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Sunshine Law reporting changes how citizens understand government

Editor's note: Missouri recognizes Sunshine Week from March 16 through 26, highlighting the importance of government transparency and freedom of information.

Saturday, March 15, 2025

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FFA February 2025

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Hunter Stanley, 15, a West Plains High School sophomore, recently placed third overall, winning the bronze medal, and first in his age division, at the Vacation Races Zion Half-marathon in Utah. It was his first experience running at such an altitude. He is seen here sporting his medals from the event. The race began in the town of Virgin and proceeded 13.1 miles to Springdale.

Zizzer sophomore runner shows 'solid foundation in endurance training' in Utah

Out of a field of 1,404 runners, a West Plains High School sophomore recently placed third at the annual Vacation Races Zion Half-marathon in Utah, having never trained at that sort of altitude. 
West Plains Bank & Trust Company is a $1,000 donor to the 37th annual Cystic Fibrosis Concert, taking place tonight. The signature fundraiser, organized by Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains volunteers, has featured performances by nationally-known country music artists and is supported by donations of cash and auction items by scores of local businesses and people. The event begins with silent and live auctions, followed by a 7 p.m. performance by youth singing group Jessica's Friends, opening for returning artist Rodney Atkins. Ticket prices $40 for adults and $5 for children at the door.

WP Bank continues tradition of giving to Cystic Fibrosis group

A school legislative forum was held recently at West Plains High School to give area district administrators and stakeholders a chance to ask questions about an upcoming vote on open enrollment and its potential impact on staffing and transportation costs for districts. Besides West Plains, other district administrators that attended the March 7 meeting included Thayer, Bakersfield, Junction Hill, Richards, Glenwood, Fairview, Willow Springs, Houston, Cabool, Summersville, Plato and Hartville, plus two Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supervisors. From left are 143rd District Rep. Bennie Cook, 155th District Rep. Matthew Overcast, 154th District Rep. Lisa Durnell, 33rd District Sen. Brad Hudson and West Plains R-7 Superintendent Dr. Wes Davis.

School choice bill raises concerns from area districts

The result of a collaboration between several area school districts, a luncheon forum recently held at West Plains High School gave educators and district administrators a chance to ask state legislators about an upcoming vote on a law that would expand school choice for parents.

FYI

Noon Rotary holds cruise giveaway drawing

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AP-Network 11:15 aed

North Macedonia Nightclub Fire <<CAT:General News-International>> North Macedonia Nightclub Fire-intro wrap apa413278-Wrap--KOCANI, North Macedonia-(Donna Warder, AP …

AP-Network 10:15 aed

North Macedonia Nightclub Fire <<CAT:General News-International>> North Macedonia Nightclub Fire-intro wrap apa413278-Wrap--KOCANI, North Macedonia-(Donna Warder, AP …

AP News Digest 6 a.m.

Here are the AP’s top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. …
Destruction from a severe storm is seen Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Wayne County, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Tornadoes, wildfires and blinding dust sweep across U.S. as massive storm leaves at least 32 dead

Violent tornadoes and high winds have decimated homes, wiped out schools and toppled semitractor-trailers as a monster storm that killed at least 32 people ripped its way across the central and …

AP-Network 4:15 ped

Severe Weather <<CAT:Weather>> Severe Weather-Smith 1 apa413255-Response to a Question--PIEDMONT, Mo.-(Mark Smith, Wayne County Coroner)-“the East side”-In an AP …

Missouri prosecutor declines to charge a police officer who shot and killed a woman and infant

FILE - The apartment complex where a woman and child died after an officer fired a weapon during a domestic disturbance is seen Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Independence, a suburb of Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Heather Hollingsworth, File)

A prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against a Missouri police officer who shot and killed a woman and her infant child last year. Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson's office …

    • AP Sports Digest

      Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on …

    • AP-Network 1:15 ped

      Severe Weather <<CAT:Weather>> Severe Weather apa413256-Response to a Question--PIEDMONT, Mo.-(Mark Smith, Wayne County …

    • AP News Digest 12 p.m.

      Here are the AP’s top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP …

Sports
South Carolina forward Sania Feagin celebrates after scoring against Texas during the second half during of an NCAA college basketball game in the final of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
March Madness: USC, UCLA, South Carolina and more all potential 1 seeds for women's NCAA Tournament
For the first time in a long time, there are at least a half-dozen teams that could win the women’s NCAA Tournament. Defending champion South Carolina leads the way. Unlike last season when the …
AP Illustration / Annie Ng
The college basketball season is winding down, which means March Madness is upon us. The annual men’s and women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association tournaments are among the most closely …
ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale stands for a photo in front of the Cameron Crazies before an NCAA college basketball game between Duke and Stanford in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Dick Vitale became emotional Saturday night while talking about his most recent cancer battle while announcing top-ranked Duke’s 73-62 victory over No. 13 Louisville in the Atlantic Coast …
Cheer tryouts start April 14
A Michigan hockey player skates during an NCAA college hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
University of Michigan regent Denise Ilitch tells The Associated Press she believes there’s enough support for the Big Ten school to launch a Division I women’s hockey program that it’s only a …

Bobcats secure 3rd-place finish in Class 3 State Tournament

The Thayer High School Bobcats’ senior class closed the book on their storied careers in fitting fashion Thursday, delivering a gutsy performance to claim a fourth consecutive Class 3 third-place finish with a 68-61 victory over Woodland in the state tournament.

Lady Zizzers fall short to Bluejays in District Championship

In a hard-fought battle for the Class 5 District 6 championship, the West Plains Lady Zizzers left everything on the court Tuesday night but ultimately fell to the Marshfield Lady Bluejays, 64-58, at Willard High School. Despite several late-game rallies, the Lady Zizzers couldn’t overcome Marshfield’s free-throw shooting and second-chance points down the stretch.
People & Events
George Marcum will celebrate his 94th birthday on March 22, and he still lives behind the truck stop he built in the 1960s, said family members. Anyone wishing to send him a card may do so by mailing to 4480 County Road 2220, Pomona, MO 65789. Phone calls to 417-469-3723 and visits are always welcome.

Cards and calls welcome for Marcum's 94th birthday

Community Calendar: March 15 update

Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by 9 a.m. Wednesdays to news@westplainsdailyquill.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.

MSU-WP announces chancellor’s list honorees for fall semester

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains have announced their chancellor’s list honorees for the 2024 fall semester.

OZARKS RFD: Reflections on burning brush

I took advantage of the snow cover and light north wind recently to burn a brush pile.

A childhood story of farm, family and small-town America, Pt. 7

I’m going to exercise my previously claimed right to digress again with a story about the girls’ Uncle John, their daddy’s older brother.
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Say Yes to the Address is a financial literacy program for single moms offered by Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Heartland, which has an office in West Plains in the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave.

Credit counseling agency in WP offers financial education free of charge

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of the Heartland is a nonprofit community service agency that assists consumers dealing with financial trouble. 
Ania Bradley of West Plains is the winner of this month’s West Plains Downtown Passport prize basket, presented to her on Wednesday morning at the West Plains Bike Shop. The basket is valued at $350 and includes gift certificates and items from downtown retailers West Plains Farmers and Artisans Market; Right Off the Bat; Country at Heart; Life Phases; Büro Office Supply; Alan’s Muscle Mart, Mommas, Babies and Blessings; 10/40 Coffee, West Plains Music; Johnny Hatchets Axe Throwing and Coffee House; KC’s Sports Bistro; Black Lagoon; Bring Your Own Dog Dog Wash; The Book Nook; Davis and Sons; Dev’s Steakhouse and Piano Bar Lounge; The Frame Shop; KMC Creations; Lux Med Spa; Ozark Pizza Company; Perry’s Barber Shop; Revelry Ink; Rickie David Jewelers; West Plains Bike Shop; West Plains Daily Quill; and Wildflower Hair.

Ania Bradley wins Downtown Passport basket

Ozark National Scenic Riverways maintenance crews are hard at work to restore campgrounds and river access.

Ozark Riverways continues campground repairs for 2025 season

Campground and access point repairs are continuing at Ozark National Scenic Riverways following a record-setting flood in November 2024.
The West Plains Daily Quill received a custom, backlit sign for its office, donated by Richard, shown here, and Kim Rhoads of KR Designs. The local business specializes in homemade and customized signs and woodworking, and has a booth that can be found at The Creator’s Company and Vendor Market, 4679 W. U.S. 160 in West Plains, just past Easley’s Body Shop.

KR Designs donates custom sign to Quill

Registration opens Monday for Callery pear ‘buyback’ program

The Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), in partnership with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery and the Missouri Department of Conservation, will host a Callery pear “buyback” program in locations around the state on April 22.
Special Sections
Kerri Tassin

Navigate tax season 2025 with ease

With tax season comes stress for many people, but knowledge and preparation can simplify the process.
The University of Missouri Extension offers mental health support toolkits designed for farm families and their communities, including this “Ask, Listen, Refer” tip sheet. It lists guidelines intended to help provide a sense of direction and facilitate help, including knowing warning signs of depression and suicidal behavior, tips for support, and referral suggestions. More information is available at moasklistenrefer.org and at extension.missouri.edu/programs/agrability/show-me-strong-farm-families.

MU Extension looks to aid farmers on and off the land

The University of Missouri Extension is much more than a resource for advice on crop and livestock management, industry trends and keeping up-to-date on social media as a tool for business growth.
Rustic Waters Homestead, represented here by Bernie Montalvo, specializes in pasture-raised poultry. The sustainable-living operation also offers rabbit meat, pork, produce and gluten-free baked goods.

Rustic Waters Homestead: Connecting people to the food they eat and the land that grows it

With lofty grocery prices and the world becoming more uncertain with each passing day, many are turning to the land for solace. Homesteading, a lifestyle in which one learns to live self-sufficiently by cultivating the land, resurfaced in mainstream culture in the early 2000s. 
The Eleven Point River near Alton in Oregon County has a peaceful, serene ambience. 

Feel like floating the river? Consider these outfitters

There are a number of outfitters serving the Eleven Point, Current, Jacks Fork and North Fork rivers that surround the greater West Plains area. The Quill reached out to all to inquire about upcoming seasonal hours and offerings. Here’s what they said:
Maranatha Farm, 2985 DD Highway in Rover, sprawls across 53 acres of land and features everything from a Japanese mediation garden, to fruit trees and greenhouses.

Maranatha Farm, the ‘best-kept secret in the Ozarks’

Mary Badiny was 31 when she and her late husband, Skip, purchased 53 acres of land in Rover, near Koshkonong, that would eventually become Maranatha Farm. Initially, it was a barren land with only a few sugar maples and cedar trees. But Mary and Skip shared a passion for horticulture, and together, they transformed the once desert-like property into an oasis. 
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