JAG organizing donation drive

Cassville High School JAG students are stepping up to support local families in need by organizing a donation drive for Bright Futures. On Saturday at the Walmart Supercenter in Cassville, JAG students will be collecting items and monetary donations to help stock Bright Futures with essentials for students in the community. All donations, large or small-are greatly appreciated and will go directly toward meeting student needs. JAG would like to invite the public and local businesses to bring items such as school supplies, hygiene supplies (e.g., combs, brushes, hair ties, shampoo), clothing items (e.g., hats, gloves, socks, T-shirts, and sports shorts), and other necessities, or to contribute cash donations. Collection tables will be set up on the market side of Walmart on Saturday from 1-3 p.m., and JAG students will be available to answer questions and accept contributions. “By giving what you can, you’re helping Bright Futures continue its mission to ensure every student has the support they need to be successful at school. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for supporting our JAG program and Bright Futures,” an event press release said.

Community Garden monthly meetings returning

The Barry County Community Garden is resuming the monthly meetings on the first Monday of every month. The March meeting will be held on March 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Harvick Farms and Nursery in Cassville. Those who are already gardeners at every skill level, including beginner, are interested in growing food, or are interested in volunteering with the Community Garden are invited to attend. 

4-H hosting 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run

The Barry County 4-H will host a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run fundraiser on March 21 starting at the Cassville Aquatic Center, located at 501 Sale Barn Road in Cassville. Check-in is at 8 a.m., and the race begins at 9 a.m. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for students, and cost for the 1-Mile Fun Run is $20. People may register online at https://pears.io/events/mu/4287/, or at the MU Extension office, located in the Barry County Courthouse, by March 1. 

Summer Putting League kicks off April in southwest Missouri

Mini golf enthusiasts are invited to tee it up this summer with the Summer Putting League, running from April through September and featuring monthly competitive play at two local courses. League play will take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each event will consist of 36 holes, with an entry fee of $20 per night. The first Tuesday of each month will be at Coral Reef Mini Golf in Branson, and the third Tuesday of each month will be at Zone 4 Mini Golf and More in Cassville. The season will conclude with a championship event, scheduled for October or November, where league participants will compete for top honors. The Summer Putting League is open to players looking for fun, friendly competition throughout the warmer months. For more information or questions about the league, people may contact, Jody Kimble at 479-831-6757.

Quilts of Valor event at Cassville Senior Center

On Tuesday, The Cassville Senior Center, located at 1111 Fair Street in Cassville, will host an event for veterans, and the public are also invited to attend. During this Event, the Quilts Of Valor organization will present quilts to a group of local Veterans. The presentation is during the regular lunch time at the Center, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Book collection now at Bayless-Salyer house

The Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society book collection is now located at the Bayless/Salyer house on the corner of 9th and Townsend streets, behind the Post Office. This collection includes genealogical and historical information on states (including Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma), immigration and migration, the Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Native Americans and African Americans. It also has a vast collection of local family histories. The research room is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For all other times, people may call Norma Terry at 417-827-6585, or Lynna Spellman at 417-827-9676.

Voter registration ongoing for April elections

For those who are not current registered voters of Barry County and who wish to vote in the April 7 General Municipal Election, the last day to register to vote is Wednesday, March 11, 2026. People may register to vote at the County Clerk’s Office or the Monett Chamber of Commerce. Registered voters should notify the Clerk’s Office of any change of address or name. Photo ID is required to vote in the April General Municipal Election. Absentee voting is ongoing 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 March 24. If unable to vote in person, voters 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 Monett area may can go by the 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 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.

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.

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.