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Businesses urged to be on alert for apparent Best of West Plains scam

This week, the Quill learned of a possible scam related to the results of the recent 2023 Best of West Plains contest, published in the March 30 issue of the Quill’s West Plains Gazette.

Two youths in custody after middle school threat reported

The Howell County Sheriff's Office has reported a 12-year-old West Plains Middle School student has been placed in juvenile custody after threats made on April 18 and Monday.
REED

Traffic stop in Douglas County leads to drug trafficking charges for 2

Two area residents are facing multiple felony charges after a traffic stop conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Department.

Mo. counties with national forest land receive $2.6M in funding for schools, roads

The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is one way that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service provides benefits to communities in and around national forests, including the Mark Twain National Forest.
At the April meeting of the West Plains City Council several members of the West Plains Fire Department and the West Plains police Department were recognized for their lifesaving actions, resulting in the handicapped victim of a house fire being removed to safety during a blaze with heavy fire and smoke and the resuscitation of a man that was suffering a severe cardiac event with a low survival rate. From left are Firefighter Jacob Barks, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Sterner, firefighter Brett Wilcox, Fire Chief Kurt Wilbanks, Police Chief Stephen Monticelli, Mayor Mike Topliff, firefighter Jacob Barks, and Fire Lt. Wayne Cormier. Also recognized was firefighter Bud McMillen, who arrived at the medical emergency and helped administer CPR during resuscitation efforts that helped ensure the survival of the patient.

West Plains Heroes: West Plains City Council honors bravery and lifesaving efforts of first responders in Double Rescue Feat

On March 2 a structure fire was reported at a home on Amyx Street, with a handicapped man located at the back door but unable to get out. West Plains Assistant Fire Chief Chris Sterner and Police Chief Stephen Monticelli presented the awards. West Plains Police Lt. Brandon Stephens arrived on the scene and was able to pull the man onto the porch from the doorway amid heavy fire and smoke, and oxygen tanks exploding inside the house. Fire Lt. Wayne Cormier then arrived and together they were able to pick up and move the victim to safety.

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News

17 states challenge federal rules entitling workers to accommodations for abortion

Seventeen states are challenging new federal rules entitling workers to time off and other accommodations for abortions. Arkansas and Tennessee filed the lawsuit in federal court on Thursday and …
FILE - Attorney Jack Wagoner is interviewed after a hearing in the Pulaski County Court House in Little Rock, Ark., Thursday, April 17, 2014. Jack Wagoner, an attorney who represented same-sex couples who successfully challenged Arkansas' ban on gay marriage before state and federal courts, has died, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He was 62. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston, File)

Jack Wagoner, attorney who challenged Arkansas' same-sex marriage ban, dies

Attorney Jack Wagoner, who helped successfully challenged Arkansas' ban on same-sex marriage, has died. He was 62. An attorney who worked with Wagoner said he died Tuesday in Little Rock and that a …

Arkansas woman pleads guilty to selling 24 boxes of body parts stolen from cadavers

A former Arkansas mortuary worker has pleaded guilty to charges that she sold 24 boxes of stolen body parts from medical school cadavers to a Pennsylvania man. Candace Chapman Scott changed her plea …
This undated photo released by the Cassville Missouri Police Dept., shows a portrait of Dr. John Forsyth. The death of the Missouri doctor who was found 11 months ago in a northwest Arkansas lake has been ruled a suicide, Arkansas authorities said Thursday, April 25, 2024. (Cassville Missouri Police via AP)

Arkansas officials say a Missouri doctor whose body was found in a lake died by suicide

Arkansas authorities say the death of a Missouri doctor who was found 11 months ago in a northwest Arkansas lake has been ruled a suicide. The Benton County, Arkansas, sheriff's department said in a …
FILE - Residents place their signatures on a petition in support of a ballot initiative to end Missouri's near total ban on abortion during Missourians for Constitutionals Freedom kick-off petition drive, Feb. 6, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Missouri's GOP-led House on Thursday, April 25, amended a proposed constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would raise the vote threshold needed for all constitutional amendments going forward. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)

Amendments to Missouri Constitution are on the line amid GOP infighting

Republican Missouri lawmakers are divided over how far to go with a ballot measure that would make it more difficult for future voters to amend the state constitution. The GOP-led House on Thursday …

The Latest: Supreme Court arguments conclude in Trump immunity case

A demonstrator stands outside the Supreme Court as the justices prepare to hear arguments over whether Donald Trump is immune from prosecution in a case charging him with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, on Capitol Hill Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court have ended after more than 2 1/2 hours in Donald Trump’s bid to avoid prosecution over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. The …

Sports
Minnesota Digest
Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up for select Minnesota stories. For up-to-the minute information on AP's complete coverage of Minnesota and the rest of the world, visit …
Associated Press Louisiana Daybook for Thursday, Apr. 25.The daybook is for planning purposes only and is not intended for publication or broadcast. You should verify any event you plan to …
The highlights of Wednesday's AP Sports report. An up-to-the minute listing of all stories planned, including games and events, is available in Coverage Plan on AP Newsroom, …
Here’s a look at how AP’s general news coverage is shaping up for select New York stories. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s complete coverage of New York and the rest of the world, …
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 23, 2024--America’s #1 audio company iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment today announced a new partnership to launch the Women’s Sports Audio Network …

Grizzly Softball to close out regular season this week

THE GRIZZLY SOFTBALL team recognized its two sophomores prior to the April 20 games against North Central Missouri College at the Hilburn Sports Complex adjacent to West Plains High School. Shortstop Kenzie Massey, Grandby, and outfielder Madalyn Ivy, Mansfield, have been the anchors of the squad this season and set the tone for this year’s campaign. They will be remembered for helping the Grizzly Softball program. From left are Assistant Coach Ashley Cooley, Ivy, Massey, Assistant Coach Amy Marshall and Head Coach Don Long. (MSU-WP Photo)
The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball will close out the 2024 regular season today with a doubleheader against Crowder College.

WPHS Gears Up for an Exciting Senior Night with the Zizzers

The West Plains High School Zizzers are thrilled to announce a memorable evening celebrating the accomplishments and future aspirations of their senior baseball players. Scheduled for April 26, 2024, this Senior Night promises to be an exhilarating event as the Zizzers take on their rivals, the Ava Bears, in a highly anticipated home game.
People & Events

WP Senior Center announces volunteer opportunities

The West Plains Senior Center, 416 E. Main St., has issued a call for volunteers in multiple capacities.
The team from Thayer High School took top honors overall and placed first in Division III of the 37th annual Interscholastic Contest April 5 at Missouri State University-West Plains. Team members included, front row from left, Dirk Deckard, Kylie Forrester, Kaden Vardell, Abby Blum, Aidan Burns, Mitchel Nelson, Lilly Quarles and Marley Kunkleman. Second row: Curtis Stockle, Chase Mills, Savannah Wheeler, Ava Smith, Matthew Pierce, Nikita Calvo, Gracyn Rouse, Atley Woods, Corwin Mullins and Garik Osgood. Back row: Dustin Adams, Jacelynn Wright, Savannah Jackson, Aidan Harvey, Lindsay Gustafson, Ella Johnson, Salena Hollis, Jake McFann, Gus McFann, Caden Selfors and Michael Cali.

Thayer takes top honors in Interscholastic Contest

Thayer High School took top honors in the 37th annual Interscholastic Contest held April 5 at Missouri State University-West Plains.
West Plains High School seniors Roxy Clinton and Tara Sargent and sophomore Camille Coleman.

Zizzer PLTW students earn top marks in recent contest

Over 45 Project Lead the Way students attended the April 9 Missouri S&T Showcase at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla and presented their projects to university professors and students to gain feedback on their work. 

Community Calendar: April 24 update

Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by noon Fridays to news@wpdailyquill.net with “CALENDAR” in the subject line. Three sentence maximum must include event description, date, time, location, cost and source for more information. Weekly events will be printed for no more than a month at a time unless renewed by the host. Call the Quill, 417-256-9191 with questions. Unless otherwise noted, events are in West Plains.
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Features
Students from a previous M*A*S*H Camp at Ozarks Healthcare dissect a sheep heart.

Applications now open for Ozarks Healthcare M*A*S*H Camp for youths

Ozarks Healthcare officials have announced the return of its M*A*S*H (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp this summer. Designed for area students with an interest in healthcare careers, the camp offers a unique hands-on experience to explore various medical specialties and learn from seasoned professionals, said officials.

Quill 2024 commemorative graduation book

Parents, family members and community supporters of the West Plains High School Class of 2024 have a special opportunity to celebrate their seniors.

Howell County rural schools receive needed grant funds

Several Howell County rural schools have gotten funding that will help buy learning materials and equipment, including Glenwood R-8, Howell Valley R-1, and Richards R-5.

“Go Farm” Farmers Market Fresh Salads to Go!

Ozark Fruit Company will have fresh harvested salad mix made into “ready to go salads”. This Saturday will be chicken, strawberries, walnuts, croutons and your choice of blue cheese or feta cheese.

WPHS JAG Students Craft Cozy Blankets for CASA

A community service project was recently undertaken by West Plains High School students in the high school and Zizzer Pride Academy Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program, funded by a grant from Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson, a well-known supporter of the JAG program. The students used the grant money to purchase fleece fabric, then made knotted fleece blankets that were donated to the 37th Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to be included in Easter baskets that were given by CASA volunteers to the children they advocate for. Standing at far left is local CASA Executive Director Connie Pendergrass, and standing at far right is West Plains High School JAG Specialist Joan Dietrich.

Night during the day: Why everyone is hyped for the eclipse

By now, the only folks who have not heard the buzz about the total eclipse happening in 2024 must be living under rocks. Yeah, that's right, another celestial blockbuster is on its way, and folks are getting seriously hyped up about it. It's not just your regular stargazers and astronomy buffs either; we're talking about people from all walks of life planning, plotting, and ready to hit the road for the best viewing spots. But why all the fuss about the moon photobombing the sun for a bit? Let's dive in and find out why everyone's marking their calendars and why you might just want to join the eclipse-chasing bandwagon.

Thayer, Mammoth Spring team up to host eclipse events

The City of Thayer is hosting eclipse camping through Tuesday, complete with a nightly bonfire, live music, shuttles and food vendors.

Call for submissions: Eclipse Keepsake book

The Quill will offer a keepsake book to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse event taking place Monday.
Zizzer Pride Academy (ZPA) students in the Missouri Option Program told their stories at the March 19 West Plains R-7 School Board meeting, and focused on their accomplishments and the support they are getting from ZPA faculty and staff. The Missouri Option Program is offered to students at least 17 years old who are identified as being at risk of dropping out without earning a diploma. They were introduced by district At-Risk Coordinator Brandon Somoza, who gave the students credit for their work in transitioning from high school to the

R-7 School Board members thanked, ZPA program showcased at March meeting

The West Plains R-7 School Board celebrated School Board Appreciation Month during its March meeting, and board members were presented with gifts from each of the schools in the district, many of them made by students.
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