Top 25 impactful stories from 2025
The Wright County Journal has picked the Top 25 impactful stories for which 2025 will be remembered. The order does not indicate importance.
Retirement for Dr. David Barbe
Mountain Grove’s Dr. David Barbe retires after more than 40 years.
John Miller retires as public administrator
Public Administrator John Miller retires after serving Wright County for 40 years in the position. He was the longest serving public administrator in Missouri.
Game-winning shot in district finals
Hartville’s Payton Cogdill hits game-winning shot with .4 seconds left to help Eagles beat Norwood for district title.
Lady Pirates make it to Final Four
The Norwood Lady Pirates’ basketball team punched their ticket to a third straight Final Four. Finish fourth at state.
Tornado hits rural Wright County
Around 60-70 m.p.h. winds cause damage in rural Hartville
Hayden Akers takes fourth at
state archery
Mountain Grove’s Hayden Akers shot a 292 to place fourth in state 3D tournament.
David Todd elected mayor
In a hotly contested City of Mountain Grove mayoral race, David Todd wins with 324 total votes.
Hannah Kelly to run for senate
Former State. Rep. Hannah Kelly announces plans to run for State Senate seat to be vacated by Sen. Justin Brown.
Weathering the storm in Grove
City Administrator and City Clerk abruptly resigns before meeting. New mayor and Council navigate way through crazy week. Rick Outersky returns in interim administrator role.
New Board brings back Dr. Golden
A newly elected Mountain Grove R-III School Board gets sworn in and brings back Dr. Lori Golden as middle school principal.
Marler gets Premier Artist
Jimmie Marler gets Premier Artist Prize from Madrid, Spain Contemporary Art Station.
Norwood softball team gets inducted into HOF
The 1991 state championship team from Norwood High School was officially inducted into the Missouri State Hall of Fame.
Gunner Bradshaw wins state
Norwood’s Gunner Bradshaw wins state championship in high jump.
McWhirter performs
Famous Christian singer Stephen McWhirter, shares testimony and performs in Mountain Grove. Known for hit single, “Come Jesus Come.”
Ag Director visits Twin Knobs
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn visits Twin Knobs Dairy in Vanzant.
Couple named top tree farmers
Max and Lois Schmollinger, of Mountain Grove, were named the Missouri Tree Farmers of the Year.
Former LPGA golfer visits club
Former LPGA golfer Sharon Miller visits Wedgewood Country Club.
Bellamy Brothers perform
The famous Bellamy Brothers “let their love flow” at the Heritage Festival in Mountain Grove.
U.S. Rep. Jason Smith visits farm
U.S. Rep. Jason Smith makes visit to Hill Top Jerseys Dairy Farm in Norwood.
“Little House” at Wilder Days
“Little House on the Prairie” television stars Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder), Wendy Lou Lee (Baby Grace) and Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle), were grand marshals for 50th Wilder Days event in Mansfield.
Sheriff Byerley set to retire
Wright County Sheriff Sonny Byerley retires. Sets up January special election.
Dr. Gourley named chair
Dr. Melissa Gourley was elected MSU Board Chair.
Southside Baptist in new church
After more than 850 days, Southside Baptist Church opened their new building. Previous one was burned down by an arson.
Chambers wins state CC title
Norwood cross country runner Jayden Chambers wins state championship.
District title
Panthers’ football wins district title.