Last week, our church hosted a group of senior adults on a visit to Niagara Falls. According to the website, Science for Kids, more than 44 million gallons of water flow over the Horse-shoe Falls, not daily or hourly, but every minute! This means nearly four trillion gallons of water thunder over them each year. more

Joel 3:2 I will also gather ALL NATIONS, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat (Armageddon), and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. more

Are you familiar with the old hymn, “Count your blessings”? When we stop to think about it, each of us is blessed in many ways. Food, shelter, friends, family, and so many opportunities to enjoy life are blessings for which to be grateful. Blessings are God’s gifts, and they reflect God’s grace in our lives. In II Corinthians 9:8 the Apostle Paul writes, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” As God’s favor is poured into our lives, we see glimpses of God’s kingdom. As the old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done!” (Johnson Oatman). May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor of the Presbyterian Churches in Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Black Walnuts will be falling soon all over the area, and once again, the harvesting tradition continues, with Hammons Products Company providing a market to buy the wild nuts that people bring in. more

A total of 1,942 students are enrolled this fall at Missouri State University-West Plains, according to official enrollment statistics for the 2024 fall semester released today. more

In a partnership between the West Plains Council on the Arts and the West Plains Public Library, photography and artwork by area artist Kelli Albin will be featured through the end of December. Visitors may view the display between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays at the library, or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.  more

The Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St. in West Plains, is hosting its first-ever Open Mic Comedy Night on Friday and it's shaping up to be an event that will leave the crowd in stitches. Thanks to Ree Creations, a creative team led by Ree Logan and Logan Carter, the night will be packed with good food, gut-busting comedy and a chance for local talent to shine. And the best part? It's absolutely free to attend. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital’s rehabilitation department, home health and swing bed unit all received commendations from James Roth, a patient from Houston known to family and friends as Jim, after his recent graduation from the rehabilitation services program necessitated by a lengthy hospitalization. more

Sparklight, formerly known locally as Fidelity Communications, has opened its fall 2024 application period for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund, which annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Applications are accepted through Oct. 31. more

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is accepting applications for the Coover Regional Youth Mental Health Grantmaking Program. The CFO is administering this program on behalf of the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Charitable Foundation, a private foundation managed by Commerce Trust Company. more

Fall on the Farm, the annual celebration of fall at Piney River Brewing, is set to take place from 2 to 7 p.m Oct. 12, at the “BARn” — the brewery and tap room located off the junction of Highway 17 and ZZ Highway in Bucyrus, about 5 miles west of Houston in Texas County — with featured beers, live music and German food.  more

It's October, also known as the official start of soup season. Let's stray away from the sweets this week and start the month off with a savory soup.  I'm a big fan of soups, I like them all but hamburger soup/stew is one of my favorites because you can add anything to the base recipe. It's also a great way to use those leftover vegetables and by using the crockpot, you'll be saving time too.  more

All are invited to attend the debut performance of Missouri State University-West Plains’ University/Community Band Oct. 7 on the MSU-WP campus. more

As the crisp autumn air starts to roll in and the leaves begin their annual transformation into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, there’s no better way to kick off the season than with a trip to the "Go Farm" Farmers Market in West Plains. On, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market will be bursting with fall flavors, local produce, and festive fun for all ages. more

If you're looking for the ultimate grilled chicken sandwich that's loaded with flavor, look no further. We're taking a classic chicken sandwich to the next level with a tangy, sweet, and spicy raspberry jalapeño jam that’ll leave your taste buds dancing. This sandwich has everything—a juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breast, creamy cheese, crispy lettuce, ripe tomato, and the star of the show, a bold homemade raspberry jalapeño jam. Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines the best of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite. Let’s dive into the details, step by step, to make sure you nail this epic sandwich. more

Officials with the Amelia Network, a local networking group for women in business and leadership positions in West Plains and surrounding communities, and the Ozarks Small Business Incubator report the fourth annual Business Women’s Expo, held Sept. 21, was a success. more

Ashley Matejek MTP, NTP has earned her National Title Professional (NTP) designation from the American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry. Formally acknowledged with her NTP designation on Sept. 1, Matejek is one of 119 leaders across the United States, including five in Missouri, who have devoted their careers to the land title industry and earned their designation, said officials. more

The 39th annual Ozark Black Gold Walnut Festival in Alton will kick off this year's walnut buying season on Oct. 5, and will celebrate over 70 years of the local Strain/Mills family history of buying black walnuts. more