The word humility appears many times in the Old and New Testaments. Humility is freedom from pride or arrogance. It is not humiliation or forgetting your worth. Pastor and writer Tim Keller said that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less often. It is putting yourself in proper relation to God, that is, giving God the glory and honor, not yourself. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Jesus is the best example we have of someone who was humble before God. As Christians, we seek to follow his example. In Colossians 3:12 the Apostle Paul encourages us to put on the virtues of Christ: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

The Star Dramatic Company will hold auditions for Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Historic Star Theater Annex, 205 E. Main St. in Willow Springs. more

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Interested people, organizations and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri should submit their application by 3 p.m. March 26. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts has issued a call for submissions for its juried exhibit, “Sky High: Eclipse and More,” to be displayed from March 30 through May 4 in the gallery on the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

On behalf of the Health Resources Services Administration’s Delta Regional Authority (DRA), officials with the National Rural Health Resource Center have announced Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston has been chosen to participate in the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program. more

Fidelity Communications invites schools and organizations serving K-12 students to enter its fifth annual “Dream Bigger” social media campaign for the opportunity to win $2,500 to fund their science, technology, engineering or math (S.T.E.M.) project or club. more

Sarah James, director of therapies at Ozarks Healthcare, has been appointed to join the Medicaid Committee of the American Speech-Hearing Language Association (ASHA). more

There are currently more than 1.1 million Missourians over the age of 60. Estimates suggest that older adults will outnumber minors for the first time by 2030, and older adults will greatly outnumber minors by 2060, point out Department of Health and Senior Services officials. more

The culinary world has seen a significant shift towards healthier cooking methods in recent years, with air frying emerging as a popular alternative to conventional frying. This method offers a multitude of benefits, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious individuals and those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing the joy of crispy, delicious meals. more

Anna Hobbs, owner of "EVERYTHING SOURDOUGH" is our newest vendor to join the market with sourdough bake good all made with natural unbleached non-GMO flour, sea salt, avocado oil. She uses healthy ingredients as much as possible. Anna will have sliced sourdough sandwich bread, begal's, chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and plain, cinnamon, and blueberry waffles (they will be sold frozen ready to toast). Supplies will be limited. more

As we end the month of February, my waist reminds me that winter has gotten the best of me and I need to get back on track. Winter weight is real and while I'm only a few pounds over my goal, my body feels it. I've never stopped watching my carb intake and for the most part, I'm eating low-carb and healthy but movement has been less than desired due to the weather. Now, that we are adding minutes to each day, it means more actively outside and that will help.  So, let's look forward to longer days and better eating, I'll start with this recipe that has been making the rounds on Facebook all week. If you like egg rolls then you'll love this one-bowl meal. I've made this with lean ground beef, and pork sausage too but never chicken as this calls for but it's good no matter the meat you choose. Paired with zero-carb tortillas for taco style, this makes a very filling meal with little guilt.  Full of flavor and easy to prepare, this recipe is a keeper for everyone wanting to eat better.  Farewell February. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Today we embark on a culinary journey that marries the comforting embrace of homemade gnocchi with the creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce, punctuated by the sweet, smoky notes of charred red bell peppers. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's an exploration of textures, flavors, and the joy of creating something truly special from scratch. Prepare to invest time and love into crafting this dish, and the rewards will be as rich as the sauce that blankets your tender gnocchi. more

The West Plains R-7 Board of Education will meet in regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the West Plains High School library, following a brief closed session set to begin at 5 to discuss legal, real estate, personnel and student matters. more

Area students eligible for the TJ Swift House A.S.C.E.N.D. Program at Missouri State University-West Plains will not have to pay the program fee for the next two academic years. more

In a continued effort to prioritize community wellness, say officials, Ozarks Healthcare’s Mobile Mammography Unit will continue partnering with area businesses to travel and offer mammogram services to surrounding communities through March.  more