Community Calendar
THE AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL IN ASH FLAT IS SELLING BRICKS TO HONOR ANYONE WHO SERVED IN THE U.S. MILITARY. BRICKS SELL FOR $50 EACH. BRICK FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ASH FLAT CITY HALL OR BY CALLING 870-994-7324.
THE EVENING SHADE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS SELLING CHANCES ON A HALF BEEF. IT’S $10 A TICKET. ONLY A THOUSAND TICKETS WILL BE SOLD. PURCHASE TICKETS FROM ANY EVENING SHADE FIREMAN, AT CITY HALL OR AT VFW POST #8042. THE RAFFLE ENDS OCTOBER 31ST, THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
The Bridge Community Church south of West Plains on Highway 63, four miles south of the Dairy Queen, is now holding Sunday night services at 6 p.m. Pastor Dan Duncan welcomes everyone. For more information call 417-293-3240.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AT THE HORSESHOE BEND RECYCLING CENTER. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS OR SATURDAYS. ANYONE INTERESTED IN HELPING IS INVITED TO DROP BY AND VISIT WITH RECYCLING CENTER MANAGER, JOHN WATTS, BY CALLING 870-345-5749.
GED CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ADULT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT OZARKA COLLEGE. CLASSES ARE HELD TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY FROM 9AM UNTIL 3PM ON THE MELBOURNE CAMPUS; TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY 9AM UNTIL 3PM ON THE ASH FLAT CAMPUS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHONE THE ADULT EDUCATION OFFICE AT OZARKA COLLEGE AT 870-368-2051.
A CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETING IS HELD EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT 6PM AT THE SALEM FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH. CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED. PHONE 870-895-0885 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
The Sharp County Conservation District is selling one-pound packages of pecan halves and one-pound packages of pecan pieces for $10.50 each. Just go to 212 Court Road next to the courthouse in Ash Flat
The Highland Band’s annual cookie dough sale is underway. You can contact any Highland Band student to place your order- proceeds will support band trips.
4TH THURSDAY MONTHLY – THAYER:
The Pregnancy Resource Center of West Plains will be at the Christian Activity Center on 420 Chestnut Street in Thayer on the 4th Thursday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. They will be offering free services including pregnancy tests, diapers, wipes, formula, education and other material resources. . These services are available to everyone in our community and surrounding areas! Come see us on the 4th Thursday of each month.
Second Thursday of every month, West Plains’ Pregnancy Resource Center is holding a pop up clinic at Alton First Baptist.
From 1p to 4p in the basement.
Free services like: limited ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and material resources.
Appointments or walk-ins welcome
For questions contact PRC at 417-204-4407
4TH MONDAY MONTHLY – THAYER:
Dementia Caregiver Support Group presented by Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri and Senior Age
4th Monday of the month from 8:30am to 1oam
Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center- 100 Chestnut Street
Mark Applegate 417-255-2513 or email mark.applegate@seniormo.org
Please contact the facilitator before attending your first meeting and for weather cancellation concerns
JULY-AUGUST:
The Mammoth Spring Summer Meals Program is in session with the school providing free breakfast and lunch to district students Monday through Thursday. Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 8:30 and lunch 11:30 to 12 noon. For more information contact the Mammoth Spring School at 870-625-7212.
NOW- AUGUST 29- ALTON:
TECHNOLOGY FOR OLDER ADULTS
Older adults across the country are utilizing technology more than ever before. Through participating in the Senior Planet licensing program, Oregon County Extension office will begin to offer Senior Planet’s proprietary curriculum beginning in late April.
The classes will be 1:00 pm at Alton Freewill Baptist Church and 3:00 pm at The Farmer’s Daughter in Thayer on the 4th Friday of every month.
June 27th: Mobile Health Apps. Did you know a smartphone is also a powerful health tool? This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone Health app and the Samsung Health app. One will learn the main features such as activity tracking, food logging, data insights, integration with other apps, and more! We’ll also discuss some considerations for using health apps including data and privacy. Come learn how smartphones can count one’s steps and check heart rates!
July 25th: Healthcare & Tech at a Glance. Curious how recent technological advances have changed healthcare? In this lecture, we’ll explore how doctors are using cutting-edge tech, like AI and smart devices, to diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions. We’ll also discuss how patients can use technology to manage and improve their health. We’ll cover how to prepare for and what to expect from telehealth appointments, common healthcare wearables, and best practices for using AI for medical information. Technology meets healthcare. Learn about how AI and telemedicine are shaping the way we manage our health.
August 29th: Sharing Photos with a Smartphone. In this hands-on workshop we will practice several ways to share photos with a smartphone. Learn how to share photos via text messages and email directly from a smartphone. The workshop will also go over how to share photos on social media apps like Facebook and X. Prerequisites. To participate in this workshop, one must bring their own smartphone. Workshop materials will include step-by-step instructions for iPhones and Samsung phones.
There is no charge for the classes, and anyone is welcome to attend. Please call the extension office at 417-778-7490 to reserve a seat.
JULY – MAMMOTH SPRING:
The Mammoth Spring Library has new color reading seats for the children’s reading area. Stop by and see the new remodeled library located on Main Street in Mammoth Spring.
AUGUST 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – WEST PLAINS:
The Howell County Health Department will offer “back-to-school” immunizations each Friday in August between 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. This can be by appointment or walk-in hours. Walk in will not need an appointment. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child and have previous immunization records. For more information call the health department at 417-256-7078.
AUGUST 2- MOUNTAIN VIEW
The Mountain View Rotary 3-person scramble golf tournament at the Mountain View Municipal Golf Course will be held on Saturday, August 2nd. Tee times will be 7 am or 1 pm. Cost will be $180 per team. Sign up in the pro shop at the Mountain View Golf Course.
AUGUST 2 AND 3 – HIGHLAND:
The Highland Elks Lodge 15 Elks Land in Cherokee Village will hold their Flea Market at the Lodge on Saturday , August 3 from 8:00 till 4 p.m. and Sunday, August 3 from 12:00 noon until 4 p.m. Tables both inside and out available for rent…Lunch will be served on Saturday with Sloppy Joes, chips and dessert for $7.00 – Sunday Breakfast $10.00. Proceeds will be for the Elks Christmas Basket Fund. All unsold items and unclaimed items will be resold or will be donated to others. For information to register a table by July 29th. Call 870-257-3388.
MONDAY, AUGUST 4 –
MAMMOTH SPRING CITY COUNCIL MEETS MONDAY, AUGUST 4TH AT MAMMOTH SPRING CITY HALL AT 5:30 P.M.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 th– THAYER:
The City of Thayer Board of Alderman and the Commissioners of Oregon County has scheduled a Town Hall meeting for Tuesday, August 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the Thayer High School Cafeteria. Topics to be discussed will include plans considering the City of Thayer business,
revitalization and progress, upcoming growth development for the county and community. Citizens of the City of Thayer and Oregon County residents are welcome to attend this meeting. No motions or votes will be taken as this is an informal meeting only. Questions can be ask and will have a two-minute time limit.
(Meeting will be conducted according to Missouri State Sunshine Law 610.011, RSMo. Minutes of meeting will be available at the Thayer City Hall, North 2nd street in Thayer.
MONDAY, AUGUST 4 – THAYER:
THE “BACK-TO-SCHOOL” PROGRAM THAT SUPPLIES FREE BACKPACKS TO THAYER STUDENTS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 4TH FROM 5:30 TO 7: P.M. CONTACT HEATHER RISNER.. THE MAMMOTH SPRING LODGE AND HAMPTON INN IN WEST PLAINS ARE MAKING THIS POSSIBLE.
AUGUST 3rd THROUGH AUGUST 6th- THAYER:
2025-2026 SCHOOL SCHEDULE: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
Here are dates for the first day of schools:
August 14th:
Mammoth Spring
August 18th:
West Plains
MVBT Liberty
Willow Springs
Dora
Gainesville
Winona
Eminence
Ava
August 19th:
Houston
Cabool
Summersville
Couch
Mountain Home
Mountain Grove
Norwood
August 20th:
Thayer and Alton
AUGUST 4- ALTON
FREE school supplies will be provided to all students at the Alton R-4 School District Back-to School Fair on Monday, August 4th, from 12noon until 6PM. New Student Enrollment will also be held during the back to school fair!
MONDAY, AUGUST 4- THAYER:
Thayer Back to School Drive from 5:30p to 7p at the Thayer Elementary School. Elementary, Jr High and High School students are welcome. Free backpacks, school supplies, hair cuts, hot dogs, popcorn and more. Local businesses booths and educational booths.
AUGUST 5- WEST PLAINS
National Night Out will be happening in West Plains on Tuesday, August 5th, in the Southern Hills Shopping Center behind Community First Banking Company. There will be Food, Games, Music and any proceeds raised will benefit the Bridges Program. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9- WEST PLAINS:
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Zach Williams at the West Plains Civic Center on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This one-night-only concert supports Ozarks Summit, a mission dedicated to restoring vulnerable families in the Ozarks through Christ-centered action. Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased at ozarkssummit.org or the West Plains Civic Center box office. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy inspiring music while supporting a great cause! For more details, visit ozarkssummit.org or contact the Civic Center
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, BIRCH TREE
Rejoice in Recovery, and the Birch Tree Park Board will be hosting our 6th Annual Watermelon
Festival on Saturday,
Aug 9, 2025
from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the City Park at Birch Tree.
There will be so many fun things, such as watermelon-themed games and activities, a bounce
house for the kiddos, lawn games, silent auction, photo booth by Be the Light Photography by
Karissa, live music by Dustin Rector & Company, face painting by Cadence Ivy’s Jewels,
Lawn mower, train, and water wall courtesy of the Birch Tree Volunteer Fire Department, all you
can eat free watermelon, as well as delicious food and drink from local food trucks, and
Beautiful handmade items from area vendors.
Everyone is welcome to come experience a family-oriented, fun-filled day! Bring lawn chairs and
Enjoy the day!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12th- THAYER:
THAYER CITY COUNCIL MEETS TUESDAY, AUGUST 12TH at 7 P.M. THAYER CITY HALL for their regular monthly meeting.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30- MAMMOTH SPRING:
Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce presents the 41st Annual Antique and Classic Car Show at the Mammoth Spring State Park. Gates open at 7am, more than 50 trophies, music, food, custom t-shirts and more. All vehicles are welcome. Judging starts at 9am. Proudly sponsored by Brightspeed Fiber Internet.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25- THAYER:
Selah Place of Oregon County is hosting a free, interactive community event to raise awareness for domestic violence from 1pm to 4pm at Christian Activity Center (420 Chestnut Street). The event is called In Her Shoes. A series of revolutionary community education tools, the In Her Shoes series is designed for experiential learning about domestic violence. Participants move, act, think and make choices as a person experiencing an abusive relationship. In Her Shoes is being used to educate communities about domestic violence in over 900 communities across the country.
NORTH ARKANSAS
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers are sworn in by a judge in the case, and CASA needs volunteers to help abused and neglected children. CASA of North Arkansas provides trained community volunteer advocates to help play a positive role in the lives of children in the foster care system.
Contact CASA of North Arkansas at 870-517-8432
THAYER:
A Celebrate Recovery meeting is every Monday night at 6, at First Assembly of God Church in Salem. Childcare is provided; for more information 870-895-0885
A Dementia Caregiver Support Group in Thayer will meet on the 4th Monday of the month from 8:30am – 10am at the Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center located at 100 Chestnut Street in Thayer. For more info, call 417-955-2513 or 1-800-272-3900.
ALTON/THAYER SALVATION ARMY:
If you would like to donate to the Salvation Army in Oregon County throughout the year, then please contact Larry or Terri Sisson at 817-706-1896 or mail your donation payable to Salvation Army at P.O. Box 223 in Thayer, Mo 65791. Be confident this donation will be used in Oregon County to help those in need.
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY – JANUARY – WEEKLY:
“Get Fit Classes” are held each Tuesday and Friday mornings at 10 a.m. at the Izard County Senior Center, located one mile south of Brockwell on Highway 9. For more information call the center at 980-368-6011.
ALTON:
GriefShare, a special help seminar and support group for people experiencing grief and loss will be held on Thursdays at 6pm at Alton Church of Christ. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Normal”, “The Challenges of Grief”, “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why”, and “Guilt and Anger”. This is open to the public and is not a denomination- specific event. For more information, call 417-280-1046.
ALTON & THAYER:
The Alton & Thayer Senior Centers will now be offering “hot meals to go” on a weekly basis; the meals will be done “take-out style” at the front door, at each center. For more information, call the Alton Center at 417-778-7342 or the Thayer Center at 417-264-7354 or visit, social media pages for each center, and to view menus.
ASH FLAT:
The Ash Flat Senior Life Center invites the community to attend monthly events at the center. Every Tuesday and Friday the center holds bingo from 9 until 10:30, Thursdays the center holds card games, board games, and painting classes from 9 until 10:30 and they also have exercise classes every Thursday from 10 until 10:30. Snacks are available and meals are served at 11:30 each day for $3. Call for more information at 870-994-2174
CHEROKEE VILLAGE:
The food pantry at First Baptist Church in Cherokee Village will be open every Tuesday from 9a-1p.
COUCH:
The Couch R-1 School District annual Back-to-School Supply Drive is taking place at Open House. If you would like to support the Back-to-School Supply Drive, they need donations for school supplies. You can find a list of needed supplies on the school’s website. Supplies and donations can be dropped off at school or Wicker Auto Sales. For more information, you can contact Katie Janes at (417) 938-4212 or Jennifer Smith at (417) 293-1692.
KOSHKONONG, MO:
The Senior Mobile Market visits the Koshkonong City Hall on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 9:30 to 10:30a distributing food to qualified residents. You must live in Oregon County and provide proof you are 60 years of age or older. Food will be provided on a first come/first served basis to at least 1 member of the household. For questions, call 417-865-3411. This a service of the Ozark Food Harvest.
MAMMOTH SPRING:
Exercise classes are held at the Mammoth Spring Senior Citizens Center 950 Archer Avenue in Mammoth Spring every Monday except major holidays at 9:00 am. The class lasts 30 minutes and involves stretch bands, weights, stretching, and working on balance. Contact the Salem Extension Office for more information at 870-895-3301 or Lisa at 870-321-3351.
WEDNESDAYS
GED classes are at the Mammoth Spring Fire Department from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students are accepted starting at age 16. There is no charge for this class. Classes are held at the Ozarka College Campus in Ash Flat on Tuesdays and Thursday, also from 9:00 to 3:00 p.m.
THIRD MONDAY MONTHLY – MAMMOTH SPRING, AR:
Shining Light Food Pantry has moved. Their new location is the corner of Goldsmith & 7th in Mammoth Spring. The third Monday of every month is distribution day. They need you to line up NO earlier than 5:00. Pantry is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Turn on 289, go to the top of the hill turn left onto Goldsmith, and follow Goldsmith around to 7th Street we cannot block any driveways or streets, please leave gaps for these. When you are on Goldsmith you will stay at the stop sign that we place until the car being loaded on 7th street moves away then you will move across to be loaded not blocking any driveways or streets. If you try to cut in from a side street you will have to go to the back to get in line. We will be putting signs out to help the lineup process. Questions? Contact Jennifer Smith at 417-293-1692.
SUMMERSVILLE:
A free beginners line dance workout is offered each Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm at the Summersville Senior Center. A $1 donation to the senior center is suggested to cover use of the facility. For more information, call 417-932-4866.
WEST PLAINS:
West Plains Animal Control wants to remind the public that this year’s dog registration tags are now available at the police department, city hall, and the animal control facility. All residents inside the city limits must register their dogs. The registrations are free and current rabies vaccine information must be put on the form.
If you’re struggling with Alcohol abuse, there are meetings in the area to help with your addiction; it’s helping many victims and their families. Alcoholics Anonymous or A.A. meets in West Plains almost daily. Many are attending the West Plains Wednesday evening session at 7 p.m. at 1400 Washington Avenue in West Plains. You and your family members are welcome. There are meetings in not only West Plains, but Thayer, Willow Springs, Mt. View, Eminence, and Cabool. You can attend any meeting. There are no dues or fees for A A. It’s non-denominational, non-political, and they do not wish to engage in any controversy. The only requirement is for the desire to stop drinking. Learn more. Call 417-256-8988. Their primary purpose is to stay sober and help other people achieve sobriety.
The West Plains Area Farmers Market, located in the East Towne Village pavilion, at 1380 Bill Virdon Blvd. in West Plains, is now open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
Celebrate Recovery in West Plains, which used to be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm will now be held on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm at The First Baptist Church South Campus located at 106 Grove St. West Plains, MO. It will follow immediately after “For the City Meal” which runs from 5pm-6pm. Anyone wishing to attend Celebrate Recovery is invited to come early and enjoy a free meal before the meeting.
The Howell County Health Department is accepting new or gently used coats for children and adults. Items can be dropped off at the Health Department at 180 Kentucky Avenue in West Plains or please call 417-256-7078 to arrange pick up.
The West Plains Ozark Health Care Hospital Gift Shop is now open. Hours are 10:00 until 4:00 p.m. weekdays. More hours later as they expand their staff. Call to donate or for more information 417-853-5200 or go to ozarkshealthcare.com/support-us/foundation
THAYER:
Thayer-Mammoth Spring Rotary Club spots available NOW in the community garden located just south of Assembly of God Church on Highway 63 South in Thayer. If you’d like a spot for a small fee, contact Larry Forschler at NAPA Auto Parts in Thayer, or call Larry at 417 264 3210. All the money goes to Rotary to help our home area. The garden is tilled and ready to go!
Ozarks Healthcare Thrift Store in Thayer, at 612 South 6th St. is open for donations and shopping Monday through Saturday, from 9AM-4:30PM with a sale every Thursday. Any questions can be answered on their Facebook page or by calling 417-264-2028
First Baptist Church in Thayer has a Christ-centered addiction recovery program each Monday at 6:00 p.m. in The Thayer Christian Activity Center on Chestnut Street. Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based approach to overcoming addictions. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction you are invited to attend or invite someone to attend with you. If you would like to donate to the many needs or help in this ministry contact the church office at 417-264-3403. If you can help provide part of the weekly meal, please sign up for an item at the Welcome Center. The help will be much appreciated and will bless many.
The Tax Collector’s office in Thayer will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-4pm. These hours will remain until further notice.
The Christian Activity Center in Thayer is open for walkers from 7:00 until 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday….and open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 until 2:00 p.m. for Senior Adult Activities.
Mo-Ark A.A. meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 to 8:00pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Thayer. Meetings for Women only are held each Thursday beginning at 7 p.m.