Community Calendar
RIGHT NOW- WEST PLAINS
The Butler Children’s Park Splash Pad in West Plains is open to the public. The splash pad is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Access to the splash pad is free of charge.
RIGHT NOW- ALTON
The Alton Swimming pool is open for the summer season. Hours are 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Pool prices are $4.00 for daily pass…$30.00 for 10 passes, $50.00 for individual pass. $160.00 for family pass and $100.00 for pool party. Rules for the pool are posted…must be obeyed. Concession stand is open.
For more information call 417-778-7278 or e-mail www.altoncitypool@gmail.com.
NOW THROUGH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26:
Thayer Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9am to 1pm between Pizza Inn and Dairy Queen. They are currently looking for vendors. Baked goods, crafts, fruits and vegetables, herbal teas and much more. Check out the Thayer Farmer’s Market Facebook page for more information.
NOW THROUGH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26:
The Oregon County Farmers Market in Alton is open every Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. At the Alton City Park & Pool. See their Facebook page for more information or call (417) 778-7490.
Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar 2024
August 17 – Legacy of the Spring Program – Mammoth Spring State Park
August 31 – Mammoth Spring Antique and Classic Car Show, Gates open at 8:00 AM
September 11 – Great Spring River Clean-Up
September 14 – Birds of Prey Program at State Park Pavilion 1:00 PM
October 26 – Mammoth Spring Spooktacular 4:00 PM Downtown Main St.
December 7 – Mammoth Spring Christmas Parade 6:00 PM Downtown Main St.
JULY 1st – 31st – WILLOW SPRINGS:
Willow Springs, MO. – The Willow Springs Fire Department along with the American Red Cross is providing a free smoke alarm to be installed by a firefighter in Willow Springs homes. All residents of the City of Willow Springs and members of the Willow Springs Rural Fire Protection Association are eligible. If you are interested in having a Willow Spring Fire Department firefighter install a smoke alarm in your home for free, contact the fire department by calling Willow Springs City Hall at 417-469-2107.
JULY 1st-31st – WEST PLAINS:
Due to the holiday and scheduled vacations, the West Plains Lions Club will not meet in July. They will return to a regular meeting schedule in August.
JULY 1ST – 31ST – THAYER:
Donation are needed for the new Thayer Oregon County Food Pantry that has relocated to the Recycling Center and rodeo arena; this is for a new building and a Loading dock. All donations may be tax deductible. This needs to be completed by August 31st. For more information contact Terri Wrenfrow, Administrator at 417-280-0590 or www.thayerocfp@gmail.com.
JULY 1st – 31st – ALTON:
The Alton Senior Center and Thayer Fun and Friends Senior Center is seeking volunteers. The center offers travel reimbursement as well as training and support. For more information contact Devyn Reed at 417-868-9559 or www.devyn.reed@senioragemo.org.
MONDAY, JULY 22- FRIDAY, JULY 26– WEST PLAINS:
Vacation Bible School at Cornerstone Family Worship Center from 6-8:30 nightly. Parents please come in and register your child on the first night.
JULY 21-25 – THAYER:
Thayer First Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School is July 21st through the 25th (Sunday through Thursday) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the CAC. This is for kid’s Pre-K through 6th grade and the theme is “Camp Firelight, a Summer Camp Adventure with God, Psalm 56-3. For more information- 417-264-3403
TUESDAY, JULY 23 – WEST PLAINS:
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 695 meet Tuesday at 12 noon at Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 1449 Preacher Roe Blvd in West Plains. Ruth Stevens will present the program “The History of the Iditarod”. All active and retired federal employees and spouses are invited to attend.
FRIDAY, JULY 26- ALTON:
Smyrna Freewill Baptist Church invites you to a free singing with local talent. It starts at 7pm. Pastor Kelly Johnson and the congregation invite everyone. From Alton go towards Thomasville a couple of miles to County Roads 404/407.
FRIDAY, JULY 26 – WEST PLAINS:
The 8th annual live Local First Golf Tournament will be at North Terra Golf Course in West Plains. There will be morning and afternoon sessions, prizes at every hole, and a hole-in-one prize; sign-up sheet is now posted at the North Terra Golf Course, with proceeds going to the West Plains Elks Lodge Veterans Programs. More details at www.givelocalfirst.org.
SATURDAY, JULY 27- MELBOURNE, AR:
Mark your calendars for the “Jackson Strong” Golf Tournament at Cooper’s Hawk Golf Course in Melbourne, Ark. on Saturday, July 27th! It’s a 3-Person Scramble with a 8amj Shotgun Start. $180 per team (cart not included). Lunch will be provided. To register, call Cooper’s Hawk at 870-368-3280 or 870-750-0697.
JULY 29-31 – WEST PLAINS:
The Curry Street Church of Christ in West Plains will hold Bible School July 29, 30 and 31 (Mon, Tues, Wed) at 7 p.m. nightly; the theme is “The Adventures of Paul”. For more information call the church at 417-256-3925.
JULY 31ST – WEST PLAINS:
The tennis court located next to the West Plains Aquatic Center in Peoples Park has been resurfaced and striped for PICKLE BALL. The new outdoor pickle ball court is available to the public.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1ST- WEST PLAINS
West Plains Bank and Trust Company Willow Springs Branch is now accepting school supplies for all ages, as well as cash donations, through Thursday, August 1st, in support of Back to School Blessings!
Back to School Blessings is a community school supply drive for Willow Springs Schools hosted by Westside Family Life Center and community volunteers. For more info, call 417-469-5013.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1st – MAMMOTH SPRING:
The Mammoth Spring Preschool has a few free slots still available if you have or know a child that will be 3 or 4 years old, on or before August 1st. They have a quality program, free meals, and provide all materials for the students. If you would like to learn more about the program or would like an enrollment packet, please call the school for more information.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2nd – COUCH, MO:
The Couch R-1 Schools Health Practitioner, Amelia Crowder, announces that the Couch School will be hosting free sports physicals for any Couch student on Friday, August 2nd, in the Nurse’s Office. Sports physicals will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Physical forms can be found in the high school office. This will be the only time for free sports physicals. Contact the school for more info.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3rd – DORA, MO:
The Dora Back-to-School Fair will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Dora School cafeteria, with free clothing, shoes, backpacks, hygiene kits, haircuts, and more for any children who show up. All needed school supplies for Pre-K through
For more info, call 417-712-1027 or 417-293-7471.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4th – SALEM,AR:
The Kingsmen Quartet will be in concert August 4th, beginning at 6 pm at Salem Praise and Worship. The location is 682 West 62/412 (The Sky Vue Center) in Salem, Arkansas. There is no admission charge but a love offering will be received. This is another of the great groups that we will have this year. Join Salem Praise and Worship Fellowship for a great night of Southern Gospel with The Kingsmen on August 4th at 6 PM. For more information contact Tom Doty at 870-926-9934.
MONDAY, AUGUST 5TH – MAMMOTH SPRING, AR:
The school supply list for the Mammoth Spring Elementary School is now available. Those who asked for supplies to be purchased for your family will be ready at the Open House on Monday, August 12th. If you did not complete the form for school supplies and need help with your child’s school supplies, you can text Heather at 417-280-6763 to get your name on the Back to School Fair supply list being held at Thayer School on Monday, August 5th, from 5:30-7:30 PM.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6TH – WEST PLAINS:
From 6-9, the West Plains Police Department will be available at the Lincoln School-West Plains for National Night Out. Neighbors throughout West Plains are asked to lock their doors, turn on their front porch lights, and spend the evening outside with law enforcement officers and neighbors.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY AUGUST 8TH & 9TH
Mammoth Spring Friends of the Library hosts a book sale on Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Mammoth Spring City Library. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the library renovation. Questions call Carla @ 870-625-3205
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH – WEST PLAINS:
The West Plains Schools Bridges Back To School Bash & Health Fair will be held on Saturday, August 10th, from 9am until 11am. Contact the school to register and get ready for a fantastic event packed with school supplies and health essentials!
AUGUST, ALL MONTH LONG- HOWELL COUNTY
The Howell County Health Department has announced dates and times for back-to-school immunizations in August. Appointment-required regular clinics will be on August 13th and 20th, and September 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 25th. There are a pair of walk-in clinics planned at the Howell County Health Department in August on the 16th and 23rd with satellite clinics on August 27th at the Mountain View Christian Church, and the Willow Springs United Methodist Church.
UNTIL AUGUST 15TH – MAMMOTH SPRING:
As the new school year approaches for Mammoth Springs Schools, the Bear Necessities is calling for donations of gently used clothing and shoes (especially boys clothing), size 5T and up to benefit local children in need. Contact the Mammoth Springs Schools for more info.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29th- WILLOW SPRINGS:
The Howell County Health Department will have their mobile clinic set up on Thursday August 29th in Willow Springs at the parking lot in Booster Field, located right next to Cox Health in Willow. Women’s health services will be available that afternoon from 1 to 3:30 pm. With nurse practitioner Jenni Roberts. Appointments are recommended but walk- ins will be accepted. For more info call the clinic at 417-256-7078.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th – MAMMOTH SPRING:
The Mammoth Spring Class of 1964 will be holding a 60th class reunion at the Riverbend Restaurant in Mammoth Spring from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 7th. They are inviting the classes of 1963, 1965 and 1966 to join. Anyone else who would like to join are welcome. For more information, contact Shirley Henley at 870-404-3680 or Wendell Ragsdale.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th – THOMASVILLE, MO:
The Autumn Days Festival will take place in Thomasville, Mo. On Saturday, September 28th. The fun starts at 5pm with food trucks, live music, kids activities, pumpkin painting, sack races and Dawson Hollow!!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th – HARDY, AR:
The Hardy History Association presents the 32nd annual Hardy Homesteaders Day from 9 to 3 in Loberg Park and along main street in Hardy, Arkansas. It’s a celebration of Hardy’s founding where they will have 1883 homesteading demonstrations, music, contests, children’s activities, raffles, door prizes, tastes of open fire and wood cooking, horse drawn wagon rides, souvenirs, blacksmithing, cross cut saw demos, butter churning, and so much more. Admission and all the activities are totally FREE and it’s fun filled family day. Save the date, Saturday, September 28th in Hardy, Arkansas. It’s a “step back in time” to share the experiences and skills of their past and help develop a living memory. Plan to attend.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19th – CHEROKEE VILLAGE:
The Cherokee Village Fire Department Auxiliary presents the Fueled By Fire 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 19th., at 8:30 a.m. Start and finish are at Omaha Recreation Center. Entry fee is $35 and includes race entry, goody bag, and T-shirt. The entry fee on Race Day is $35, but may not include goody bag / t-shirt. For more info, call Robert Smith at 870- 847-0035.
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 @ 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:
The “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 the 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”. Meetings will be held at 105 Dunigan Street at the Alton Church of Christ, behind Mills Feed Store. 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, Thursday’s 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 at a cost of $3. Call for more information at 870-994-2174
CHEROKEE VILLAGE:
The food pantry at the 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 are in need of 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.
HARDY:
The Spring River Artists Guild at 300 Main Street in Hardy will now be open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Christmas. Friday hours are 12-4pm, Saturday hours are 10a-4p and Sunday from 1p-4p. Look for the big ART sign and the purple porch. Masks are required.
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 Salem Extension Office for more information at 870-895-3301 or Lisa at 870-321-3351.
WEDNESDAYS
GED classes are held 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 are needing you to line up NO earlier than 4:00. Pantry is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. this is a school bus route and we cannot line up NO earlier than 3:40 The lineup route will be, turn on 289, go to the top of the hill turn left on to 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. Please if you have any 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:
The City of 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, then you need to be aware of meetings that are taking place 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 to 6pm. Anyone wishing to attend Celebrate Recovery is invited to come early and enjoy a free meal prior to 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. week days. More hours later as they expand their staff. Call to donate or more information.
(info 417-853-5200 or www.ozarkshealthcare.com/support-us/foundation.)
THAYER:
Thayer-Mammoth Spring Rotary Club has a few spots available in the community garden located just south of Clarity Church on Hwy 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, located on 612 South 6th St. is open for donations and shopping Monday through Saturday, from 9AM to 4:30PM with a sale every Thursday. Any questions can be answered on our Facebook page or by giving the store a call at 417-264-2028
The 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 Pastor Bro. Jared Russell at 417-264-3403 or e-mail him at www.jaredpaulrussell76@gamaill.com . If you are able to 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 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.
AA meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Thayer.
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.
THAYER COMMUNITY:
Did you know you can recycle your Christmas lights? Bring your unwanted or non-functional Christmas lights and drop them in the collection box located inside Thayer City Hall. The lights will then be taken to Computer Recycling Center for recycling on February 9th. For more information, call 417-247-7875.