In celebration of National Veterans Small Business Week, the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at MSU-West Plains and the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) will host the workshop “Becoming a Better Borrower” from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., in West Plains. more

Here we are, mid-November and it's time to talk turkey!  With a whopping 88 % of Americans eating turkey on Thanksgiving, you can bet everyone has their way of preparing it. Stuffed or not seems to be the one of biggest questions on the turkey hotlines, being  a matter of preference or tradition. My Mom always stuffed her birds but I don't. I like the stuffing on the side in it's own baking dish. Do you have to baste your turkey, was another popular hotline question along with the number one call-in,  how long do I cook the turkey?  As for me, I baste with a garlic butter and I bake low and slow. Back to the stuffing, my favorite side dish, made from homemade bread crumbs and cornbread.  This year, our gathering will be smaller than usual so I'm not making a huge pan of stuffing but these stuffing balls caught my eye and are perfect for guests to eat plain or with gravy spooned over.  You can use your own stuffing recipe but in case you want to stick with the recipe, it's fairly common but can be customized to your liking, and it's a great way to use any leftover turkey. The countdown is on, you can bet I'm in that 88% group! more

Craving a hearty, comforting meal with a twist? This homemade mac 'n cheese brings extra richness with tender grilled chicken and the smoky-sweet flavor of roasted red peppers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor – a perfect dish for a cozy night or to impress your family and friends with some gourmet vibes! more

The West Plains Zizzers Cross Country teams have once again proven they’re a powerhouse on Missouri’s state scene, adding new lines to their already impressive legacies at the Class 4 state meet on Friday. On a challenging, rain-soaked course, the boys claimed their first team title since 2008, notching the program’s 14th state championship and an astounding 38th trophy overall. Meanwhile, the girls’ team earned runner-up honors, securing their 27th trophy in their 41st consecutive state appearance. It was a showcase of endurance, grit, and the incredible legacy of West Plains running. more

At 11 a.m. Dec. 14, members of the Ozark Spring Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will partner with the Wreaths Across America organization to lay wreaths at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1019 E. Third St. in Mtn. View. more

As fall deepens in November, with the leaves mostly gone and the air turning crisp, America pauses for a day to honor those who have served in the military. Veterans Day, celebrated on Nov. 11 each year, is a chance to express gratitude and reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of millions of veterans who answered the call to serve. But how did this day come to be? The history of Veterans Day is a story rooted in hope, peace, and remembrance. more

West Plains High School invites veterans and their families to a special Veterans Day celebration on Monday, honoring the service and sacrifices of local heroes. more

Arts Alliance member events and activities: more

This fall, millions of Americans have purchased, or will, a vegetable they, unfortunately, are very unlikely to eat, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. more

The West Plains Veterans Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. Veterans Day at People’s Park at the intersection of Porter Wagoner Boulevard and Broadway. more

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for more than 34 million small businesses nationwide, has announced the SBA will celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) Veterans Day through Friday. more

Arby's restaurants owned by the Flynn Group, including the business at 1342 Southern Hills Shopping Center in West Plains, are offering a free classic roast beef sandwich on Monday, Veterans Day, to all veterans and active-duty military. more

The West Plains Elks Lodge No. 2418 will hold an appreciation dinner for veterans and Elks Lodge members at 6 p.m. Monday at the lodge, 3633 N. U.S. 63. more

No matter who you voted for last Tuesday, or if you even voted, you are probably glad this year’s election is finally over. Most of us look forward to watching television again without candidates telling us how horrible their opponent is. more

In the New Testament, the Greek word for God’s love is agape’. In Romans 12:9, Paul says, “Let love be genuine.” Genuine means authentic, real, and sincere. Paul is saying let the love you have for others be the real thing, and I believe that in the words that follow, he is telling us how to express this genuine, authentic love in our lives. Verse 9 continues, “…hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good,” and it is strong language. Hate what is evil…hate what God calls evil…lying, greed, sin, selfishness, violence, sowing discord, wickedness. Cling to what is good, and verses 10-21 give us practical instruction. Verse 21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Persevere in prayer, live peaceably with others, do not return evil for evil, serve the Lord. One after another, these statements reveal God’s love in action, and that is the love we as Christians are to express in our lives. May God’s genuine and authentic love be present in our words and actions. God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” more

Election week has come and gone, and for many, it was a tense few days. It’s a familiar scene, watching votes roll in and feeling either relief or frustration depending on the outcome. But as I’ve written before, this time of year is a good reminder of something important: We mustn’t confuse patriotism with holiness. The hope of Christians lies in Christ, not in any politician or party. more

The American Red Cross continue to highlight the ongoing need for blood and platelet donors as festive schedules ramp up this fall. Eligible individuals — especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets — are encouraged by the organization to make a donation ahead of the holiday season.  more