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

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

Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,100 jobs in March, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from February’s 3.3%, report officials with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Economic Research and Information Center, which provided all of the data presented here in its Monthly Jobs Report. more

In February, Texas County Memorial Hospital received two new ambulances for the emergency medical services department, board members heard at their monthly meeting on April 2.  more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen! If you're in the mood to flip the script on your pizza night, why not take it outside and throw that pie on the grill? Yes, you heard right…grilled pizza! This isn't your average delivery fare. It's a fun, fiery twist on a classic that adds a delightful smokiness and a crispy texture that can't be achieved in a regular oven. The toppings? We're talking sweet red peppers, spicy jalapeños, juicy pineapple, and a daring drizzle of hot honey that brings everything together in a mouth-watering harmony of flavors. Ready to become a pizza grillmaster? Let’s get cooking! more

True armyworm moths have been reported in the Howell County area, report officials with the Howell County office of the University of Missouri Extension, noting the adult moths will lay eggs that hatch within a few days. more

So, you decided to tackle the Ozarks, a sprawling, beautiful wilderness in Missouri, famed for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. It’s a hiker's paradise—until you find yourself wandering off the path and suddenly, the adventure feels a bit too real. Getting lost can happen to the best of us, whether you’re a seasoned trailblazer or a casual day hiker. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get your bearings and make your way back safely, peppered with a few tips and tricks for good measure. more

JOPLIN, Mo. – Frying isn’t the only method people can use to get caught fish onto the dinner table. more

Recently, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri Conservation Commission has selected Jason Sumners as the next director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), effective June 1, 2024. Sumners currently serves as the deputy director of resource management for MDC and will succeed Sara Parker Pauley, who will retire after 30 years of public service. Sumners will become the tenth director in the Conservation Department’s 87-year history. more

In the restored grandeur of the historic Lincoln School in West Plains, a symbol of African American education during the segregation era now reborn as a cultural and educational center, famed artist Charly Palmer and his wife, Dr. Karida Brown, sat down to discuss their journeys, inspirations, and the intertwining of their lives in art and academia. Their interview, rich with personal anecdotes and reflective insights, offered a deep dive into their professional lives and the profound connection they share with their heritage. more

In the vast landscape of human behavior, a peculiar pattern emerges, particularly among Christians, though it is by no means exclusive to them. This pattern involves the tendency to reshape, reinterpret, or even manipulate the teachings of the Bible to align with personal views, prejudices, or narratives. This is not just a religious practice; it's a human one, reflecting deeper issues of cognitive bias and interpretative challenges that are widespread across cultures and beliefs. more

Ephesians 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. more

This Sunday, The Bridge Church is set to host a unique and heartwarming event that promises to bring the community together through the power of music. Located at the familiar landmark of 10105 S. 63 Hwy in West Plains—just a stone's throw from the local Dairy Queen—the church invites everyone to a special evening dedicated to the beloved hymns and gospel songs that have echoed through the ages. more