New Mercy ER entrance opens March 3

Mercy Cassville has announced its new Emergency Room (ER) entrance will be open on March 3. The milestone represents continued progress in the ongoing facility construction and improvement efforts, a hospital press release said. As the hospital enters the next phase, the main foyer, along with portions of respiratory therapy, the stress lab and the nuclear medicine area will be temporarily closed while remodel work is being completed. The renovation phase is expected to last through June 10. During this time, all outpatients and visitors should use the clinic entrance to access patient access check-in, which will operate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After 4:30 p.m., people should use the ER entrance. “Thank you for your patience and support as we work to enhance our facility and improve the patient experience,” the release said. 

Oak Hill Cemetery Annual Meeting in March

The Oak Hill Cemetery Annual Meeting will be on March 12 at the Family Life Center in Cassville beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will include the election of officers and other issues concerning the cemetery to be discussed. Anyone interested is asked to attend.

Commodity Conference coming

Commodity Conference, hosted by Missouri Farm Bureau will be held on Monday. Dinner will be provided at 6 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost for the dinner or event. Speakers include Doug Heady, who will be discussing weather and forecasting. Taylor Ann Washburn, director of marketing and commodities will be discussing prices for 2026 in the cattle, dairy and crops industries. The event will be held at the Southwest Center, located at 14548 State Hwy. H in Mt. Vernon.

Wheaton Road District to meet

The monthly Wheaton Road District Meeting will be held on March 3 at 5 p.m. at the Wheaton road district barn on Hwy A across from Holmes Farm Supply.

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.

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. The last day to request an absentee ballot bby mail is March 25. 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.