Seeds are being planted across Missouri this spring as elementary students participate in Agriculture Education on the Move (Ag Moves). Through Ag Moves, an educational program of Missouri Farmers Care, students learn how their lives are connected to agriculture through hands-on learning led by passionate educators in their classrooms.  more

University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein says it is time to plant some bulbs indoors for later enjoyment outdoors. more

*Tour route created by Explore West Plains. more

My friend Irene Hurt shared this story about Stephen Grellat which appeared in Meas-ure Your Life, by Wesley Duewel. Grellat sought to follow God, even when he did not understand the Lord’s plans. He once felt God wanted him to preach in a remote for-ested region of America. He traveled to the area but found only empty shanties after a logging crew left. Duewel wrote, “He was so sure that he was sent by God that he went into an empty shanty and preached to the bare walls the sermon that God had placed upon his heart. He then returned to his home. He could never understand why God would send him to preach to an empty shanty.” more

Matthew 11:16-17 The people are like children sitting in the market and shouting to each other, 17“We played the flute, but you would not dance! We sang a funeral song, but you would not mourn!” more

This weekend, as our town becomes a bustling hub for thousands of eclipse enthusiasts, our streets, parks, and public spaces will undoubtedly be filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. It’s a unique moment, not just for sky-watchers but for our community as a whole. Among the many voices discussing logistics, safety, and the best viewing spots, there’s a deeper conversation that needs to be had, especially within our faith communities. This occasion presents an opportune moment to reflect on the role and responsibility of the church in welcoming guests—particularly, those who are visiting us for the first time. more

In the Synoptic Gospels of the Bible, we find that Jesu Christ instructs us that the greatest commandment is to love God. Yet, many Christians while claiming to love God and be in relationship with Him, have no idea what loving God and being in relationship with Him actually looks like or inherently contains from a biblically definition. more

The Missouri State University-West Plains campus recently expanded by about 40 acres, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Linda Wulff-Risner, a professor of agriculture there for about 30 years. The donation of her property, Risner Stables, will allow the university to expand its agriculture program as part of the matching portion of a MoExcels grant applied for through the Missouri Department of Higher Education. more

Local artist Angela Bullard’s artwork will be featured on the first floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave., through the end of June. more

While officials have no way of knowing what kind of crowds will be present for the April 8 total solar eclipse in Willow Springs, the local chamber of commerce has made arrangements for some “safe-viewing” areas where eclipse-watchers can bring chairs, have picnics, tailgate andset up cameras to enjoy the event, announces Director Kim McCormick. more

Area author Donna Brown, writing under the pen name Cygnet Brown, has written a new book focused on the newly created Wild and Scenic Riverway in Oregon County, called "Oregon County, Wild and Scenic." more

Ozarks Healthcare has announced the expansion of its nutrition services intended to better serve the community's healthcare needs. With a focus on preventive care and disease management, said officials, Ozarks Healthcare's nutrition services team is committed to enhancing overall health and wellness through personalized dietary guidance and support. more

In the vibrant palette of vegetables that grace our tables, bell peppers stand out for their vivid colors, crunchy texture, and sweet, sometimes slightly tangy flavor. But beyond their ability to add aesthetic appeal and taste to dishes, bell peppers harbor a wealth of health benefits, making them not just a culinary delight but a powerhouse of nutrition. more

This Saturday come and join “West Plains Party in the Path” at the farmers market with 40+ vendors. Abby Killough owner of Nerdy Knots will give you a free pair of eclipse glasses with every purchase you make with her, a must have for Monday’s eclipse! We will have live music, hot foods starting with an Ozarkan favorite breakfast of biscuits and gravy from 8 to 10 a.m. Cajun, Italian, Brats, Seafood, Ribbon Fries, Asian, hot and cold drinks (non-alcoholic) including kombucha, boba drinks, iced coffee, ferments, hot sauces, meats, mushrooms and other produce, pickled products, freeze dried candies, roasted coffee beans, farm fresh eggs, jams, honey, syrups, bakers, Artisan Crafters including hand-made quilts and jewelry, beauty and bath products, tinctures, salves, ginger shots, and more! Check our Facebook page for the latest updates at “Go Farm” Farmers Market of West Plains. more

As the much-anticipated total solar eclipse approaches on April 8, Ozarks Healthcare officials say the local hospital system is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and accessibility of services for its community. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we're embarking on a culinary journey that encapsulates not just a meal, but an experience to savor with friends and family. This guide is for those who delight in the details, who relish the act of creation almost as much as the feast itself. We're talking flaky pastries, the richest, most aromatic coffees, a vibrant fruit platter, the most decadent eggs Benedict you've ever tasted, crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside hash browns, and to crown it all, the star of our show: pineapple mimosas. Let's get started. more

Every year in the United States, electrical incidents result in nearly 300 deaths and more than 3,500 injuries. That's according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). more

The narrative of earthquakes in the United States often gravitates towards the dramatic trembles of the West Coast, overshadowing a region in the heartland with a seismic history equally as compelling. The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), extending through northeastern Arkansas, southwestern Kentucky, southeastern Missouri, and northwestern Tennessee, offers a stark reminder that the forces shaping the earth beneath our feet pay little heed to geographic stereotypes. This feature delves into the rich geological and historical tapestry of the NMSZ, exploring its origins, the cataclysmic events of 1811-1812, and the implications for future seismic activity. more

As the warmth of spring unfurls across the landscape of the Ozarks, the region awakens with a vibrant burst of life, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to its lush forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams. Hiking season in the Ozarks offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural beauty of this vast area, stretching across Missouri and Arkansas. With the promise of adventure in the air, it's essential to embark on your hiking journeys prepared, ensuring a fun and safe experience amidst the breathtaking scenery. more