The West Plains High School Lady Zizzers swim team completed their unbelievable season at the MSHSAA Class 1 State Swimming and Diving Championships last week. They entered 13 events, which was the most ever in their 10th season of existence. more

Monday night marked a momentous occasion for the West Plains High School Lady Zizzers basketball team as they clinched a decisive victory against Bolivar, rounding off their regular season with a perfect 3-0 record against their rivals. The night was not only a celebration of their undefeated streak against Bolivar but also an emotional farewell to their two seniors, Allyssa Joyner and Olivia Lawson, whose contributions to the team have been invaluable. more

Under the bright lights of the West Plains High School gymnasium, the Lady Zizzers basketball teams showcased a night filled with sheer determination, heart-stopping moments, and undeniable grit. This was not just another Thursday night; it was a night where every dribble, pass, and shot told a story of resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of victory. more

The West Plains High School Lady Zizzers basketball team experienced a gamut of emotions Tuesday night as they faced off on the road against the formidable Rolla Bulldogs. The evening was a showcase of tenacity and skill, with the Lady Zizzers splitting the results; the varsity team narrowly missed victory, whereas the junior varsity team seized a win. more

The West Plains Lady Zizzer Swim Team is State bound! Eight members of the Lady Zizzers will head to St. Peter’s on Wednesday for the MSHSAA Class 1 State Swimming and Diving Championships Thursday and Friday. more

The West Plains High School Lady Zizzers demonstrated an outstanding performance on the basketball court last Friday night in Springfield. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) teams outshone their opponents with remarkable skill and teamwork. more

In a night awash with vibrant shades of pink, the West Plains High School Lady Zizzers transformed their home court into more than just a battleground for high school basketball supremacy. They turned it into a heartwarming symphony of community spirit, athletic excellence, and philanthropic endeavor. The 11th Annual Pink Out event, held on a Thursday night that will be etched in the memory of many, wasn't merely a sporting event; it was a beacon of hope and solidarity for the cancer patients benefiting from the Ozark Healthcare's Cancer Treatment Center.The evening kicked off with the junior varsity squad of the Lady Zizzers taking the hardwood by storm. In what can only be described as a dazzling display of teamwork and skill, the junior varsity team laid down the gauntlet with a commanding 56-12 victory over Parkview High School. Ashley Culton, a name that would resonate throughout the night, led the charge with an impressive 14 points. Not far behind, Delani Wahome and Zoe Shrubb each contributed 10 points to the scoreboard, weaving through the defense with ease and finesse. Aubrey Tidwell, with her 9 points, showcased the depth of talent in the Lady Zizzers' ranks, while Jewelia Willard added a crucial 6 points. Lydia Harris, Cameron Brill, and Brylie Osborn rounded out the scoring, demonstrating that every player plays a pivotal role in the symphony of a team's success.As the varsity game took center stage, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The Lady Zizzers varsity team, not to be outdone by their junior varsity counterparts, stormed to a breathtaking 77-23 victory. Allyssa Joyner, in a performance that could only be described as nothing short of spectacular, picked up another double-double with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Olivia Lawson, with her incredible 22 points, proved to be a force to be reckoned with, leaving the defense scrambling to keep up. Zoe Shrubb, adding 15 points, showed the versatility and depth of the Lady Zizzers' attack. Ashley Culton, carrying her momentum from the junior varsity game, added another 6 points to her night's tally. Mylea Adams, Cameron Brill, and Lucy Hafer, each contributing 2 points, exemplified the essence of team play—every contribution matters, no matter the size.The wins were sweet, but the essence of the Pink Out event transcends the bounds of the basketball court. The Lady Zizzers' Head Coach, beaming with pride not only for the athletic prowess displayed by his teams but more so for the monumental community support, highlighted the true spirit of the Pink Out event. It's a testament to the power of unity, the strength of a community coming together for a cause much greater than basketball.Special recognition was bestowed upon the employees of West Plains Bank, whose tireless efforts year after year ensure the success of the Pink Out event. Their dedication and hard work behind the scenes are the unsung melody that harmonizes the event's success.As the night drew to a close, the Lady Zizzers and the community of West Plains proved that basketball could be more than just a game. It can be a catalyst for change, a source of hope, and a vehicle for bringing a community together. The Pink Out event, with its blend of athletic excellence and philanthropic endeavor, showcases the best of what sports can be—a unifying force for good.The team's heartfelt thanks extend to all sponsors, donors, and shirt buyers, whose generosity ensures that the real winners of the night—the cancer patients of Ozark Healthcare's Cancer Treatment Center—receive the support they need. In the end, the scores will fade into the annals of high school sports history, but the impact of the 11th Annual Pink Out event will resonate far beyond the basketball court, in the hearts and lives of those it aimed to uplift.  more

Rylan Kenslow, a standout senior from West Plains High School, class of 2024, has made a significant leap towards securing his future, both academically and athletically. Kenslow has been awarded athletic and academic scholarships to continue his football career at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, marking a pivotal moment in his journey as a student-athlete. more

In a series of electrifying basketball matches on Tuesday night, the West Plains High School Zizzers showcased remarkable skill, teamwork, and determination across all levels—9th grade, Junior Varsity (JV), and Varsity—culminating in a resounding triumph over the Waynesville Tigers. This thrilling trio of victories not only demonstrated the Zizzers' prowess on the court but also marked a significant improvement in their seasonal records. more

The West Plains High School Lady Zizzers are the 2024 Southwest Missouri Swimming and Diving Champions! Over the weekend, the Lady Zizzer Swim Team competed at the Southwest Missouri Championships in Springfield where a year ago they finished Runner-Up to Webb City, the first time any teams had finished 1-2 other than Glendale and Kickapoo. more

In a spirited showdown that had all the makings of a classic, the Lady Zizzers of West Plains High took on the Kickapoo Chiefs with the kind of gusto that would make any basketball purist's heart skip a beat. It was a day of fast breaks, buzzer-beaters, and nothing but net moments – a true testament to the thrills of high school basketball. more

A few years ago, I read an Our Daily Bread devotional by Mike Wittmer, about a mountain climber who reached the summit of Mount Everest in 2019. He was treated to the unique perspective of sunrise from the 29,032-foot mountain peak. He must have felt elated at having reached this famous location. Unfortunately, the climber did not survive the descent after his remarkable achievement. The high altitude had overtaxed his heart, and he died while descending the mountain. Wittmer explained medical experts often caution climbers to not view the top of Everest as their ultimate destination, but to realize “they’re in the death zone” until they reach lower altitudes. more

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. more

“Be still, and know that I am God.” We find these words in Psalm 46:10. Take some time to read and reflect upon these words. What do they mean to you? Be still. Stop talking; listen; stop arguing; stop complaining; switch off your phone; step away from the computer; be quiet; rest; rest in the Lord; let God’s peace flood your mind, heart, and spirit. And know. Stop doubting; be sure; be certain; lean upon God and experience his strength; remember the times the Lord has been close to you. That I am God. The Lord God is Gracious, Almighty, Loving, Merciful; God is Creator of all that is; God is love; God is my refuge, my hope, my rock, my redeemer; the Lord is my Shepherd; God is ever-present, a help in times of trouble; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Take time today to be still and experience God’s presence anew. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

The debate on the Nature of Christ, known as Christology, remains one of the most profound and enduring theological discussions within Christian thought. Spanning over centuries, this debate seeks to understand the complex nature of Jesus Christ, who is acknowledged as both fully divine and fully human. This article delves into the historical context, key arguments, significant councils, and lasting impacts of this theological discourse, offering a comprehensive exploration of Christological development through the ages. more

West Plains Lady Zizzers swam to back-to-back Ozark Conference Championships Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at the John H Foster Natatorium in Springfield. The meet was hosted by Central High School and featured 10 of the 11 Ozark Conference Schools in the final year of the conference. more

On a night where the hardwood shined under the gleam of the overhead lights and the echoes of bouncing balls resonated through the gym, the Lady Zizzers of West Plains High School were just getting fired up for a night of epic basketball showdowns against the teams of Logan-Rogersville High School. The stakes were high, the gym was packed, and the energy? Electric. more

Each Christmas someone in my family gives me a book they know I will use for future columns. This year my wife, Kelly, gave me Great American Trivia. Today’s column is based on it. more

Today, I read a scientific article about our philosophy of "self" compared to various Eastern ideologies. Although largely unnoticed, modern Western Culture places a massive emphasis on "self" even in our churches to the detriment of God. Consequently, my attention turned to Scripture regarding the existence and identity of "self" and how the concept relates to the meaning/purpose of life as God ordained. more

In the New Testament, the Greek word for God’s love is agape’. In Romans 12:9, Paul says, “Let love be genuine.” Genuine means authentic, real, and sincere. Paul is saying let the love you have for others be the real thing, and I believe that in the words that follow, he is telling us how to express this genuine, authentic love in our lives. Verse 9 continues, “…hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good,” and it is strong language. Hate what is evil…hate what God calls evil…lying, greed, sin, selfishness, violence, sowing discord, wickedness. Cling to what is good, and verses 10-21 give us practical instruction. Verse 21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Persevere in prayer, live peaceably with others, do not return evil for evil, serve the Lord. One after another, these statements reveal God’s love in action, and that is the love we as Christians are to express in our lives. May God’s genuine and authentic love be present in our words and actions. God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more