News Briefs, April 24

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats to meet

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will meet on Thursday at the Angus Branch Steakhouse, located at 114 Chapel Drive in Monett. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. Those wishing to eat should arrive by 5:30-5:45 p.m., with each responsible for their own meal expense. Chelsea Rodriquez, communications Director for the Missouri Democratic Party, will be the featured guest speaker. Also speaking will be some Democratic candidates for Missouri State Representative and State Senate seats. There will also be reports from our Scholarship/Education Committee and other business to conduct. All area Democrats and like-minded friends are invited and encouraged to attend. For more information, people may call Jim Kabell at 417-848-4640.

2nd Annual Ladies’ Luncheon on Saturday

The 2nd Annual First Christian Church of Cassville Women’s Group Ladies’ Luncheon will be held at the church, located at 905 Old Exeter Road, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Guest speakers include Sue Caveness, with Dress-A-Girl SWMO; Sheryl McAfee, with Paula’s Hope; Jennifer Amayo, a firefighter and public speaker; and Suzy Buchite, a local public speaker. All proceeds from the event will benefit Dress-A-Girl, which has provided more than 2 million dresses to girls in poverty-stricken countries since 2009. Tickets are $10 each, and people may purchase them at https://tinyurl.com/4v3v97s8, or people may message the church’s Facebook page (@fcccassville) or call Cindy at 417-342-3180. People may also call 417-847-2460. Local agencies, charities and select vendors will be on-site to share information and have items available for purchase.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ rehearsals underway

The Cassville Arts Council has begun rehearsing for its next production, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Rehearsals began on Monday and continue Monday through Friday from 6:30-9 p.m., with not all people required at all rehearsals. The play will take the stage on June 20-22 at 7 p.m. each night, then at 3 p.m. on June 23. Specific roles will be determined after the first week of rehearsal. All who want to participate will receive a role, and actors should be 14-and-older unless a parent or guardian is also participating. Anyone interested in a specific role, or is looking for more information, may contact Trent Oliphant at 417-665-8635 or trentoliphant@gmail.com.

Charlie 22 Outdoors launching Operation Little Flat Creek

Charlie 22 Outdoors, dedicated to helping veterans connect with the outdoors, is seeking applications for Operation Flat Creek, which encompasses three sessions and two fishing day. Session I is June 18-20, with applications due by May 18; Session II is July 9-11, with applications due by June 9; and Session III will be in November, with exact dates and deadlines to be determined. There will also be two fishing days, on April 23 and on May 16. The sessions, hosted by Little Flat Creek Ranches in Barry County, are all-expenses-paid adventures for veterans, Gold Star families and families who have lost a loved one to PTSD. Operation Little Flat Creek will be held at a 17-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, blue gill and catfish. Other activities include watching wildlife, enjoying the creek, ATV rides, property tours and more. The lodge offers an ideal place for rest and relaxation, and spouses, children and parents of veterans are welcome. Wheelchair accessibility is also an option. To apply, people may visit www.charlie22outdoors.com. For more information, people may email charlie22outdoors@gmail.com or call 417-437-7247. Volunteer guide opportunities are available, as are veteran sponsorships.

Cassville Branch Library activities scheduled

Activities at the Cassville Branch Library this week include: Today, Open Adult Crafts from 10 a.m. to noon, After-School Wii Games from 3:30-5 p.m. (waiver required); Thursday, Tot Time at 9 a.m. (registration required), Story Time at 10 a.m. (registration required), Adult Painting at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. ($5 registration fee); Friday, Teen Painting at 4 p.m. (registration required); Saturday, Tween and Teen Video Games from 10 a.m. to noon; Tuesday, Homeschool Program at 10 a.m. (registration required), Canvas Tote Painting at 6 p.m. ($5 registration fee). For more information on any programs, people may call 417-847-2121. The library is located at 301 W. 17th St. in Cassville.

OATS rides available in Barry County

OATS Transit offers regular transportation services for the rural general public of any age, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Please call the local OATS Transit office at 417-887-9272 or 800-770-6287 to schedule a ride or find out about services in the Barry County area. People may also visit the OATS website at oatstransit.org to view local schedules under “Bus Schedules,” then click on the county of service. OATS offices will be closed, and regular routes will not be running on Feb. 20 for Presidents’ Day. Please keep this in mind as trips are scheduled near these holidays. OATS Transit is hiring drivers statewide to can continue serving riders. Openings are listed on the OATS website.

Lessons offered before Seligman’s Saturday dances

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce country dances at the Seligman Chamber Event Center are every Saturday from 7-10 p.m. No alcohol is allowed. Admission is $10 per person, and 18-and-under are free. There is a potluck, 50-50 drawing and door prizes. Free dance lessons will also be given from 5-6 p.m. For more information, people may call 479-903-3640.