News Briefs, Nov. 20

Herrin Animal Hospital Toy Drive underway

Herrin Animal Hospital is hosting its 25th Annual Toy Drive, accepting new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 6 for children in need. People may also make monetary donations, and Herrin Animal Hospital staff will purchase toys on the donors’ behalf. Toys or donations may be dropped off at the facility, located at 93 Smithson Drive in Cassville. People may call 417-847-5888 for more information.

Friday final cut-off for storm debris

The city of Cassville is accepting storm debris until Friday, by appointment only, at its drop-off location west of the Municipal Airport. Anyone still needing to drop off vegetative debris from the May 26 windstorm should call City Hall to arrange a time by the Nov. 22 deadline.

Tax statements mailed

Barry County Collector Skyler Bowman has announced the 2024 Tax Statements were mailed to Barry County taxpayers on Nov. 4. Anyone that does not receive a statement by Nov. 15 should call the collector’s office at 417-847-2113 to inquire about them. The 2024 taxes become delinquent on Jan. 1, 2025. Payment can be made in person at the collector’s office with cash, check, debit or credit card. When paying with a debit or credit card, the provider of this service will be charging a fee. Also, payment can be made online at barrycountycollector.com, and a fee will be applied when paying in this matter.

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats meeting

The Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will hold a 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. The guest speaker will be Ashley Aune, the newly elected Minority Leader in the Missouri House of Representatives. Aune will be discussing the 2024 election results in Missouri, including statewide, State House, State Senate, and amendment/proposition results, as well as the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Aune, a member of the Hispanic community, will discuss the importance of that community and building their voice in Missouri. All-area Democrats and like-minded friends are encouraged to attend. For more information, people may contact Jim Kabell at 417/848-4640. 

Free Thanksgiving meal at H&H Pool Hall

H&H Pool Hall in Cassville will host a free Thanksgiving dinner at 3:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.

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 417-342-3895.

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 5:30 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. Entry is $5 per person, and 18-and-under are free. There will be door prizes and a potluck dinner, and attendees are welcome to bring a dish. All proceeds go to the 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 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.