Below are several upcoming events at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), many of which are open to the community. Feel free to clip this calendar and keep it for your reference to make sure you don’t miss any events that might interest you. Also listed are several important dates on the university’s calendar that area residents might want to keep in mind.  more

After more than a year of waiting, researchers at the University of Missouri welcome the arrival of one of the nation’s first-of-its-kind electric, autonomous tractors. Known as the Monarch MK-V tractor, this revolutionary piece of technology will be studied for its ability to refine agricultural practices and support farmers with disabilities. more

Summersville Line Dance Workout resumes more

A new health humanities essay from the University of Missouri highlights how the narrative of many news stories detailing the challenges of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic often emphasized individual experiences. However, many of these news stories often left out broader public health, socioeconomic and environmental contexts critical to how consumers of news shape their thoughts about the pandemic and how to respond. more

As we begin our annual move toward fall and more normal routines of work, school and family, it can be a great time to make sure that all of us are up to date with our recommended cancer screening tests. more

Local attorney Hannon Ford, of Ford Estate Planning and Elder Law, will offer a free workshop, “Protecting Your Home, Farm and Nest Egg from Medicaid,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 28 in the University of Missouri Extension Office of Howell County, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd., East Towne Village, West Plains. more

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has raised a total of $2,250 in sponsorships from area businesses for the Business Women’s Expo, to be held Saturday, announce officials.  more

For the third year in a row, West Plains Bank and Trust Company was celebrated by Biz417 Magazine as one of the Best Places to Work in southwest Missouri. West Plains Bank and Trust Company ranked ninth in 2021 and sixth in 2022. more

The Howell County Health Department will host a free drive-thru flu vaccine clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at its main location, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains. more

Cooking at home is an enjoyable pastime that many people find calming. Cooking at home also affords cooks full control of ingredients and flavors, which can be great for picky eaters or people with food allergies. more

This Saturday the Howell County Health Dept. will be at the market from 9 am – 1 pm hosting car seat safety inspections during National Child Passenger Safety Week. They will check your car seat for proper installation, provide education if needed for new parents, check if yours has a recall and lots of give aways for you and your children! If you, or anyone you know, have children in car seats please pass the word to come on out to the farmers market Saturday. more

Under the glinting stadium lights and amidst the roar of an excited homecoming crowd, the West Plains High School Zizzers showcased a display of grit, determination, and football prowess, putting up a stellar show against the formidable Rolla High School Bulldogs. more

In an emotionally charged atmosphere at the West Plains High School homecoming game on Friday night, a gesture of true sportsmanship and community spirit took center stage before the first whistle blew. more

A free walking class will be offered by University of Missouri-Howell County Extension Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Stephanie Johnson three days a week from Oct. 11 through Nov. 17. more

The Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors are invited to join the party.  more

Officials with the American Red Cross announce the organization is experiencing a national blood shortage. more

The Howell County Suicide Prevention Network will host A Talk to Remember: Light a Flame for Suicide Prevention from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the West Plains Civic Center. more

Get your cameras ready, photographers! It's that time of the year again, and the West Plains Gazette is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 4th Annual Quill Fall Photography Contest. With the changing colors of autumn as your backdrop, this year's contest promises to be bigger, better, and more breathtaking than ever before. more