Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at Breaker Rock Beach! Every day is an unforgettable journey, from the morning waves crashing against the shore to evenings filled with bonfires and s'mores. Imagine catching a glimpse of an orca leaping through the surf or watching happy sea lions play among the rocks beneath magnificent pines. Race along the sand with your brightly colored kite, join friends to make the most amazing sandcastle, or gaze in wonder at the mysteries found in a glimmering tide pool. As the crowds come and go and the tides ebb and flow, Breaker Rock rises majestically as a symbol of strength, standing firm against the force of wind and waves. more

All are invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on July 25 to celebrate the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce’s move to 397 Jackie Garrett Drive, the former site of the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology. more

Local families are preparing for the school year with back-to-school sales and adding more items to their lists for children in need around the world. more

Baxter Health officials in Mtn. Home, Ark., say they are proud to welcome vascular surgeon Dr. Nestor Arita to the medical staff. Effective Aug. 1, he will join the Baxter Health Heart and Vascular Clinic and the practice of Drs. Heath Broussard, F. Michael Bauer, James Munns, Kent Nachtigal and nurse practitioners Emily Brown and Kathy Prinner. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce has announced the date of the Bear City Ball: It will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 16 at Pine Meadows Venue, 1449 Highway 76 in Willow Springs. more

Ozarks Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Lacey Carter has been promoted to the position of chief operations officer, health system officials announce. While taking on the duties of her new role, they said, Carter will continue to serve as CNO, overseeing the management and operations of all nursing services across Ozarks Healthcare. more

Ozarks Healthcare officials are reminding its communities of the availability of its walk-in clinics in West Plains and Mtn. Grove, offering immediate care for nonemergency situations this summer. With a stated mission to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare, Ozarks Healthcare walk-in clinics are “the perfect solution for patients needing prompt attention without the wait and cost associated with an emergency room visit,” said officials. more

The 90's are returning to the Ozarks this week, and I don't mean the decade, it's the temperatures.  When it gets this hot most folks are looking for a frozen treat to cool off with so this week it's all about keeping our cool. While ice cream is the #1 frozen must-have, there are tons of other choices that shouldn't  be overlooked. So, let's get started. more

There's nothing quite like the smell of barbecue ribs sizzling on the grill. The anticipation builds as the smoky aroma fills the air, promising a feast of tender, juicy meat coated in a spicy, tangy barbecue sauce. Today, we're taking your taste buds on an adventure with our Grilled Barbecue Ribs with a Kick. This recipe is perfect for backyard cookouts, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a mouthwatering, unforgettable meal. Let's dive in! more

During a presentation July 25, at the Ozark County Historium on the Gainesville Court Square, Chris Harlin will share highlights and anecdotes from his family's four-generation history with what began as the Bank of Gainesville 130 years ago and is today Century Bank of the Ozarks. more

Piney River Brewing, of Bucyrus in Texas County, won five medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship 2024 competition in Oxford, Ohio, officials announced Friday. more

The American Slip Company will host a Fired Arts Expo starting at 9 a.m. each day from Thursday through July 20 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

Ah, the allure of a warm afternoon spent basking in the sun in your own backyard. There’s nothing quite like the lazy, languid days of spring and summer, where the biggest concern might be how long you can lounge before retreating to the shade. But even the most idyllic afternoons can quickly sour with the arrival of an unwelcome visitor: ticks. These tiny pests have a knack for turning a perfect day into a potential health hazard. However, with a few strategic steps, you can transform your yard into a tick-free haven. more

My introduction to folklorist Vance Randolph was some 50 years ago when my dad shared with me his copy of “Ozarks Magic and Folklore,”a 1964 Dover Publications reprint of Randolph’s 1947 tome, “Ozarks Superstitions.” more

Members and guests met at the Viandel Winery on June 26 for their monthly meeting. In Hilary Connolly's absence, the meeting was conducted by Robi Tanner, club VP.  The guests were introduced and our lunch order placed. more

Buckle up, folks, because we're about to take a ride through the exhilarating history of Lagonda automobiles—a brand that has woven itself into the fabric of automotive legend with a story that’s as thrilling as the cars themselves. more

Oregon County is a place where history feels alive. It's a land of lush forests, sparkling rivers, and rolling hills, each corner holding a tale from the past. This isn't just any spot on the map; it's a place with a rich heritage, where every stone and stream whispers stories of the people who lived, loved, and fought here. more

In January 1873, the weather in West Plains was probably cloudy and cold. A bit of sunshine and warmth, however, came riding down from the north that month in a one-horse buggy. Alice Cary Risley had just arrived from St. Luise to join her husband, Sam A. Risley. Howell County had just gained a first-class citizen. more

Last Friday, my wife and I took our grandson, J, to the St. Louis Aquarium. Since he is not yet two, we knew he would not get as much out of it as he will when he is a bit old-er, but we were convinced he would enjoy the day. more