Mtn. View-Birch Tree Liberty and West Plains schools have announced no classes will be held Tuesday due to forecast icy weather. Head Start programs in both cities, plus in Licking, will also be closed. more

Dr. Thomas Harbert, orthopedic surgeon, has been welcomed by Ozarks Healthcare to its Orthopedics and Spine team. Harbert brings nearly three decades of expertise in orthopedics and sports medicine, with a passion for hands-on care and helping patients achieve better mobility and quality of life, said officials. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce held its 2025 awards banquet on Saturday at Pine Meadows Venue, catered by Leslie’s Catering. The theme for this year’s banquet was “Taco ‘Bout Willow Springs” and tables were sprinkled with historical trivia about the city. The menu featured a taco bar. more

Arts Alliance member events and activities: more

It’s not uncommon for even small towns to produce one or two self-made artists, but true star quality is rare. Isaac Miles Harrison (who goes by IMH, an acronym for his initials) is one of those stars. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts will host two "gossiping chicken" gourd painting workshops from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday in the Dogwood rooms at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The cost of the workshop is $35, all supplies included. more

If you have ever left the salt out of your mashed potatoes, you know that salt is an important seasoning. more

I love to fish. There is something about standing on a creek bank, or waist deep water, trying to get a bass or perch to take the bait. The challenge for me is to hit the right place at the right time with the right lure. Of course, I catch and release. I love the taste of fish, but I am a bit lazy when it comes to cleaning and preparing the fish. (Come to think of it, it is time to renew my license). more

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 pickles — those tangy, crunchy delights that can elevate everything from sandwiches to charcuterie boards. more

Revelation 10:6: “The angel swore that time shall be no longer.” more

It’s Super Bowl Sunday weekend and our vendors at Go Farm Farmers Market have a lot of great products for your parties! This week Farmer Little will be bringing charcuterie boards to-go, made of imported meats and cheeses from Italy, Spain and Ireland and paired perfectly with the vendor’s locally-made pickled items! Farmer Little will also have fresh baked rosemary bread; Costa Rican, Ethiopian and Sumatran coffee beans and ground coffee in regular, spicy and snickerdoodle flavors; pickles and pickled foods; sugar free jams and more! more

And just like that, it's February, the month of love and chocolate. Valentine's Day is an extra way to express your love for a sweetheart and make them feel special and loved without breaking the bank. And I can help. more

Ozarks Healthcare Laboratory Services offers affordable lab screenings available throughout the year. These screenings are offered for a nominal fee, payable by cash or check only, and are available at multiple locations. more

February is American Heart Month, and Ozarks Healthcare officials say they are proud to join the nationwide effort to raise awareness about heart health and prevent heart disease. This year, Ozarks Healthcare is hosting several events and offering free screenings to encourage proactive measures for maintaining heart health. more

Super Bowl Sunday might not be an official holiday, but it’s earned its place as the second biggest food day in America — trailing only Thanksgiving. This year, the triple hit of inflation, bird flu and tariffs could make some of your favorite game day snacks pricier than last year. (Hint: Deviled eggs and meatballs.) more

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company announces new leadership roles at its West Plains branch. more

The Community First Banking Company Board of Directors has announced that after 27 years, Clyde Stewart, Jr., has retired as an active board director and been named director emeritus. more

University of Missouri specialists in Columbia have developed online tools to help farmers estimate their potential payments from the American Relief Act, which was passed by Congress late last year. more

Homeowners eager to apply aggressive first aid to storm-damaged trees could be removing trees that might have survived. more