News Briefs, June 26

Purdy Community Picnic and Fireworks Show coming up

The Purdy Community Picnic and Fireworks Show will be held July 3 at The Gathering Place in Purdy, located at 100 Old Bus. 37 and Hwy. C, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a picnic meal, live musical entertainment, and a fireworks show at dark. People may bring lawn chairs and join the community for a great time. For questions, people may call Julie Terry at 417-236-4139.

Cassville Senior Center hosting monthly dances

The Cassville Senior Center has started a once-a-month dance and dinner event with live music. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the dance is from 7-10 p.m. The Board of Directors for the Senior Center is sponsoring dances at the facility, located at 1111 Fair St. in Cassville. Dances are held on the first Friday of the month. Everyone is welcome. The July Dance will be held on July 5, going along with Fourth of July Festivities. There will be prizes and a 50/50 Raffle. The admission fee is $5 per person, and the dinner cost is a $5 donation. The menu is potluck, and attendees are welcome to bring a dish. All proceeds go to Senior Center.

Purdy Alumni Association to meet

The Purdy Alumni Association will meet on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Purdy school cafeteria. For more information, people may call Mickey Henderson at 417-442-7312.

Washburn conducting smoke test

The city of Washburn is conducting a smoke test of its sewer system on Thursday and Friday. The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor and creates no fire hazards. The smoke should not enter a home unless it has defective plumbing or dried up drain traps. If anyone at a home or business suffers from respiratory issues and is immobile, they should notify city hall by calling 417-846-3203 or 417-826-5242. More information about the tests may be found in person at city hall.

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats to meet

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will be holding their regular monthly meeting 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. Two state-wide candidates have been invited to speak. It’s also the night of the Presidential Debate that starts at 8 p.m. The meeting will conclude in time to watch the debate together. All area Democrats and like minded friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Come join us. For more information, people may call Jim Kabell at 417-848-4640.

Voter registration ends July 10 for August Primary

The last day to register to vote is July 10 for those who are not current registered voters of Barry County and who wish to vote in the Aug. 6 Primary Election. Photo ID is required to vote. People may register to vote at the County Clerk’s Office, the Monett Chamber of Commerce or the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce. Those who have moved and not updated their address, or had a name change, should notify the Clerk’s Office. Absentee voting is ongoing at the Barry County Clerk’s Office in Cassville from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Aug. 5. Two-week in-person, no-excuse absentee voting begins July 23. If unable to vote in person, a voter may send a written request to the office of: Joyce Ennis, 700 Main St. Suite 2, Cassville, MO 65625 or fax to: 417-847-5311. The Office will need: name, physical address, mailing address, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number, phone number, reason for voting absentee, party preference and signature. Those who live in the Shell Knob or Monett can visit the Shell Knob Chamber or Monett Chamber Office and fill out the absentee application. Staff there will fax it to the Barry County Clerk’s office. Absentee applications are also available at sos.mo.gov. The last day to request an absentee ballot is July 24. For more information, people may call the barry county clerk’s office at 417-847-2561 opt. 3, or email jennis@barrycountyclerk.com or ajohnson@barrycountyclerk.com.

Old Church Gallery Farmers’ Market open for season

The Old Church Gallery Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 8-11 a.m. The market has farm fresh produce, flowers, eggs, jams, relishes, baked goods, handmade crafts and more. Selection varies every week, so come early for the best choice. Old Church Gallery is on Farm Road 1240 in Shell Knob and can be reached at 417-858-2510.

Cassville Branch Library activities scheduled

Activities at the Cassville Branch Library this week include: Today (Wednesday) Dowel rod firecracker craft from 10 a.m. to noon (18+, while supplies last), Making Boba Tea at 6 p.m. (ages 9-18, registration required); Thursday, Tot Time at 9 a.m. (ages 0-2) registration required), Story Time at 10 a.m. (ages 3-5, registration required), Mad Science at 1:30 p.m. at the FEMA Event Center (all ages), Movie Viewing Party at 6 p.m. (all ages, registration required); Friday, Bingo from 6-8 p.m. (all ages); Tuesday, American Sign Language at 3 p.m. (registration required, all ages). 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.