West Plains Bank and Trust Company, a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), and the West Plains Housing Authority were chosen to receive a Competitive Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant for $657,000 to help local families find a safe and affordable place to call home, bank officials announced this week. more

Caving, the exploration of natural underground spaces, beckons adventurers and scientists alike into the heart of Earth’s hidden realms. This practice, also known as spelunking in some circles, offers a unique blend of physical challenge, scientific inquiry, and the thrill of discovery. However, it's not without its inherent risks and controversies, including the debate between terms "caving" and "spelunking." This article delves into the motivations behind caving, the risks involved, the rewards that draw individuals into these dark, often claustrophobic environments, the average fatalities associated with the sport, significant discoveries attributed to cavers, and the nuanced distinction between caving and spelunking. more

In the realm of environmental management and conservation, prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, stand out as a pivotal practice with deep historical roots and a myriad of ecological benefits. This method involves the deliberate ignition of vegetation under carefully controlled conditions to fulfill specific land management objectives. The practice, steeped in indigenous knowledge and widely adopted by modern forestry and wildlife management, plays a crucial role in the stewardship of diverse ecosystems. This article delves into the multifaceted purpose and benefits of prescribed burns, illustrating their significance in maintaining healthy landscapes, supporting biodiversity, and safeguarding human communities. more

JOPLIN, Mo. – Putting fish on the dinner table is a great way to end a fishing trip. However, before any fish fillets are put in a fryer or on a grill, anglers need to know how to properly clean what they’ve caught. more

The internet has become a breeding ground for various interpretations and misinterpretations of texts, historical events, and cultural references. A particularly intriguing example of this phenomenon is the recent interpretation of Ecclesiastes 10:2 from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, which has been co-opted by some to comment on modern-day American politics. This interpretation suggests that the scripture implicitly endorses the political "Right" (typically associated with Republicans) as wise and denigrates the "Left" (often associated with Democrats) as fools. This analysis will delve into the absurdity of this interpretation, exploring its historical inaccuracies, biblical misreadings, and the broader implications of using sacred texts to serve contemporary political agendas. more

If you are like me, you are getting used to using self-check-out lines when you shop. Stores which hire fewer cashiers force customers who want to finish their shopping quickly to use self-check registers. This move toward greater automa-tion makes sense for retailers as it reduces the cost of doing business since they have fewer workers to pay. more

Numbers 21:25 There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna! more

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