Welcome back to my little culinary experiment, a space where we challenge ourselves to stop buying and start making everyday essentials. This week, we’re diving into the world of homemade saltine crackers. These pantry staples might seem humble, but once you’ve tried making them yourself, you’ll realize they’re anything but ordinary. Light, flaky, and with just the right touch of salt, homemade saltines are a game changer. Let’s get started! more

When starting the New Year, I had the idea of throughout the year trying new recipes. With these recipes, I wanted to look at recipes from all over the world. A recipe that really caught my eye is a "pub style" food from England. more

After more than 40 years caring for patients in and around Mtn. Grove, Dr. David Barbe has officially retired, announce officials with the Mercy Health System.  more

Ultra-processed foods. It’s not a term many of us heard 10, or even five, years ago. But that’s starting to change. We now see it in news stories and posts on social media. And there’s good reason for that. more

We have another Arctic blast coming in this weekend that is supposed to be the coldest one yet for us. So, we will be closed this Saturday and next Saturday, Jan. 25. Week by week, we will let you know in case the weather has changed for the better. Our plan is to reopen Feb. 1. more

Since the year is still new, let's peek at some of the food trends for 2025 — we don't want to feel left out. more

The Salem United Methodist Church in Fulton County, Ark., will mark 150 years of faith and service with a special celebration on Sunday, rescheduled from the initially-planned date of Jan. 12, postponed due to weather. more

With the new year having just begun, everyone is thinking of their new year’s resolutions. more

Jordyn Sigman, a 2023 graduate of West Plains High School, has joined the Ozarks Teacher Corps, a special scholarship program managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to recruit teachers for rural school districts. more

An ongoing exhibit at the Frame Shop & Gallery features artworks by The Artist Known as Johnnie through January. more

Arts Alliance member events and activities more

The Salem United Methodist Church in Fulton County, Ark., will mark 150 years of faith and service with a special celebration on Jan. 19. A version of this article published in today's Quill announced the celebration would be held this Sunday, but church officials have postponed it by a week due to the weather. more

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains, will present two workshops in January: Smart Start: Developing a Successful Business, and Tax Strategy for Business. more

Save the date for the annual Salem Home and Garden Show, set to be held April 11 through 12 on the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Salem, Ark. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts, in cooperation with the Gatewood Family, has established a scholarship to encourage students of the highest caliber to enter a career in the fine arts, with special emphasis on arts education. more

Southern Missouri's musical landscape is saturated with run-of-the-mill country, gospel and bluegrass. And while these genres are all quite enjoyable, sometimes it’s nice to shake things up a little — which is precisely what Porch Mud, an up-and-coming local band, is doing.  more

1 Corinthians 7:29: “But this I say, brethren, the time is short….” more

As I sit here in my makeshift office, the weather outside is COLD. Now, I realize that cold is relative. While we are suffering with 26 degrees above zero, in Fairbanks, Alaska, 26 is shirtsleeve and golfing weather. What is cold for me, may be comfortable for someone from the north. Yet, if we go further south, 60 degrees may be cold to folks in Florida, while up here, that is jacket weather.  more

Mark Batterson tells this fascinating story about Queen Victoria in his fine book, “Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More.” The Queen was crowned in 1837 and ruled longer than any ruler before her: 63 years. Her name was eventually used to describe the period she lived in, the Victorian Age. more

Farmers preparing for a snowy winter may tie a rope from their house to the barn so they can find their way safely, even in a blizzard or whiteout. Without it, they might wander, lose their way and freeze to death in the blinding snow. more