Candidates in 2026 elections must file Form 5120

Beginning with the 2026 election cycle, candidates will need to submit form 5120 online. The link for Form 5120 can be accessed through the DOR website at sa.dor.mo.gov/candidate-affidavit. Individuals filing for office are required to complete form 5120 with the Department of Revenue, declaring they are not aware of any delinquency in his/her taxes. Filing for the April 7, 2026, election begins Dec. 9 and ends Dec. 30. For questions about the new process, people may contact the Barry County Clerk’s Office at 417-847-2561 or email [email protected]

Cassville Citywide Curbside Cleanup next week

The Cassville Citywide Curbside Cleanup will be held on customers’ regular trash pickup days Oct. 27-31. Bulk waste includes any large items that do not fit in a trash container with the lid closed, and bulky items left on the curb should fit into an area no larger than 4×6 feet wide and 3.5 feet tall. Restricted items include: Batteries, paint, tires, refrigerators, electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, hazardous liquid and trees. Residents may contact Cards for roll-off services at 877-592-2737.

Free pancakes for veterans

The Horner Ridge Runners 4-H will host its 5th Annual Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast on Nov. 8 at 8 a.m. at the Cassville Branch Library’s lower room, located at 301 W. 17th St. in Cassville. The event is free to all veterans.

Chili and Soup fundraiser Nov. 1

The VFW Ladies Auxiliary will host a Chili and Soup Fundraiser Dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1. For a free will donation, there will be a variety of chili and soup dinners with desserts. There will also be an Alpha Gal safe option. The event will be held at the VFW Hall, located at 24204 Highway 39 in Shell Knob. All proceeds benefit the Shell knob Library Building Fund.

Fall Craft Fair at Senior Center

The Cassville Senior Center’s Fall Craft Fair will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Center, located at 1111 Fair St. A free lunch will be provided, sponsored by Access Family Care. Staff and Board Members from Access will be grilling and serving hot dogs, chips and bottled water from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as free popcorn.

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats meeting

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, at the Angus Branch Steakhouse in Monett. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. Those who wish to eat should arrive by 5:30-5:45 p.m., with each paying their own meal expenses. Ashley Cossins, Democrat State Representative Candidate in the 131st District in Greene County, will be the guest speaker. State Sen. Stephen Weber, from Boone County, has also been invited. There will be petitions to protect Missouri citizens rights to the Initiative Petition and to overturn the recently passed gerrymandered Congressional maps. All area Democrats and like minded friends are invited and encouraged to attend. For questions, call Jim Kabell at 417-848-4640.

Craft Bazaar, Halloween events in Eagle Rock

The Eagle Rock Friends of the Library will host a Craft Bazaar on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eagle Rock Community Center, located at 27824 Hwy. 86 in Eagle Rock. The Eagle Rock Library and Friends of the Library will also host the annual Howl-O-Ween Fest on Saturday, starting at 5 p.m. This year will include a touch-a-truck event alongside the trunk or treat event. One of the trunks is a tailgate party with hot dogs and chips. There will also be children’s games for the kids. For more information, people may contact the library at 417-271-3186.

Parents as Teachers event on Thursday

Children ages birth to 5 years old are invited to join Cassville schools for the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Fall Group Connection meeting on Oct. 23 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Rocky Edmondson Park. PAT is a program available at no charge offered by Cassville R-IV that promotes the early development, learning and health of children ages prenatal to 5 years old. Interested in learning more about PAT? Call 417-847-5106.

Haven hosting vaccine clinics in November

Pet owners whose animals are in need of vaccines or spay/neuter services may schedule an appointment at https://tinyurl.com/PetClinic2025. The Haven of the Ozarks Animal Shelter will host a free vaccine clinic on Nov. 6 and a low cost spay/neuter clinic on Nov. 13. 

Special Election on Nov. 4

Absentee voting for the Nov. 4 special election runs through Nov. 3 at the Barry County Clerk’s Office in Cassville, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If unable to vote in person, you may send a written request or a completed application to the office of Joyce Ennis, Barry County Clerk, 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. The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail is Oct. 22. Two week in-person no excuse absentee voting begins Oct. 21. The Clerk’s Office will also be open Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon for absentee voting in person. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Election Day. For more information, people may call the Barry County Clerk’s Office at 417-847-2561 opt: 3 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Cassville Farmers’ Market open on Saturdays

The Cassville Farmers Market is open weekly on Saturdays on the Barry County Courthouse Square, from 8 a.m. to noon. Vendors are offering eggs, vegetables, hand-made crafts, baked goods and more. Those interested in becoming a vendor may contact Chad Sprinkle at 417-846-3539.

Old Church Gallery Farmers’ Market open

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

Wheaton Depot Museum open

The Wheaton Depot Museum is open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays for individuals to come in and see exhibits. For more information, people may call 417-846-3146.

Cassville First Friday Dance & Food every month

Cassville First Friday Dance & Food is a community event held on the first Friday of every month at 1111 Fair St. in Cassville. It is open to all ages. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the live music and dance is from 7-10 p.m.  There is line dance as well. Admission is $10. All ages are welcome, and there is no cost for children 18-and-under. There will be door prizes, refreshments, a 50-50 raffle and a potluck dinner at 7:30 p.m., and attendees are welcome to bring a dish. All proceeds go to the Center.

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.

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. If at least 50 people attend, two train tickets will be raffled. In the case of bad weather, bingo will be postponed. 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.

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. People may 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 Transit is hiring drivers statewide to continue serving riders. Openings are listed on the OATS website.