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

As I sit in my warm home office, pondering the content for this week's recipe, winter is working overtime to make an entrance, and it has. The first chance of snow is always exciting, but “they” can keep the ice for tea. more

Ozarks Healthcare’s 2025 lineup of prenatal classes offers comprehensive guidance for expectant parents, from childbirth preparation to infant care and breastfeeding support. Led by certified experts from Ozarks Healthcare’s Women’s Center, these classes are designed to help new feel confident and ready for parenthood, said officials. more

Welcome back to my little culinary experiment, a space where we challenge ourselves to stop buying and start making the everyday essentials. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about rediscovering how much better things taste when you make them from scratch. This week, we’re tackling something near and dear to all lovers of tacos and wraps: flour tortillas. more

We will be closed this Saturday due to inclement weather, snow and very cold temperatures. Week by week, we will let you know.  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

We know about RSV for babies, but did you know adults can also get RSV, and certain groups should be vaccinated to prevent RSV? more

Baxter Health officials in Mtn. Home, Ark., announce the hiring of two new employees, a nurse practitioner and a social worker, to its health care system. more

Vehicular transportation is a necessity for living in the rural Ozarks. However, car trouble — which can be quite expensive — comes with any vehicle. Fortunately, individuals like Tracy Green are willing to help.  more

A lucky Missouri Lottery player in Howell County rang in the New Year as a million-dollar winner. more

Small nonfarm businesses in 15 Missouri counties and neighboring counties in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. more

Leonardo DRS, 640 Independence Drive in West Plains, will hold open interview assessments from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. The company is seeking to hire aluminum welders and painters. more

Agricultural lender FCS Financial announced Monday it will return $37 million to its member-owners in cash patronage for the 2024 calendar year in a gesture officials say “underscores the cooperative’s commitment to sharing its success with the nearly 27,000 farm and ranch families it serves across Missouri.” more

On Dec. 4, the Missouri Pork Association, National Pork Board and the University of Missouri held the fourth annual FFA Swine Facility Management Contest in Columbia. Willow Springs FFA was among 18 teams competing in the hands-on event which focuses on real-world jobs in the pork industry. more

During the month of November, Missouri Lottery offices paid out more than $7 million in prizes of $1,000 or more across the state, and more than $83,600 in Howell and surrounding counties. more

The Howell County office of the University of Missouri Extension will host a workshop on soil and grazing management from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at the office, 1376 Bill Virdon. Blvd. in the East Towne Village Shopping Center, West Plains. more