Touch-a-Truck Event Rolls into Cassville
The Community Care Coalition, in partnership with Cassville Branch Library, invites families to the second annual Touch-a-Truck event on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Join the Coalition at the Cassville Library for an evening of exploration and fun with a variety of vehicles, including emergency response units and specialty vehicles. Children can get hands-on with these vehicles and meet the professionals who operate them. This free event also features face painting, engaging games, kid-friendly activities and local organizations offering valuable community resource information. Cookies, water and lemonade will be available. Come early to make the most of this exciting and educational event that brings families together for a memorable experience. For more details, people may contact Community Care Coalition at cccobc@yahoo.com or Cassville Branch Library at 417-847-2121.
Nov. 5 General Election absentee voting starts Sept. 24
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 9 for those who are not current registered voters of Barry County and who wish to vote in the Nov. 5 General Election. People may register to vote at the County Clerk’s Office; the Monett Chamber of Commerce; or the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce. Registered voters should also notify the Barry County Clerk’s Office of a change of address or name. Photo ID required to vote in November General Election. Absentee voting starts Sept. 24 at the Barry County Clerk’s Office in Cassville, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two-week in-person, no-excuse absentee voting begins Oct. 22. 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 and signature. Those who live in the Shell Knob or Monett areas may visit the Shell Knob Chamber or Monett Chamber Office and fill out the absentee application. They will fax it to the Barry County Clerk’s office. Absentee applications are also available at sos.mo.gov. For more information, people may call the Clerk’s Office at 417-847-2561 opt: 3, or email jennis@barrycountyclerk.com or ajohnson@barrycountyclerk.com.
Group gauging interest in downtown facade project
A local organization is gauging interest in a downtown facade project, looking for property owners in the downtown area interested in restoring the historic facades and possibly neon signage to their buildings. Those interested may submit their contact information to the Cassville Democrat at 417-847-2610, or by email at ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com.
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.
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 on 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, and the signup deadline is Sept. 13. 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.
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.
Washburn Citywide Clean-up coming
The city of Washburn’s Citywide Clean-up will be held on Sept. 13-15.
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.
