSound and The RedHots, formed in 1992 in Cassville by Beck to play at civic functions and fundraisers, is a community-centered, hometown band that has been entertaining Barry Countians with a variety of musical entertainment for more than two decades. In addition to its core members, it utilizes the community pool for vocalists, from children to business owners, civic leaders and students.

The band is most well known for “The Show,” an annual performance that takes place in conjunction with

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

Cassville’s Chili and Salsa Cook-Off and fall festival. The two-hour variety show features local talent, and all ticket sales are donated to the Cassville Chamber of Commerce for the betterment of the community.

“Most of the time we play for food!” jokes Beck, who also serves as public relations, jazz drummer and stage hand for the band. “I have to play. I love the challenge of learning new music, trying new sounds and experimenting with electronics. I love watching singers learn a new genre and amaze themselves by stretching their vocal abilities.”

“He has an abundance of natural talent,” said Brenda Beck, who plays percussion. “Me, I have a bit of natural rhythm, love music and support Greg.”

The members have literally been doing life together for over two decades.

“This group is like an extended fam-

HometownSound and The RedHots members Debbie Nickle, forefront, Bruce Nickle, Jack Reed and Greg Beck share a laugh while taking a break during a rehearsal. Most of the band’s core members have been performing together for 20 years and say the band feels more like an extended family.

ily,” she said. “We have been through births, deaths, divorces, marriages and accidents, just like a family. Greg has played in bands since high school, college and on the road. He is glad to have a band but not have to travel all the time.”

Twenty-plus-year longevity is practically unheard of in today’s musical climate — unless you’re the Rolling Stones.

“The band has stayed together because Greg refuses to let it break up,” Brenda said. “Honestly, we have not been close to a break up, ever. He is easy to work with and gives more than he takes.

‘I think we’re more like family’ - Brenda beck, percussion

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

Bass Guitarist Bruce Nickle, left, and Lead Guitarist Jack Reed, add some guitar licks to a song during a rehearsal.

I was ready to quit after the first show.

It was so much work, although Don and Carolyn Bowen have always been great to help. At that time, we were raising four boys.

“I would help pick songs and singers, play the cassette tape and write off the words so we could make copies for the band. Yes, hand-written lyrics. Much has changed over the last 23 years.”

Carol House and Jo Ellen Fielding, two of the band’s original members, performed with the band for 20 years.

“I enjoyed playing with good musicians and making long-time friends,” House said. “We worked as a team and no one tried to receive more attention than another.”

“Greg suggested having a variety show,” Fielding said. “I was a backup singer the first year. Then I played some percussion, and finally settled into the flute and keyboard. I enjoyed the opportunity to play music, and the camaraderie of members.”

Don and Carolyn Bowen provided stage management and behind-thescenes support.

“They’ve been with us from the start and have done huge things for us,” Brenda said.

Bruce and Debbie Nickle, who own

Sound man Ken Latschar adjusts the treble and bass to give the band the perfect sound.

58 | JULY 2016

Nickle’s Flooring in Cassville, have been with the band since its second year.

“I think we’re more like family,” said Bruce, who plays bass guitar.

“My youngest son was 3 years old when we started up the original band,” said Debbie, who plays keyboard and sings. “He is now 26. He knows just about every song we have ever played.

Our audiences vary in age, but it’s always a family show. “ Ken Latschar, a member since 2000, provides sound, which keeps him in the background, just the way he likes it, he said.

“It is surprising the talent Cassville and surrounding area has,” Latschar said. “So my job’s really easy. “I used to play the trombone in school and it

gives me something musically I can do.

The fact we are a community-organized group is what makes us different. And once you sing with the group you’re part of the group.”

Trombone player, auxiliary percussionist and previous Cassville Mayor Jim Craig has been with the band 18 years, and is known for wearing shades during performances.

“I get in the zone when I perform and close my eyes,” he said. “Someone got a picture of that once. So they said, ‘You should wear sunglasses.’ We’re just a bunch of normal people with real jobs who get together to give the community something special once a year. I think our fan base looks forward to seeing new faces every year.”

HometownSound and The RedHots members rehearse a song, along with a guest vocalist from the community.

Lead guitarist Jack Reed, known for his unmistakable mustache and ball cap, has been with the band for 24 years, and drives from Stotts City to Cassville every week, about a 90-minute round trip, for rehearsals.

“I do it just to be in it and in “The Show,” he said. “That and the friendships with the people here.”

Rocky Mills, with the band for 18 years, plays trumpet, banjo and rhythm sticks.

“My family sings gospel, and I play the trumpet at church,” he said. “It keeps us in practice.”

Jennifer Evans provides keyboards, vocals and has been with the band since 2003.

“I have stayed with it because I feel a sense of loyalty to the band and the

community,” she said. “We’re not in it to go on tour or to make an album, we do it for fun and for our community.” 

Members of HometownSound and The RedHots, along with a guest vocalist from the community, rehearse together, getting their sound just right.

To book an event for HometownSound and The RedHots, people may call 417-847-2426.

HometownSound and The RedHots leader Greg Beck and band members rehearse a song to prepare for “The Show.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

Joe Myers of Shell Knob sits in his 1968 California Special edition Mustang, that he found again after selling it 35 years ago.

‘It’s a miracle they’re even still in existence’

l lifornia Specia

1968 Ca ds beside his Joe Myers stan in the 1970s. as a teenager

ng

edition Musta

Miraculous Recovery Two brothers find original high school cars 35 years later

60 | JULY 2016

T

wo Shell Knob brothers have reunited with old friends they lost 35 years ago — two 1968 California Special Mustangs.

In the late 1970s, Joe and Nick Myers each bought a 1968 candy apple red California Special collector’s edition Mustang. Joe from a car lot in Republic, Nick from a lot in Springfield.

As typical teenage boys, they enjoyed cruising their cars around Republic where they attended high school, and turning heads with the special edition bright red cars. They jacked up the back ends, added fat back tires, cranked up the music, and congregated at local hangouts.

Story by Julia Kilmer

One time, Joe was caught speeding and given a ticket by his own father, who was a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper.

Aside from getting speeding tickets, he thoroughly enjoyed his car.

“I had a lot of good times in that car,” Joe said. “I washed it incessantly, I knew every scratch and ding. I took good care of it. The sentimental value meant a lot to me.”

“We were pretty proud kids to be cruising around Republic in those cars,” said Nick, who got his car at 17. “We got a lot of people’s attention. We hung out at the car wash, where there was always a crowd of muscle cars, and there was drag racing.”

About five years later, they each sold the

Brothers Joe and Nick Myers of Shell Knob stand beside their almost identical 1968 California Special Mustangs they found again, 35 years after buying them. cars, regretting the decision. In 1980, Joe saw the movie, Smokey and the Bandit, and decided he wanted a TransAm. And Nick, after rolling his Mustang and repairing it with insurance money, traded his for a Datsun 280Z. “I found out it was a piece of junk and tried to trade to get my car back, but the guy wouldn’t trade,” he said.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

Pictured is the front end of a 1968 California Special Mustang. The cars were manufactured in California as a means to boost Mustang sales in the late 1960s, and shipped to dealerships across the country.

“I was happy with my TransAm for several years,” he said. “But the older I got, the more I realized I’d let a collector’s edition get away, and wondered if it was still in existence. When my son was old enough to realize what cars were about, he asked ‘Dad, why’d you sell that car?’ That was a really cool car.’

“Everyone got tired of hearing me complain about it. So, 31 years later, we got to looking for it.”

His mom and wife helped search, but kept running into brick walls.

Luckily, his dad still had the original paperwork and VIN number.

“Then, my mother was at a high school reunion, and said she knew a guy who could find that car,” he said.

“He located my car in Hurricane, Utah. It was still in a collector’s hands.

It had six or seven possession changes in the last 31 years. When I got it back in 2011, it had hardly been driven, was garage-kept, and in better shape than when I sold it as a teenager in 1980.”

The price tag was $30,000, compared to the $2,500 he sold it for in 1980 — about $7,200 in today’s

money. But its sentimental worth far outweighed the cost, as far as he was concerned.

“To get them back after all these years, to me is a miracle,” said Joe, who today is a UPS driver. “The year, I got mine back, I drove mine in the Apple Butter Days parade, and won a plaque for Best Story.”

Then, Nick’s lucky day came.

“Mom called me up and said she’d found my brother’s car,” Nick said. “I was happy for him, but a little envious, too. About six months later, she called me up and told me where my car was.

I couldn’t wait to get to Harrison, Ark.,

to see if it was the same car.

“Dad and I took a ride, and we found it in a Mustang collectors barn, checked out the VIN number, and sure enough, it matched.

He got his car back, but it was in rough shape.

“I ended up having to pay $10,000 to get it back (compared to $1,400 for its original purchase), with no motor, no transmission, no interior, just the hull of the car,” Nick said. “Structurally, there wasn’t an ounce of rust on it.

It was all new metal. We towed it home and took it to Cassville Auto Body where it was for about a year. It took quite a bit of work getting it ready.”

Realizing he was in over his head, he took the car to an shop in Springfield, where it sat two years and got a new motor and transmission, then took it locally to Les Jacobs to work out a few bugs.

“About a month ago, I finally got

Pictured are the back ends of two 1968 California Special Mustangs, owned by Joe and Nick Myers, who originally bought them as teenagers in the 1970s, sold them, then tracked them down 35 years later and bought them again.

62 | JULY 2016

A peek under the hood shows the engine of a restored 1968 California Special Mustang, which originally came with a 289 motor and automatic transmission. Shell Knob brothers Joe and Nick Myers bought two of the special edition collector’s cars in the late 1970s, and found them still in existence 35 years later.

to drive the thing home,” he said. “It’s only been to Shell Knob a couple times.

Brenda and I took it to Eureka Springs, Ark., to eat supper, and got all kinds of looks and stares.

“It’s been a long road to travel, but I’m really tickled to get it back,” he said. “Everyone who sees it at the gas station or grocery store wants to talk about it.

Today, Nick owns and operates his

own business, Myers Dirtworks, LLC. Now in their 50s, both brothers live on the same street in Shell Knob, both have nearly identical cars again, and both get to share a mutual dream come true.

“It’s a miracle they were both still in existence,” Joe said. “Ours came with a 289 engine and were automatics. The only difference was mine has a whitestriping kit and his has a black kit; he

has a black interior, mine is maroon.”

“It would be one thing to get one car back, but to get both cars, that were the same car?” Nick said. “I don’t think my car will be going anywhere.”

“Now, they’re in a garage under covers, and we don’t get them out except for sunny days,” Joe said. “My greatest thrill is taking it out for a nice Sunday drive. Every time I sit behind the wheel, I feel like I’m 16 again.” 

“My greatest thrill is taking it out for a nice Sunday drive.

Every time I sit behind the wheel, I feel like I’m 16 again.”

- Joe Myers

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

CUTEST PET

Prince belongs to Maycee Blake of Exeter.

Meet Prince.

July’s winner!

If you think your furry or feathered friend is the cutest in the area, let us know!

We invite you to share a photo of your pet to be featured in Connection’s Cutest Pet contest.

Email your pet’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 pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.

64 | JULY 2016

Story continued from page 41 clear how much he cares for the newspaper and the community.

“Bob cares deeply about Cassville, Barry County and the Table Rock Lake area,” she said. “Having worked for Bob and his mother, Kathryn Mitchell, who was publisher of the Cassville Democrat, I know how much of his time was spent promoting Cassville. When it came to Cassville, if Cassville was ever overlooked or not given recognition or credit for something that he believed was due, he would take it as a personal insult.

“Bob’s family roots run deep here, as this was where he grew up. He truly believed this was a special place, and I’ve heard him refer to it as ‘God’s Country’ many times. You also can’t talk about Bob Mitchell without talking about his politics. He is a proud Democrat. Politics plays a prominent roll in his life. For one thing he came from a long line of Democrats in his family.”

As editor of the paper, Wierman said Mitchell was called upon many times to give his assistance to Democratic candidates, and several of them relied on him to write their political ads, which Bob didn’t hesitate to do.

“I think a couple of highlights for him was when Nolan McNeill, a Democrat from Cassville, got elected state representative from this district, and also when Rex Stumpff, a Democrat, got elected Barry County Clerk,” she said.

“There were some others, but I think these two were special for him.”

Schlitchman said she was new to Cassville and fresh out of journalism school at the University of Missouri when she first met Mitchell.

“When I first worked for him, my desk was in his office and he would go to meetings and take notes, then have me write up the stories,” she said. “Then, I had kids and was staying at home, but when Bob was out of town, I would run the paper for him.”

Schlitchman said she and her husband, Mike, bought the paper from Mitchell in 1995 because it was the next

best thing to his children buying it.

“We were a young couple and committed to Cassville,” she said. “One thing I truly learned from Bob was to be committed to the area. The paper would be successful if Cassville was successful.

Bob also taught me to be generous with my time and to get involved.”

Schlitchman said Mitchell exemplified the approach with his work through the IDC. “His helping to bring so much industry to Cassville probably saved the city,” she said. “And, from the other side, you have to have industry and businesses to buy ads, and people who live locally to subscribe. Bob understood that newspapers have a role in community growth and economic development, and I still use that same philosophy.

“Bob and Sue were also a great model of the husband and wife team for me and Mike. We really admired their lifestyle and relationship.”

About 10 years after buying it from Mitchell, the paper did make its way to a corporate group, as the Schlitchmans sold it to Rust Communications in 2004.

Schlitchman said she and Mike did what they thought was best for the future of the paper.

“Mike is a smart businessman, and Rust approached us with a very good offer,” Lisa Schlitchman said. “Gary Rust came to our house and sat in our living room, so we felt it was the next best thing to sell to them, and we felt like Rust being family-owned was the best scenario.

“We saw the writing on the wall for the paper, and it was at a crossroads. We needed new technology, and it came to the question of how much we should personally invest. All that said, I miss not owning the paper.”

Mitchell said he is still happy to write a weekly column for the Democrat.

“I don’t really miss the business,” he said. “The column keeps me in it just enough. I get tickled when people say, ‘Oh Bob, I like your column and what

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you said last week.’ And, I always say call down there to the office and tell them, and maybe I’ll get a raise. People like that kind of stuff, leaning on the past.”

Mitchell said even though he has been out of the newspaper business for 20 years, he still fields calls at home all the time from concerned residents.

“People call me and ask what I’m going to do about this or that, and I say I’m out of the do-somethingabout-it business, and you need to call the Democrat office,” he said. “I’ll probably just head out to see some great grandkids or something.”

Wierman, who has spent more than 40 years with the Democrat, said she would not have had it any other way.

“I worked for Bob and Kathryn for 25 years, from 1970 to 1995, and after Kathryn passed away, he sold the paper to Mike and Lisa Schlichtman,” she said. “They made it very easy to do my job and allowed me pretty much a free rein in managing the office. I actually was treated like family in many ways. For several years, when Bob, Sue and Kathryn got ready to go to lunch, they always insisted on me going with them, and of course, Bob paid for my lunch.”

Wierman said Mitchell is a one-ofa-kind individual, and he was always looking out for those around him.

“Bob was always very respectful, and there were times when he had to tell people to watch their language, as he would not tolerate them speaking bad language when I was present, and I never heard it from him either,” she said.

Through all the years, Mitchell said he has no regrets.

“It was a good ride, and it was really good to us,” he said.

“I’ve got no remorse about anything. If I stepped on any toes back then, I’d step on them again.” 

My The Hillman family took the Connection Magazine with them on a visit to their son and his girlfriend in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. They are standing in front of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. From left to right, Allie, Devin, Kierstyn, Bill and Donna Hillman, with Danielle Lock and Garrett Hillman.

Mary Mael and Lynn Kellhofer of Monett took Connection Magazine with them on a Caribbean cruise.

Jacqueline Brown of Jefferson City, formerly of Cassville, took Connection Magazine with her during a trip to Havana, Cuba.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 67

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68 | JULY 2016

Familiar faces

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PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com

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Dale and Dawn Mackey Kames, Kevin and Lindsey Johnson Payton Pendleton and Vicki Slagle Ryan and Zetta McDowell Amber Tindell and Brianne Eaton Neva and Willow Welters Haley Portillo, Cruz Sooter and Christina Portillo 8. Mason and Amanda Lee 9. Brian and Keira Eaton

The sixth annual Pierce City Arts Festival was held on May 14 in the South Park in Pierce City.

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

Bus. (417) 235-0016 Fax (417) 235-6364 Res. (417) 442-7974 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 69

The ninth annual dinner for cancer survivors and their caregivers

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An annual event with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and now part of the 2016 Festival of Barry County, was held on May 20 at the First United Methodist Church in Monett.

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1. Hope Shorter and David Wallace

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2. Sandra Wicker and Samantha Davis 3. Charlotte Cavener and Carolyn Kemp 4. J.R. and Linda Cavener 5. Becky Potter and Courtney Fergerson 6. Sonie and David Probstfield

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7. Jay Apostol and Helen and Albert Cox 8. James and Gladys Hargis and Geraldine Fields 9. Kayla Freeman and Nellie Stellwagen 10. Ayden and Laurie Boarder

7 70 | JULY 2016

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Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, on the church grounds in Pierce City.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church hosted its annual picnic

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Vintage • Collectibles • Resale Architectural Salvage

1. Danny Bowman, Mike Kaiser and Bryan Stellwagen manned the grill.

2. Jacque and Monica Ballay.

3. Sisters Beverly O’Hara, Geraldine Brattin, Mary Lou Lombard and Marjorie Layton.

Coming Soon: “Cheesecake on a Stick!”

4. Beverly Miller and Pat Kaiser.

5. Elizabeth Seufert and Mickayla Blinzler.

6. Jodi Wagenseroom, Mattie Brottlund, Laura Dieckhoff, Christine Younker and Danielle Brottlund.

7. Kim and Kristen Jones.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 71

First Friday Coffee at Commerce Bank 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Joe Hayden, Bob Allen and Phil Hutchens Maria West and Shawna Oltjenbruns Gary Whyte, Mark Smith and J.R. Smith Stan Kelley and Mike McCracken Dr. Chad Johnson and Justin Gates Skyler Beebe and Michelle Bredeson

1

3

2

4

5

6

Ad list Acambaro Mexican Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . 8 A-List Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Animal Clinic of Pierce City. . . . . . . . . . . 40 Apple Red’s Resale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Arvest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Ava Belle’s Flea Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Barry Electric Coop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home. . . 15 Bentonview Park Health & Rehabilitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Carl Pyper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Carolyn Hunter, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cassville Health & Rehab. . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 CJR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Coast to Coast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Community National Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Cornerstone Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Country Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

72 | JULY 2016

Edward Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Farm Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 First State Bank of Purdy. . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Four Seasons Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Four State Dental Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri. . . . . 8 Friendly Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Grande Tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Guanajuato Mexican Store. . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Gunnels Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 J&J Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 J. Michael Riehn, Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Lacoba Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Meeks Building Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mocha Jo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Monett Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . 8 Monett Main Street. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Oak Point Assisted Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Old Town Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Peppers and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Plymouth Junction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Quality Archery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Scott Regional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Second Chances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri. . . . 4 Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Smile Designers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Swartz Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Taura Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Jane Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Tomblin’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Tried & True. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Trogdon Marshall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Willis Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Youngberg Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ziggies Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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This photo was recently captured by Esther Hightower.

Parting shot

“My dream is of a place and time where America will once again be seen as the last, best hope on earth.”

— Abraham Lincoln 74 | JULY 2016

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