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3rd annual Downtown Fall Block Party next Saturday

Get ready, West Plains, because the 3rd annual Downtown Fall Block Party is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest and best events of the year! From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14, the heart of downtown will be transformed into a bustling celebration, where community spirit, local talent, and the vibrant energy of fall come together for an unforgettable day.

Saturday, September 7, 2024

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West Plains Progress 2024

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From the Publisher's Desk

Dear Readers,
MISTY RYAN

Woman charged with robbery, assault after leading deputies on pursuit

Misty D. Ryan, 47, West Plains, has been charged following a chase by Howell County deputies after she allegedly cut another woman with a knife during a struggle before stealing the woman’s vehicle.

Heart of the Ozarks United Way announces opening of grant season

The Heart of the Ozarks United Way is now accepting grant applications for up to $10,000 from 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies in Howell and Oregon counties, and Fulton County, Ark.
The West Plains R-7 School District has launched a contest, asking the public to help name the district’s new mascot. The mascot, a lightning bolt with a bold grin, is a gift from the West Plains Zizzer Quarterback Club. Students are already auditioning for chance to wear the costume, said officials, but there’s just one thing missing — a name. “We need your creativity to give our mascot its new identity,” said district officials, encouraging people to submit their ideas online at forms.gle/6Rc2yem9DhDpVM448. “Once we gather your suggestions, we’ll narrow it down to the top 5 and bring it back to the community to vote!” Submissions are due by Sept. 20.

Zizzers' new mascot needs a name

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News

AP-Network 1:15 aed

MLB Astros 6 Diamondbacks 0 <<CAT:Sports-Baseball>> MLB Astros 6 Diamondbacks 0-intro wrap Spolane apa390165-Wrap--HOUSTON-(Adam Spolane (spoh-LAYN'), correspondent, with …

AP-Network 12:15 aed

MLB Astros 6 Diamondbacks 0 <<CAT:Sports-Baseball>> MLB Astros 6 Diamondbacks 0-intro wrap Spolane apa390165-Wrap--HOUSTON-(Adam Spolane (spoh-LAYN'), correspondent, with …
FILE - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is shown, March 15, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Missouri patient tests positive for bird flu despite no known exposure to animals

Health officials say a hospitalized patient in Missouri was infected with bird flu, despite having no known contact with dairy cows or other animals. The case is the 14th confirmed in the U.S. since …
FILE - Abortion-rights supporters take part in a protest, May 30, 2019, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Judge considers bumping abortion-rights measure off Missouri ballot

A Missouri judge is considering removing an abortion-rights amendment from the state's November ballot. Abortion opponents during a Friday bench trial asked Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher …

AP-Network 5:15 aed

AP SportsMinute <<CAT:Sports>> AP SportsMinute-intro voicer Reeves apa390000-Voicer--ST. LOUIS-(Mike Reeves, correspondent)-“Reeves, AP Sports”-The NFL season is …

Report calls for Medicaid changes to address maternal health in Arkansas

A panel formed by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is calling for several changes to Medicaid to address maternal health. The Arkansas Strategic Committee for Maternal Health on Thursday released …

Sports
AP-Network 7:15 ped
Dolphins Ramsey <<CAT:Sports-Football>> Dolphins Ramsey-Coolbaugh apa390122-Voicer--MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.-(Gethin Coolbaugh, correspondent)-“I'm Gethin Coolbaugh”-One of …
FILE - Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley (7) warms up during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton, File)
EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS: College sports are on the cusp of becoming even more professionalized in the wake of a groundbreaking antitrust settlement allowing schools to share with their athletes a …
The highlights of Friday'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, …
Cardiac arrest survivor Nick Knapp (left) with his dad, Terry, in 1997 when Nick played basketball for Northeastern Illinois University. (Photo courtesy of Nick Knapp)
As Nick Knapp began his senior year at Peoria Woodruff High School, everything he'd ever worked for was coming together.From his earliest days, he played every sport he could, from baseball to …
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 6, 2024--Today, USC Athletics announces an innovative, cutting-edge, multi-year partnership with Cookies, one of the most globally recognized CBD, wellness and …

Zizzers open football season in Mtn. Home

The West Plains Zizzers hit the gridiron for their season opener against Mountain Home, and though the scoreboard might not have been in their favor, these boys battled with everything they had, leaving it all on the field. In a game full of twists and turns, the Zizzers showed heart, grit, and a never-give-up attitude.

Assistant coaches hired for Grizzly Baseball team

THE COACHING STAFF for the 2024-2025 Grizzly Baseball team at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) is set. From left are Assistant Coach Jakob Woods, Head Coach Kadem Tharp and Assistant Coach Bo Crites. (MSU-WP Photo)
The coaching staff is set for the inaugural season of Grizzly Baseball at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP).
People & Events

Friends of the Paul Weaver Library hosts book sale

The annual Friends of the Paul Weaver Library book sale will be held Oct. 5 in the lobby of the John E. Miller Education Complex on the Ozarka College campus in Melbourne, Ark. The sale will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Newborns in Need drive is underway

Newborns in Need’s annual Sleepers in September donation drive is now underway, local chapter officials announce.

R-7 announces participation in Courage2Report program

West Plains R-7 School District officials are reminding parents of a program, Courage2Report, that allows students and parents to report possible dangers such as bullying or threats.
The cover of Kimberly Harper’s new book, Men of No Reputation: Robert Boatright, the Buckfoot Gang, and the Fleecing of Middle America (University of Arkansas Press, 2024).

Ozarks Studies Symposium will focus on ‘The Political Economy of the Ozarks’

“The Political Economy of the Ozarks” is the theme of the 17th annual Ozarks Studies Symposium set for Sept. 19 through 21 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.

Isaac Haney achieves Austin Peay State University dean's list, graduates

Austin Peay State University officials in Clarksville, Tenn., recognize Isaac Haney from West Plains as one of the students named to its dean's list for academic achievement during the summer session.
Records
Arkansas news
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Features
Charles and Carolyn VonAllmen of West Plains are shown here with their granddaughter, Riley Nelden following her graduation from Alton High School last spring. Neldon’s mother Durreall VonAllmen, who submitted this photo and now lives in West Plains with her family, shouted out to Charles and Carolyn, “Thanks for being the best grandparents!”

‘The best grandparents’

The “proudest grandson in the world,” Travis Rhoads of West Plains, submitted this photo of his grandparents, Ron and Donna Luna, also of West Plains. “I am extremely thankful for all the memories and life lessons they taught to me that I can pass on to my soon-to-be-born daughter,” he shared.

'Thanks for the memories and life lessons'

Reader Veronica Aichele writes, “We would like to recognize a very special lady named Ruth Stevens. She lives in Thayer and comes to West Plains often to support her grandchildren who live in West Plains. She attends a plethora of ball games, volunteers in several community service organizations, and is a part of the Grandparents Club at the kids’ school. She is always giving of herself and is a gem of a lady.” With Stevens are her grandchildren Ellie Aichele, left, and Alex Aichele.

Ruth Stevens, 'a gem of a lady'

Speck Rhodes from the Porter Wagoner Show.

Speck Rhodes: The Unsung Humorist of Country Music

In the small town of West Plains, Missouri, names like Porter Wagoner, Preacher Roe, Jan Howard, Bill Virdon, and even Dick Van Dyke are celebrated with pride. These individuals, through their unique contributions to entertainment, sports, and music, have become synonymous with West Plains itself. Yet, one name often slips through the cracks: Speck Rhodes. For those who tuned in to the Porter Wagoner Show, however, the name Gilbert "Speck" Rhodes is impossible to forget. His signature blend of music and humor made him a beloved figure in country music, though his legacy is often overshadowed by the bigger names of his era.

A note about Grandparents Day

Each year since former U.S. President Jimmy Carter issued the first Grandparents Day proclamation in 1978, grandparents have been celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Special Sections

West Plains R-7 back-to-school and open house information

The West Plains School District will begin the 2024-2025 school year Aug. 19 with a full day of classes.

Dora Back to School Fair is Saturday

The Dora Back-to-School Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Dora School cafeteria.

Chaos Closet offers free school supplies to foster families today

The Chaos Closet on East Main Street in West Plains, opposite of West Plains Bank and Trust Company, will hold a special Foster Friday event from 5 to 7 p.m. today.

Richards School to host Open House Aug. 15

Richards School District will be hosting Open House for the 2024-2025 school year on the evening of Aug. 15. Open House will be held at both campuses from 5 to 7 p.m.

Missouri’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is underway (copy)

Shoppers looking for school supplies in Missouri can take advantage of the annual statewide sales tax holiday that began today and will run through midnight Sunday. All sales taxes on eligible items — local and state — will be exempt.
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