Ciara Deckard, a 2023 Willow Springs High School graduate and a member of the Richards Rockets Rocketry Team since seventh grade, will attend the University of Kansas this fall as an engineering student on the way to her goal of working in the aircraft and aerospace design and jet propulsion field. more

"I didn't know what it was, I just thought it was very cool," said Jaylee Jenkins of her first impression when she spotted and captured a rare pink grasshopper Saturday at her grandparents’ farm in South Fork. more

The Historic Avenue Theatre in beautiful downtown West Plains has announced it will host several free shows for visitors to the Old-Time Music, Ozarks Heritage Festival on Friday and Saturday. more

Two Alton area residents have coauthored a book they hope will be the first in a series that include anecdotes and advice rooted in the Ozarks, plus recipes and instruction in the use of homegrown and sustainable ingredients and the use of herbs in teas, dishes and home remedies. more

Recently while working in the office at AMVETS, I came across an old photo. I believe it was previously published in the West Plains Daily Quill. The photo is the Missouri National Guard, Company M, 140th Infantry taken in 1949. I sit here looking at the 45 young men in this photo, most of whom served our country during WWII.  more

The Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival will be held June 2 and 3 in downtown West Plains, in celebration of Ozarks music and culture. more

The Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St. in West Plains, is hosting what promoters are describing as an “immersive theater experience.” more

The celebrated Plains Singers, of West Plains, are preparing to commemorate their 40th anniversary of international tours with a musical sojourn in France. Their remarkable global journey began with their inaugural trip to the United Kingdom in 1983. more

I’m right on my usual schedule, late; but Happy Mother’s Day to all. And thank you to all three generations of my family for flowers, cards and their love. A special thanks to my granddaughter (by “claim”), Emma Rhoads, who brought a beautiful bouquet, which I didn’t expect, but I should know to expect the unexpected from Emma. We share a love for each other and a birthday. Can’t think of anyone I would rather share that special day with. We are also sisters in Christ. Can’t top that! more

A total of 272 students will be candidates for graduation from Missouri State University-West Plains during the 2023 commencement ceremony Saturday at the West Plains Civic Center. more

I apologize! Isn’t that an awful way to begin a correspondence? But I must! more

The West Plains FFA held its annual banquet May 5. Several awards and honors were given that night, including Star Greenhand Degrees, Star Chapter Degrees, Honorary Degrees, leadership medals, scholarship medals and college scholarships, said Adviser Tonya Jedlicka, who shared the highlights to follow.    more

Family members of Zizzer Class of ’23 graduates will want to be sure to pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Quill. more

Drury University’s Law Enforcement Academy will now provide students in the West Plains area access to its training program. more

CAULFIELD — With most of the building improvements complete, but an ongoing need for finishing touches and upkeep, a fundraiser was held Saturday evening at the Caulfield Community Building. It included country and bluegrass performed by local musicians and a meal provided by volunteers for donations, and drew a crowd that enjoyed the tunes while playing cards and chatting with friends and neighbors. more

A West Plains “citizen” that was a minor celebrity in her time, and will now have the added distinction of a special grave marker dedicated to her fame and talent that has been recognized by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation as part of its Legends and Lore program. more

The Junction Hill School board will hold its May meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in the school cafeteria. more

Area Future Farmers of America (FFA) members who want to continue their affiliation with the agriculture education organization following high school graduation can do so now through a new alumni and supporters chapter at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

Day Without Hate was celebrated Friday in the West Plains R-7 School District with student activities at West Plains High School and included a rally at Zizzer Stadium Friday evening featuring a cookout, music and a game of musical chairs accompanied by the brief appearance of a rainbow after a rain shower. more

After making the cut for the last five years in a row, the Richards School District will send not one but two teams to the American Rocketry Challenge, a national competition with 100 finalists. more