News briefs, April 3

Election to be certified

Barry County Clerk Joyce Ennis will conduct an election certification with the verification team for the April 2 General Municipal Election. It will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday in the County Clerk’s Office.

Southwest NHS adds 14 new members

Southwest High School will add 14 new members to its chapter at its induction ceremony today (Wednesday). The ceremony will be in the high school gym at 1:45 p.m. New members include: Andrew Russell, Cheyenne Holt, Vector Tellez, Lyndon VanZandt, Tobias Smith, Emma Outhouse, Rylee Hobbs, Addison Pendergraft, Celilia Goines, Jaretsi Quintanilla, Jack Cornell, Marissa Freeman, Katie-Ann Tenorio, and Kaleb Outhouse.

Second assessment notices mailed

Barry County Assessor Sherry L. Smith announced that the second notice reminders in the form of a postcard for the 2024 Personal Property and Business Assessment Lists were mailed on March 29. Original Assessment Lists mailed out on Jan. 4 were due by March 1. However, residents still have time to file a list online, or personally turn it in at the Assessor’s Office, without receiving a late assessment penalty, providing the list is received in the office by April 26. Those who have not returned a list, didn’t receive an assessment list in January, or receive a second notice postcard from the Assessor’s Office should contact the office immediately at 417-847-2613 to be properly assessed before the final late assessment penalty deadline. New county residents as of Jan. 1 not receiving a form should call the Assessor’s Office, or visit the office. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the Assessor’s Office, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Waste Management District meeting

The Southwest Missouri Waste Management District N will hold its monthly Executive Board meeting at 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday at Angus Branch Steakhouse in Monett. This meeting is open to the public. A teleconference number will also be available for this meeting. People may contact the district office at 417-236-9012 or 417-342-6306 prior to the day of the meeting for the call-in number and passcode.

Democratic Central Committee to meet

The Barry County Democratic Central Committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at El Mariachi in Cassville. Attendees wishing to eat should arrive early, with everyone paying for their own meals. Ron Monnig, 29th District State Senate Candidate will be the guest speaker. County caucus plans will also be determined at this meeting. For more information, people may contact barrycountymodemocrat@gmail.com.

Development Center celebrating 50th anniversary

The Barry-Lawrence County Development Center in Monett will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration and open house at its new facility, located at 220 Chapell Drive, on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. People may tour the new debt-free building and playground. “We want to thank everyone that has helped make our dream of a new building a reality,” a press release said.

City-Wide Clean-Up scheduled

The city of Cassville will host is bi-annual City-Wide Clean-Up the week of April 8-12. Bulk items and household trash will be accepted. Household hazardous waste, electronics, paint, tires and anything containing oil or gasoline will not be accepted.

Cassville school screenings in April

Cassville schools will host preschool screening April 8 and 10, open to three- and four-year-old children living in the Cassville school district. Screening will be held in the FEMA Event Center located next to the football field. Plan for a 30-45 minute appointment. Call 417-847-2445 to schedule a child’s screening. Screening results will be used to determine eligibility for the Cassville school district’s preschool programs. Kinder Academy and Kindergarten screening will be April 9 and 11, open to children that are 5 years old by July 31 living in the Cassville school district. Screening will be held in the FEMA Event Center located next to the football field. Call 417-847-2445 to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring the following: proof of residence (utility bill with name and address, real estate contract, rental agreement, etc), birth certificate, immunization record and parent/guardian photo ID.

Senior Center offers tax preparation

The Cassville Senior Center and Senior Age, with the help of well-trained and experienced Volunteer Tax Preparers are currently assisting seniors with their tax preparations. This assistance to Seniors started in February and will continue through April. To make an appointment for tax preparation, people may call the Cassville Senior Center at 417-847-4510 or stop by the Center at 1111 Fair St. in Cassville.

Exeter preschool screenings coming up

Exeter schools had announced screenings for the 2024-2025 school year. Screenings for Preschool will be on April 10. Screenings for Kindergarten will be on April 11. To participate, parents or guardians must bring proof of residency (something with the physical address of where they live), immunization record and birth certificate. Early Childhood students should turn 3 before Aug. 1. Preschool students should turn 4 before Aug. 1. Kindergarten students should turn 5 before Aug. 1. Call the Elementary office at 417-835-2922, ext. 1, to schedule an appointment.

CHS bands to perform

The Cassville Middle School and Wildcat Jazz will host their annual Blues, Bikes and BBQ in front of the high school building on Friday. Cost is $10 for food, music and bikes on display.

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 Crafts from 3:30-5 p.m; Thursday, Tot Time at 9 a.m. (registration required), Story Time at 10 a.m. (registration required); Friday, Kids After-School Movie, 4 p.m. (registration required); Saturday, Lego Club, 10 a.m. to noon; Tuesday, Homeschool Program at 10 a.m. (registration required).

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.