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.

 

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

 

 

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

 

JUNE-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.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE14– SALEM, ARK:                                                                            

The 13th Annual Amish School Benefit Consignment Auction will be held Saturday, June 14TH beginning at 9 a.m. Contact Leroy Borntreger at 870-895-2403 or Reuben Yoder 870-895-2793 for more information.

 

JUNE 19 & 20- ALTON

Alton License Office will be closed for two days, June 19 and 20, for “Juneteenth.”

 

NOW – JULY

The Oregon County District Libraries is holding their Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World” theme now through July. This is for ages up to 12 years of age.

Alton meets on Wednesday’s at 9:30 a.m. June 11, 18, and 25th.

Koshkonong – Tuesday’s 11 a.m. to 12 noon on June 24, and July 8, 15 and 22nd.

Myrtle – Wednesday 1:30 to 2 p.m. on June 18th.

Thayer – Friday, June 13 11:30 a.m. – Saturday, June 21 at 3 p.m. and Friday, June 27 at 11:30 a.m.

Thomasville –Wednesday at 1 p.m. on June 11, 18 and 25th.

 

NOW THROUGH JUNE 17- WEST PLAINS

Ozarks Healthcare is partnering with local schools this spring to provide free sports physicals during school hours, making it easy for students of all ages to get cleared for sports and activities.

Schools will distribute physical forms for parents to complete and return on the scheduled day. Families should contact their school office or nurse for more information and to obtain a form.

The following dates and locations are currently scheduled for on-site physicals:

June 11 – Gainesville R-5 School District (on the Gainesville campus)

June 17 – Bakersfield R-4 School District (on the Bakersfield campus)

Dates to be announced – Koshkonong R-3 School District, Winona R-3 School District, and Alton R-4 School District

 

TUESDAY- JUNE 24, WEST PLAINS

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 695 of West Plains will meet on Tuesday, June 24th, at 12:00 noon at the Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant. Doyle Fink will present the program, “General George Patton’s Tank Division Through Europe”. All active and retired federal employees and spouses are invited to attend.

 

NOW – JUNE 25  OZH MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY SCHEDULE: 

Ozarks Healthcare Mountain View

    • Address: 220 N. Elm St., Mountain View, MO
    • Dates:  June 11, 2025

 

Ozarks Healthcare Alton

    • Address: 100 Medical Dr., Alton, MO
    • June 10, 2025

 

Ozarks Healthcare Thayer

    • Address: 1375 Nettleton Ave., Thayer, MO
    •  June 18, 2025

 

Ozarks Healthcare Gainesville

    • Address: 37 Medical Dr., Gainesville, MO
    • June 17, 2025

 

West Plains Bank and Trust Company Willow Springs Branch

    • Address: 708 E. Main St., Willow Springs, MO
    • June 19, 2025

 

Fordland Clinic

    • Address: 1059 Barton Dr., Fordland, MO
    • June 26, 2025

 

Missouri Ozarks Community Health – Ava

    • Address: 504 W. Broadway Avenue, Ava, MO
    • June 24, 2025

 

Missouri State University-West Plains

    • Address: 128 Garfield Ave., West Plains, MO
    • Dates: June 25, 2025

 

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.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11- ALTON: 

MU EXTENSION TO OFFER “TECH TIPS FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS” CLASS

ALTON, Missouri – University of Missouri Extension of Oregon County is hosting two informational courses on using technology to aid in disaster preparedness.  There is no charge to attend this course.

One class will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fun & Friends Senior Center, which is located at 100 Chestnut Street in Thayer, MO.  A second class will be offered on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Alton Senior Center, located at 204 S. Main Street in Alton, MO.

In this course, participants will learn how to use features of a cell phone or tablet to set up emergency alerts and emergency contacts, how to download apps for reliable sources of emergency information, and learn the benefit of using online banking and cloud-based storage to store important information in case paper documents are lost or destroyed in a disaster.

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 13th- ALTON: 

Free invasive plants workshop set for June 13 in Alton

University of Missouri Extension in Oregon County and the Scenic Rivers Invasive Species Partnership will hold a free “Invasive Plants 101” workshop 10 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Alton Freewill Baptist Church in Oregon County.

Sarah Higgins, MU Extension field specialist in natural resources, said the workshop will include a field trip to a property where invasive plants are being managed. Weather permitting, invasive species biologist Valarie Kurre will present a session on pesticide application and safety.

Staff from Quail Forever, the Missouri Department of Conservation and MU Extension will lead the tour and answer questions on land management. Higgins and Kurre advise those attending to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent and drinking water. This workshop will proceed rain or shine.

The event is free. Participants should pack their lunch to be eaten before the field session begins.

Register at http://muext.us/IPW. For more information, contact Higgins at 636-797-5391 or sarah.higgins@missouri.edu.

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 15th – ALTON, MO:

Everyone is invited to the Alton Assembly of God Church to worship with “The New Horizons” in concert.  Service begins at 10:30.  Alton Assembly of God Church is located at the corner of Hodges and Vine Street, Alton, Mo.

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 20- MONTIER, MO:

Native Warm Season Grass Pasture Walk – Shannon County – Friday June 20, 2025

This field workshop is designed for landowners that are interested in learning about Native Warm Season Grass establishment, as well as, integrating and managing NWSG on your farm for livestock forage.

Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm  Location: In-Person, near Montier, MO.  Directions: From US- Highway 60 (west), turn right on Highway M (north), continue state Hwy M for 1.5 miles then continue State Route M for another 1.6 miles. There will be a gate on the right to turn into. Attendees will pull into the gate on the right off county road. We will meet there then drive from there to the field.

Cost: FREE 

Please RSVP before June 20th: limited to first 25 landowners 

Contact Information

Abbey Trantham | MDC Private Land Conservationist | 417-778-7561 ext: 108 or abbey.trantham@mdc.mo.gov

Sarah Kenyon | Region 4 Grazing Coordinator MO Cattleman’s Association | 417-300-2976 or

Sarah@mocattle.com

 

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 21:

Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child will be hosting Yuri Lopez to speak in our area on June 21, 2025. Yuri grew up in several orphanages throughout Honduras. Yuri has an inspiring story of receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox that you won’t want to miss! Yuri now lives in America where she participates in a sports ministry to share the hope of the Gospel with boys and girls. Hear how her shoebox became a lifeline to show God’s everlasting love! You can hear her

June 21, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at Mansfield 1st Baptist Church in Mansfield, MO

June 21, 2025 at 1:30 at Trinity Worahip Center in West Plains, MO

June 21, 2025 at 4:30 at Mountain View Christian Church in Mountain View, MO

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 21: MAMMOTH SPRING: 

Movie in the Park at the Mammoth Spring State Park beginning at 8pm. They will show “The Wild Robot.” Admission is FREE. Meet at the baseball field. Sponsored by Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce, Simmons Bank, Ozark Gateway Tourist Council, and Community 1st Banking Company.

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 22 THROUGH THURSDAY, JUNE 26:

Vacation Bible School at Thayer First Baptist Church. The theme this year is “Magnified”. It will be held nightly from 6pm to 8pm at the Main Church (112 N. 3rd Street) and not at the Christian Activity Center.

 

 

JULY 7-10-WEST PLAINS

Area school-aged youth are invited to participate in Grizzly Basketball Summer Camp July 7-10 at the West Plains Civic Center.

The camp is being hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay, Assistant Coaches Michael Poindexter and Walt Belcher, and Graduate Assistant Coach Joe Greenwood. Current and former Grizzly Basketball players also will help coach participants, officials said.

The cost of attending the morning session is $95; the cost to attend the all-day camp is $185; the cost of attending the elite camp is $125. Spaces are limited for each session, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration forms can be downloaded at MSUWPGrizzlies.com/Camps/Grizzly_Basketball_Summer_Camp_2025.

For more information about the camp, contact Phay at 417-255-7991 or JaredPhay@MissouriState.edu.

 

 

JULY 12TH- SALEM

The Fulton County Fair Beauty Pageants and Youth Talent Contest will be at the Salem Civic Center at the fairgrounds.

Pageants for infants to children age 10 will be in the afternoon, and for ages 11 to 23, and the Youth Talent Contest at 7 p.m.

Entry forms are online at www.fultoncountyfair.org or may be picked up at the fair office. All Forms are due by July 1st. For more information call the fair office, 870-895-5565.

 

 

MONDAY, JULY 14- SATURDAY, JULY 19- MAMMOTH SPRING: 

Old Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Air Force Reunion at the Mammoth Spring State Park.

 

JULY 21-25- WEST PLAINS

Vacation Bible School will be held at the Cornerstone Church on Highway 63 south of West Plains. July 21st will be registration day.  The Bible School starts at 5:30 each day. Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

 

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 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.

 

MAMMOTH SPRING:

Word is Alive Ministries Pastor Charles Morgan is on the air weekly on both AM1290 and FM103.7 The Gift as well as Anywhere, Anytime K-Kountry 95 with sermons thanks to faithful listener support. Pastor Charles is on the Gift each Wednesday from 8:30am to 845am and each Sunday on K-Kountry 95 from 1130am to Noon. If you would like to contribute to the Non-Profit Organization tax deductible to support the messages on air please send to Word is Alive P.O. Box 1152 Mammoth Spring, AR 72554 or drop off at any Southern Bank.