About eight years ago, a friendly bet was made between a pair of writers: West Plains would have a music scene worth ink within 10 years. more

Ozarks Food Harvest’s Full Circle Gardens program will distribute more than 9,000 Garden-to-Go kits this year to help families facing hunger in the Ozarks grow their own food, officials announced. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, Seed Savers Exchange, The Buffalo Seed Company and other local retailers, donated more than $1.2 million worth of seeds to The Food Bank to make the kits.  more

The University of Missouri Extension Howell County office will host a freezer beef school Thursday and Friday in West Plains. more

The founding father of the First Christian Church of West Plains, Adam S. Wright, was my great-great-grandfather. Adam Wright's daughter, Alice Wright, was the mother of Russell Sage Cochran, my paternal grandfather. Because of circumstances of time and geography, our branch of the family here in West Plains knew very little of Adam Wright and his family. Adam Wright died in 1890, before my grandfather, Russell S. Cochran, was born. Additionally, the Wrights and the Cochrans met when the Wrights moved to Evening Shade, Arkansas, where the Cochrans had a general store. more

The South Central Walk Worthy Women’s Conference, a hallmark of spiritual growth and community, is set to grace the beautiful city of Mountain View, Missouri. This distinguished inter-denominational event invites women from all walks of life to come together for a time of profound teaching, worship, and fellowship. Scheduled for April 26-27, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, the conference promises an enriching experience that nurtures the soul and strengthens the faith. more

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 He (the ungodly leader) will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. more

Every morning we choose clothes for the day, and we ask ourselves, “What tasks do I need to do today? What will the weather be like? How should I dress today?” As Christians, we are invited to put on a particular set of clothes each day. They are qualities, virtues, which characterize us as followers of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 3:12 we read, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, more

In an era marked by rapid social change and deepening divides, the role of the Christian Church within public discourse on contemporary social issues is a subject of significant contemplation and controversy. This exploration seeks to untangle the complex web of beliefs, responsibilities, and implications surrounding the church's involvement in societal debates. By delving into biblical references and examining the diverse perspectives within Christianity, we aim to offer a nuanced perspective that encourages readers to reflect on the place of spiritual institutions in shaping the moral and ethical landscape of our times. more

In the high-stakes game of high school baseball, where every inning can turn the tide and every game can shape a season, few stories capture the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of excellence quite like that of the West Plains Zizzers. Last spring, the Zizzers navigated through a storm of injuries that would have sidelined lesser teams. Yet, they emerged with not just a winning record, but a testament to their unyielding spirit and talent. more

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team opened Region 16 play Tuesday with two wins over St. Charles Community College. more

We’ve seen great progress in the fight against colorectal cancer. While it’s still one of the most common cancers in the U.S., annual rates of new cases have dropped by nearly half since the mid-1980s. more

March is National Nutrition Month. At WIC (Women, Infants and Children), we always encourage clients to visit myplate.gov for help planning a healthy diet. Get a head start on making Nutrition Month successful by trying a few tips you may find there. more

Piney River Brewing Company is celebrating its 13 years of brewing craft beer in the Ozarks from noon to 7 p.m. March 23 at the brewery off Junction ZZ in Bucyrus. more

AAA and HAAS Alert, an industry leader in mobility safety solutions, are rolling out new technology that can automatically send alerts to drivers in Missouri to slow down and move over when they are approaching a stranded motorist on the side of the road. This new digital alert feature adds a layer of protection for AAA members and tow operators. A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals the number of roadside assistance providers struck and killed while working on the side of the road is four times higher than what is reported. more

Administration, faculty, staff, patrons and students of South Fork School have long been supporters of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, raising funds for the facility each year. They outdid themselves this year by surpassing their $21,000 fundraising goal by about $1,000. more

This past weekend, the West Plains Civic Center arena and exhibit hall buzzed with activity and excitement as the 32nd annual West Plains Home & Garden Show made its much-anticipated return. From the moment the doors opened at 3 p.m. on Friday until the event wrapped up at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, the venue was a hub of inspiration for homeowners, garden enthusiasts, and anyone looking to spruce up their living spaces. more

Ozarks-area nnovators and entrepreneurs will have a unique opportunity to pitch their business or product idea to a panel of judges for a chance to win a cash prize: The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has announced it will host its annual PitchFest beginning April 18 at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. more

The office of workforce development and community education at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will offer a basic print reading and CAD class beginning March 18. more

Embarking on the quest to create the perfect homemade croissant is not just about baking; it's about embracing an art form, a ritual that has been cherished through generations. Today, I'll guide you through this exhilarating journey step by step, and together, we'll explore the magical transformation of simple ingredients into layers of buttery, flaky goodness. As a bonus, I'll share some irresistible filling ideas, including the ever-popular chocolate, to elevate your croissants to celestial delights. more