Student Council to sponsor Blood Drive at Southwest Oct. 14

Southwest High School will be the site for a staff and community blood drive today (Wednesday) at the high school gym. The event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is sponsored by the Student Council and its advisor, Carl Hendrix. All donors will receive a T-shirt and two tickets to the Dickerson Park Zoo. The event is run by Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. For more information or to make an appointment, people may call 417-227-5006.

Barry County Republican Club to meet

The Barry County Republican Club will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Oct. 22 at The Rib restaurant in Cassville.

Extension Council nominations sought

Nominations are being accepted for the January 2027 election of the University of Missouri Extension Council in Barry County. Council members are elected or appointed to two-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Nominees must be at least 18 and must reside in the district from which they are selected. Nominations must be made prior to Dec. 7. “We want nominees who are interested in improving our community and the education of our youth,” said Carolyn Kilts. “The resources of the University of Missouri System are available to us through this statewide partnership. We need active council members who recognize the needs in the community and can help plan, locate funds and promote educational programs with University of Missouri Extension specialists.” MU Extension offers educational programs in agriculture and natural resources, families, business and workforce development, community development, youth development, community health and various continuing education courses, seminars and workshops. Nominations may be made through the Council Chair Carolyn Kilts or the county extension center at 417-847-3161 or [email protected]. Nominees will be contacted to secure their permission to place their names on the January 2027 ballot.

Cassville Branch Library hosting events

The Cassville Branch Library will host the following events in the coming week: Today (Wednesday), Chair Yoga, 9 a.m., Teen Book Club, 3:30 p.m. (registration required); Thursday, Teen Craft, 3:30 p.m., Refit, 5:30 p.m., Little Ghost Cutting Board at Zone 4, 5:30 p.m. (registration and $5 supply fee); Saturday, Crochet/Knitting Class, 10 a.m. to noon; Monday, Family Paint, 5:30 p.m. (registration and $5 fee required); Tuesday, Tot Time, 9:30 a.m., Storytime, 10 a.m.

Wheaton FFA hosting Labor Auction

The Wheaton FFA will host a Labor Sale and Auction on Friday at 6 p.m. in the ag room at Wheaton High School. A free dinner will be followed by silent and live auctions. 

Absentee voting ongoing for Nov. 3 General Election

Two-week in-person, no excuse absentee voting begins Oct. 20. Please notify the Clerk’s Office if there has been an address or name change for a currently registered voter. Photo ID is required to vote in the November General Election. Absentee voting is ongoing at the Barry County Clerk’s Office in Cassville, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If unable to vote in person, a voter 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 can go by the Monett Chamber Office and fill out the absentee application. Chamber staff will fax it to the Clerk’s Office. Absentee applications are also available at sos.mo.gov. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 21. For more information, people may call the Barry County Clerk’s Office at 417-847-2561 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Old Church Gallery Farmers Market open

The Old Church Gallery Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 8-11 a.m. at the Gallery, located on Farm Road 1240 in Shell Knob. The market offer 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. For more information, people may call 417-342-8671.

Barry County Community Garden meetings set

The Barry County Community Garden has scheduled its monthly meetings on the first Monday of every month, at Harvick Farms, located at 16062 Hwy. 76 in Cassville. The work in the garden days are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Garden, located at on 10160 Farm Road 2160. Tentative working days depend on the weather and will be updated on the organization’s Facebook page, “Barry County Community Garden,” and people may contact the page fort more information. Produce from the garden goes to the Cassville Pantry. New members and/or volunteers may come and reserve a plot.

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.