An Ava couple has been charged in connection with an alleged incident where an Oklahoma woman was contacted via social media, she and her young son were picked up and driven back to Ava where she was forced into sexual acts with them, then coerced into giving them $1,500 under threat of death to herself and her family before being returned to her mother. more

The West Plains Civic Center will be the hub of community service and support as it hosts the annual Project Homeless Connect event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 25. This significant event is a collaborative effort to support the homeless population in the region, organized by Ozark Action, Inc., the local regional homeless services entry point. more

The Willow Springs School Board convened for its regular meeting on Dec.Dec. 20, overseeing a packed agenda that included key financial decisions and community involvement in the governance of local education. more

The most recent monthly meeting of the West Plains R-7 began with a wrap-up of fall high school student activities, including a visit by many sports and other team participants. The students were introduced by R-7 Activities Director Dr. Ashley Cooley, and the activities spotlighted included cheerleading; girls tennis, softball, golf, and volleyball; boys soccer; girls and boys cross country; football; speech and debate; and theater. more

Willow Springs City Council met Monday night, in part to appoint an interim fire chief, hear updates on the McClellan Building renovation, and recognize Officer David Hocking for his efforts to solve acts of vandalism and sabotage to the city's water system. more

This is the last column for the year and what a year it has been at Summersville Branch Library! more

Lord willing, I’ll be 76 years old as of Saturday, Dec. 30 — exactly 60 years from the day I became old enough to legally drive on Missouri highways. more

Hey there! Today, I want to chat about a song that's as synonymous with New Year's Eve as fireworks and midnight kisses – "Auld Lang Syne." Ever been at a New Year's party, heard this tune, and just mumbled along because you didn't really know the words? You're not alone. It's probably one of the most "mumbled-through" songs in history! more

Our vendors are taking the week off from our outdoor market to enjoy the holiday season with their families, and will return Jan. 6. But you can find 13 of them inside the PopUp Shop from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 410 Washington Avenue next to OzSBI. The shop will only be closed on January 1st for New Years Day. more

I pray you had a happy, safe Christmas with your family. Ours was “scattered” for safety, but joyful just the same. I thank God I am still able to make small gifts for family and friends. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share with you an incredibly delicious recipe for Chicken Spaghetti with White Sauce, accompanied by the best sides to make your meal a grand success. Let’s embark on this culinary journey! more

In a dramatic turn of events that will be remembered for years to come, the Detroit Lions secured a nail-biting victory over the Cleveland Browns with a final score of 17-16 to claim the 1953 NFL Championship. The game, which took place at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, was a testament to the grit and determination of both teams, culminating in a heart-stopping finale. more

Officials with the Missouri State University-West Plains Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program are seeking comments from the public regarding the program in preparation for a five-year site visit by the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN). more

For the past year, Missouri State University’s efactory has offered the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp in Springfield. more

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

Dr. Sharath Rongali, assistant professor of biology at Missouri State University-West Plains, will be the guest speaker at the Friends of the Garnett Library meeting on Jan. 12. more

As the chill of winter embraces the world, hearts are warmed by the glow of a timeless celebration known as Christmas. This enchanting festival, steeped in history and sprinkled with magic, transcends mere dates on the calendar, unfolding as a cherished narrative of humanity's collective spirit. It's a story that weaves through centuries and cultures, finding expression in myriad forms and touching lives in countless ways. more

The Pink and White Lady Basketball Classic, a much-anticipated event in the high school basketball calendar, is set to commence on Dec. 27, with the championship games scheduled for December 30. This year's tournament is particularly significant as it precedes Springfield Public Schools' proposed transition to an all-Ozarks format, similar to the esteemed Blue and Gold Tournament, starting from 2024. more