You have been man and wife for some seven years now. You have been blessed with four children, one of whom died in infancy. Since leaving your parents, and your brothers’ and sisters’ families in Tennessee, you have been alone. You have only each other to rely on. The responsibility of taking care of and providing for every need a small family of five could have weighs heavily on both of you. “Are we doing the right thing?” is a question that has been unspoken, but heavy during each of the many miles since your journey began. more

In the intricate world of agriculture and gardening, the health of plants is deeply intertwined with the quality of the soil in which they are planted. While some plants exhibit remarkable resilience, thriving under various conditions, many are sensitive to their environmental substrate. Among the various types of soil-related challenges that gardeners and farmers may face, sodic soil stands out as a particularly problematic issue due to its unique chemical composition and physical properties. more

I took my grandson to the library for the first time last Friday. J enjoys being read to, so I hoped he would eagerly pick out books. He was more interested in playing with toys in the children's room, so I allowed him to play for 20 minutes before I picked out four books for us to read later. more

Today we have GPS to tell us the way to a location. Fill in your starting point and your destination, and the way is described for you in words and a graphic. To find our way geographically, we need specific directions, like…take this street, turn left at the park, etc. To find our way in life, we need God’s guidance. In Psalm 86:11 we read, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.” In John 14:6, Jesus told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He asked them to follow him, to follow his teachings and way of life. Jesus taught them God’s way. Did you realize that one of the earliest names for Christians was people of the Way? (See Acts 9:2 and 24:14). Our faith is not primarily a set of beliefs but a way of life that reflects all that Jesus has shown us. May others recognize that we too are people of Christ’s way. God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Recently, as part of ongoing discipleship with one of the groups I help lead, we have read through the epistle of Paul to the Philippians. more

In the sweeping expanse of Christian history, marked by schisms, reforms, and continuous adaptation, a disconcerting trend casts a long, chilling shadow over its contemporary landscape. This trend, which is not new but has been magnified in the glaring light of social media, involves labeling various aspects of culture—books, music, and public figures—as "satanic." What is profoundly troubling is not just the act of labeling itself, but the willful ignorance that fuels it, an ignorance embraced and perpetuated by many who have not bothered to investigate the truth of their claims. more

Missouri State Parks officials are asking for public input regarding the future development and considerations to be made for the Eleven Point State Park in Oregon County. more

This week, the Quill learned of a possible scam related to the results of the recent 2023 Best of West Plains contest, published in the March 30 issue of the Quill’s West Plains Gazette. more

Mark Twain National Forest officials are sharing with the local community a grant opportunity that is being offered at a national level. more

Ozarks Healthcare officials have announced the return of its M*A*S*H (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp this summer. Designed for area students with an interest in healthcare careers, the camp offers a unique hands-on experience to explore various medical specialties and learn from seasoned professionals, said officials. more

On March 2 a structure fire was reported at a home on Amyx Street, with a handicapped man located at the back door but unable to get out. West Plains Assistant Fire Chief Chris Sterner and Police Chief Stephen Monticelli presented the awards. West Plains Police Lt. Brandon Stephens arrived on the scene and was able to pull the man onto the porch from the doorway amid heavy fire and smoke, and oxygen tanks exploding inside the house. Fire Lt. Wayne Cormier then arrived and together they were able to pick up and move the victim to safety. more

Parents, family members and community supporters of the West Plains High School Class of 2024 have a special opportunity to celebrate their seniors. more

Several Howell County rural schools have gotten funding that will help buy learning materials and equipment, including Glenwood R-8, Howell Valley R-1, and Richards R-5. more

Ozark Fruit Company will have fresh harvested salad mix made into “ready to go salads”. This Saturday will be chicken, strawberries, walnuts, croutons and your choice of blue cheese or feta cheese. more

A community service project was recently undertaken by West Plains High School students in the high school and Zizzer Pride Academy Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program, funded by a grant from Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson, a well-known supporter of the JAG program. The students used the grant money to purchase fleece fabric, then made knotted fleece blankets that were donated to the 37th Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to be included in Easter baskets that were given by CASA volunteers to the children they advocate for. Standing at far left is local CASA Executive Director Connie Pendergrass, and standing at far right is West Plains High School JAG Specialist Joan Dietrich. more

West Plains is hitting the right note with the introduction of a brand new musical ensemble: the West Plains Area Women's A Cappella Community Chorus. This ensemble is a beacon for female voices that long to be heard in unison, celebrating song and community. The chorus is set to hold its very first rehearsal on May 14, 2024, from 7 PM to 9 PM, and it promises to be an evening filled with harmony and the joy of music. more

Students attending Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP)will see increases to tuition and other fees charged for the 2025 academic year. more

The Willow Springs City Council met Thursday for their regular monthly meeting. Part of the agenda was to approve election results and swear in Mayor Pro Tem Kim Rich and Ward II Alderman Tyler Morris, but after that happened an issue with Morris' location of residence was found. more

Ozarks Healthcare proudly stands as a beacon of compassionate care for victims of sexual assault, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and supporting survivors as West Plains Mayor Mike Topliff signed a proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of West Plains. more