The 15th annual Focus on Missouri Agriculture photo contest hosted by the Missouri Department of Agriculture is underway. Submissions are due June 7. more

For three days last weekend gamers of all kinds, roleplaying enthusiasts, comic book connoisseurs, anime addicts, fantasy and sci-fi junkies, and cosplay cognoscente converged on the West Plains Civic Center for Oz-Con 2024. more

The 19th century marked a period of significant transformation and innovation in transportation, primarily through the development of wagons and carriages, which played a crucial role in shaping early modern society. This era witnessed the rise of some of the most influential wagon and carriage makers whose creations not only revolutionized personal and commercial transport but also paved the way for future advancements in automotive technology. This article delves into the history of the most prominent wagon and carriage builders of the 1800s, exploring their contributions, craftsmanship, and the lasting impact they had on transportation. more

From the number twenty-two, summer 1983 issue. more

Perhaps no plant brightens a shady area more than hosta, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The hardy perennial that thrives in shade is low-maintenance and easy to grow. more

The 2023-2024 season came to an end Saturday, April 27, for the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team. more

Our church staff has been reading James Clear’s fascinating book, Atomic Habits, Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results. The book began with the history of how the governing body of professional bicycling in Great Britain hired Dave Brailsford as its performance director in 2003. At the time, English cyclists had suffered a nearly 100-year slump. In 95 years, British riders had won only one Olympic gold medal, and in cycling’s biggest race, the Tour de France, no English rider had won in 110 years. more

Romans 1:32 They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. more

“Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2) “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.” (Psalm 98:4) Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to sing to the Lord! In Exodus 15:21 we read that after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, “Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously.’” To sing to the Lord is central to the practice of our faith. We sing to affirm our faith… “On Christ the solid rock I stand” …describe God’s traits… “Great is Thy faithfulness!”… express a prayer… “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Singing deepens our faith, strengthens us as God’s people, and prepares us for that day when all the faithful will sing in God’s kingdom. (Rev. 5) Let us sing to the Lord! May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

There’s a saying from my childhood that pops into my head every once in awhile: “God don’t like ugly.” more

The Bible isn't just another book on the shelf. It’s special, not just because of its spiritual significance but because of how we, as readers, engage with it. Unlike a novel where the story is generally accepted at face value, when it comes to the Bible, it seems everyone’s got a scoop on what the text “really means.” It’s not just about reading; it’s about interpreting, sometimes over-interpreting. more

Headliners announced for this year’s Old-Time Music, Ozarks Heritage Festival are CJ Newsom’s Classic Country from Branson with Terry Wayne Sanders, performing at 8 p.m. June 7, and Big Smith of Springfield, set to play at 8 p.m. June 8. Both performances will be held in the West Plains Civic Center theater.  more

The Missouri FFA Association awarded the West Plains FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem and a Top Chapter Award once again during the 96th annual state convention held April 17 through 19 in Columbia. West Plains placed 16th out of 362 chapters. Only 10% of state chapters receive a top chapter designation annually, officials pointed out. more

New students planning to enroll in 2024 summer session and/or fall semester classes at Missouri State University-West Plains can sign up now for the university’s STudent Advising and Registration (S.T.A.R.) Orientation. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts and Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center (BHC) have again partnered to bring a themed collection of submissions by area residents to the West Plains Civic Center. WPCA will host the exhibition of works from Monday through May 17 in the gallery on the mezzanine in the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The gallery is open to the public during regular civic center hours. more

Jeannie “Renee” Williams, a registered nurse at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ John J. Pershing Medical Center clinic in West Plains, has been recognized with the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. more

The Lincoln School is set to welcome former West Plains resident Beverly Short for a captivating two-day event featuring a book discussion and a theatrical performance. The events will showcase her multi-faceted career and her latest artistic achievements. more

Cedarhurst of West Plains invites the public to its inaugural Goat Gala & Fashion Show to be held May 29 at the senior living facility, 1528 U.S. 63. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston has been awarded a grant of $177,292.50 by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. more