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The Fourth of July in Missouri might be hotter than a firecracker this year, according to University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. more

University of Missouri Extension specialists will hold an evening workshop on how to grow and market watermelon July 15 at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mt. Vernon. more

One of my readers told me recently that he thought my newspaper column last year about how I love to eat the buds of those orange day lilies, which are thicker in the summer than thorns on a locust, was all a tongue-in-cheek effort to try to get gullible folks to do something silly. more

Nothing says summer like biting into delectable, juicy sweet corn at a Fourth of July cookout. Whether boiled in a pot or charred over an open grill, savoring freshly picked sweet corn embodies the patriotic spirit of a midsummer celebration before fireworks light up the night sky. more

In recent years, microbiologists and healthcare professionals have been looking for ways to counter the rise of drug-resistant bacteria, including research into viruses called bacteriophages, also known as phages. more

My teachers didn’t really approve of me working after school at Dad and Grandpa’s pool hall. One of the older lady teachers said I was spending too much of my time in that pool hall with a bunch of aging prevaricators. more

Every great backyard pitmaster knows that the secret to legendary barbecue isn't just the wood or the smoker—it’s the rub. For years, folks around the Ozarks knew exactly who to turn to when they wanted the best flavors in town. Richy “Wingman” Shertz was a fixture at charity barbecue events and competitive cook-offs, spending countless hours hunched over smoking grates, tweaking recipes, and feeding the community. more

Ozarks Healthcare has promoted Christen Weaver to chief operating officer. Weaver previously served as chief nursing officer, where she worked on patient care, clinical operations and support for employees across the health system. In her new role, Weaver will oversee operational strategy and work with leadership teams on quality of care, patient experience and organizational growth. more

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Christos House Resale Store will hold its monthly 25 cent clothing sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, at 125 Jefferson Ave. in West Plains. more

The Alton Chamber of Commerce will hold a town hall meeting July 6 to gather public input on plans for the community’s pocket park. more

White flowers in Missouri pastures, fencerows and along roadsides in June may look harmless, but some can be dangerous, said Todd Lorenz, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy. more

    Now that hay season has begun, producers may begin pulling samples from their best hay for the Ozark Empire Fair Hay Contest, said University of Missouri Extension agronomy … more

          WEST PLAINS, MO., Jun 24, 2026 — Compared to last week, the slaughter cows sold mostly steady and the slaughter bulls sold $2 to $5 … more

It's zucchini season! Since I'm picking daily now, I thought those who grow it, too, needed a reminder of a couple of yummy ways to use up that zucchini, just in case you can't give it away. more

The Supreme Court of Missouri’s civic education committee has released a new activity and coloring book designed to help children feel more comfortable with the state’s legal system. more

Tragically, ancient Israel had fallen into a miserable spiritual condition at the time of Elijah's ministry. While the other religious leaders succumbed to the damnable doctrine of Baal in which little children were sacrificed to the devilish devices of evil men, the old prophet was the only person standing for God among a company of 450 apostate priests who progressively led the people astray. more

My wife and I spent this Father’s Day with her parents. We enjoy a good relationship with them, but during the day, my mind drifted to my own dad, who died three years ago. I reflected on how his patience and loving example have shaped my life. more

Are you expecting a new addition to the family or navigating the early days of parenthood? Mark your calendars for these upcoming prenatal and parenting classes designed to help you prepare. more