News Briefs, Aug. 28

City extends storm debris drop-off deadline

The city of Cassville has extended its deadline for residents to complete vegetation debris removal, especially as a result of the May 26 windstorm, to mid-late September. To accommodate the volume of debris, a special waste site has been opened on Farm Road 2160, just west of the Cassville Municipal Airport entrance. The yard waste site at Cassville South Park is closed at this time. The Farm Road 2160 site is open to vegetation only, and access will continue for a few more weeks, after which the city will be unable to take large tree debris. “If citizens can please try to get this vegetative storm debris to the airport site at the earliest convenience, we will continue to accept and then dispose,” said Richard Asbill, city administrator. Cassville Police will soon make stops at locations of debris in coming weeks to remind residents of the drop-off location. “We hope to be able to have all the debris removed from city homes and yards by mid/late September for what the city can dispose of,” Asbill said. “After that, residents will have to make alternative plans to have that debris removed and disposed of properly.”

Summer EBT program available

Missouri has been approved to administer Summer EBT 2024. This program is a dedication and commitment between the lead agency, the Department of Social Services (DSS), along with DESE. Summer EBT provides Missouri children who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals the opportunity to receive critical nutrition benefits. Households who need to apply can apply at https://www.healthytogether.co/onboarding/missouri-sun-bucks by Saturday. Families can use the eligibility navigator at https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility to see if they need to complete an application. 

Kings Prairie Music Festival Sept. 7

The Kings Prairie Music Festival & Craft Show will be held Sept. 7. The craft show is from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., with crafts, pumpkins, mums and musicians. At 4 p.m., the barbecue chicken dinner and musical entertainment begin, featuring Robin’s Hood, the Flyin’ Buzzards, Good Shepherd Pickers and Mark Chapman, who takes the stage at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the upkeep of the one-room Kings Prairie Schoolhouse. The event will be held at the schoolhouse, located at 11760 Farm Road 2015 in rural Monett. People may bring lawn chairs, and for more information people may call Jaysa Isbell at 417-849-1779, or visit the event page on Facebook at “Kings Prairie Schoolhouse.”

Wheaton Booster Clubs set events

The Wheaton Athletic Booster Club Free Car Wash will be held on Sept. 7 at the Wheaton Fire Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In conjunction, the Wheaton FFA Booster Club Bake Sale will also be Sept. 7 at the Wheaton City Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Barry County Democratic Committee meeting Sept. 10

The Barry County Democratic Committee will host its monthly meeting on Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Cassville Branch Library, located at 301 W. 17th St. in Cassville. 

Barry County Extension to host annual picnic

The Barry County Extension Council will host its annual picnic on Sept. 10 at the Memorial Park in Cassville. The meal will begin at 6 p.m. The Extension Council will provide meat, drinks, plates and utensils. The public is invited to attend. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a side dish and lawn chairs. The newest Barry County Century Farms will be honored, as well as Century Farms will be recognized. Fair exhibits from Barry County 4-H members will also be on display. People may RSVP for the picnic by calling the Extension office at 417-847-3161 or email barryco@missouri.edu no later than Tuesday.

Master Gardeners’ fall workshop scheduled

Barry County Master Gardeners will host their annual fall garden workshop on Sept. 21 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, located at 602 West St. in Cassville. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:20 a.m. The workshop will feature local venders, plants for sale, door prizes, and food and refreshments, as well as speakers on elderberries, seed-saving and Japanese Maples. Pre-registration for the workshop, at a cost of $10, is with the Barry County Extension by email at barryco@missouri.edu or by calling at 417-847-3161. Walk-ins are welcome at a cost of $12.

Extension putting in dry-cured bacon workshop

The Barry County University of Missouri Extension is holding a dry cured bacon (pork belly) workshop for youth and adults Sept. 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Everything will be supplied, and everyone will leave with a 4-6 slab of bacon for curing. The cost is $25 per person. Those attending will learn how the curing and aging process works. In addition, participants will learn how to smoke and prepare dry cured bacon for a meal. To register for the classes, or for more details, people may contact Barry County Extension office at 417-847-3161, email barryco@missouri.edu, or visit the office in person. 

Tri-county economic summit Tuesday

The University of Missouri (MU) Extension has announced a Regional Economic Development Summit for Barry, Dade and Lawrence counties on Tuesday at the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mt. Vernon. This outreach program, from 8:15 a.m. to noon, promotes the tools and resources of MU Extension with the federal, state, and regional entities who participate with communities in economic development activities. For more information and to register for the economic development summit, people may visit https://tinyurl.com/3k9j7ckp. There is no fee, and the registration deadline is Sunday.

Helping Hands hosting yard sale, raffle

The Helping Hands Community Food Pantry will host a Yard Sale and Raffle Drawing on Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The yard sale will include furniture, collectibles, dishes, household items and antiques, and the raffle will be at 3 p.m. on Oct. 5. The event will be at the All Faith United Methodist Church Family Life Center on Highway 86 in Eagle Rock. Parking is in the back. All proceeds benefit the pantry. People may call 417-846-5719 for more information.

Antioch Cemetery meeting in September

The 2024 Annual Meeting of Antioch Cemetery has been rescheduled for Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. at the cemetery grounds. All members and interested parties are invited to attend. People may email Teresa Phillips at antiochcemetery@yahoo.com with any questions.

Washburn Citywide Clean-up coming

The city of Washburn’s Citywide Clean-up will be held on Sept. 13-15.

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats to meet

The Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Angus Branch Steakhouse, located at 114 Chapel Drive in Monett. Those wishing to eat should arrive by 5:30-5:45 p.m., with each responsible for their own meal expense. This meeting is one week later than the normal schedule due to the Democratic National Convention the week of Aug. 19-22. Crystal Quade, Missouri’s Democrat candidate for Governor, will be the guest speaker this month. Crystal is a four-term Missouri State Representative from Springfield and has served as the Minority Leader in the Missouri House for 6 of those 8 years. Area Democrats and like minded friends are encouraged to attend to meet and hear Quade. For more information, people may contact Jim Kabell at 417-848-4640.

Cassville Branch Library activities scheduled

Activities at the Cassville Branch Library this week include: Thursday, Movie Viewing Party at 6 p.m. (see library website for movie title, all ages, registration required); Friday, Bingo from 6-8 p.m. For more information on any programs, people may call 417-847-2121. The library is located at 301 W. 17th St. in Cassville.

Seligman Bingo Night on first Tuesday of month

A Bingo Night will be held the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Seligman Chamber Event Center, located on Highway 37 north of the city. The building is handicap accessible, and all ages are invited. Bingo cards are $1 per play, and there is no limit on plays. A variety of prizes, excluding cash, will be awarded. Sodas and water are available for $1 each. Alcohol and smoking are not allowed in the building. For more information, people may call Eldora at 417-342-0667.

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.

Old Church Gallery Farmers’ Market open weekly

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.

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.