The holidays are upon us! It’s a special time of year to spend time with family and friends. Here are 12 tips to make sure you have a healthy holiday season: more

The State Board of Education announced Tuesday that 33rd District Sen. Karla Eslinger, of Wasola in Ozark County, will assume the role as the state’s next commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) effective June 1, 2024, after concluding her work in the Missouri Senate during the 2024 legislative session. more

I’ve learned a lot about farming in my 75 years, but most of it I’ve forgotten within the last 10. more

The cheapest things in grocery stores are bananas. Sue and I buy them when they are a little green. They are perishable and the retailers have to keep them moving. Anyway they are a bargain. more

My days off from the library are always crazy busy, but this week included a trip to the veterinarian’s office that I hadn’t counted on. more

How many people remember driving down the road and seeing a train going on tracks alongside of your car? Back before kids could watch their laptops and play games on them, just about anything out of the ordinary was interesting. Especially trains. How many engines did it have? Did it have passenger cars? Cars that haul automobiles? Was it carrying big machinery or loads of coal? But the real excitement came at the end of the train- the little red caboose! more

Let's talk about something that's probably a part of all our lives but doesn't get enough spotlight - comfort movies. You know, those films we keep returning to, like a favorite sweater or a trusted old friend. For me, that movie is "Apollo 13." And here's the kicker: it's not even what I'd call my favorite movie. It's just... special. more

Petty Crow has a Perfume Bar with 50 plus essential oils to choose from and make your own perfume blend, Christmas hand-made decorations, Abby will have her wonderful and popular plushies and other hand-made items, Robert will have his crocheted stuffed animals and so much more! more

’Tis the season for all the goodies of sweet and savory. This week we are going back to the good ole days when the simple flavors of the season were honored in a way. Gingerbread isn't just for making cute Christmas houses, there are thousands of other delicious recipes to explore. I like to make gingerbread pancakes or muffins during the holidays but pie is always a favorite. This no-bake gingerbread pie is easy, and quick and you can make it days ahead of time and freeze. I especially love the gingerbread crust which I've used in other pies. Gingerbread takes me back to a time when you didn't have all the fancy desserts, just plain and simple. We all can use some simple ways to get us through the holidays. Tis the season.  more

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts, welcome back to my kitchen. Once again this week, I'm diving into a culinary classic that has comforted many of us through thick and thin: mac 'n' cheese. But this isn't your regular boxed mac 'n' cheese; we're elevating it to gourmet status with a medley of high-end cheeses, a punch of unique spices, and a crunchy topping that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. more

Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles dental education program is on the road this fall, taking the crusade for healthy teeth to 23,000 youngsters at more than 100 schools across the state in the coming weeks. The cast of dynamic superhero characters made its most recent stop in West Plains for a performance at Glenwood Elementary School, teaching good dental health habits to 131 students in kindergarten through third grade. more

Ozarks Healthcare’s Mobile Mammography Unit will continue to travel and offer mammogram services to surrounding communities through December.  more

Officials with the Missouri Department of Social Services report an “alarming” trend in child fatalities related to sleep-related infant suffocation and fentanyl poisoning has been identified in the Missouri Child Fatality Review Program (CFRP) Annual Report for 2022, viewable online at dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/cfrar/2022-eliminating-child-abuse-and-neglect.pdf. more

Learn how to tie fishing flies with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free Fly Tying for Everyone, Even Beginners course from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays from Jan. 4 through Feb. 1. Fly tying for fishing is a mix of skill, creativity, and knowledge about what sight-feeding fish eat. This class will teach beginners how to get started tying flies and sharpen the skills of experienced lure makers. more

Author Teresa L. Wallace, of Alton and formerly of West Plains, will sign copies of her books alongside three Springfield-area authors during an event from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at ABC Bookstore, 2109 N. Glenstone in Springfield. more

James and Jessica Brimsberry have a bit of a mystery on their hands, but one that adds a touch of interest to their work in restoring outbuildings on their property near the western edge of town, an area that has seen quite a bit of expansion over the last 40 years or so. more

Downtown Willow Springs is looking like it will be abuzz with activity today, starting with breakfast and children’s activities this morning and wrapping up with this evening’s Christmas parade. more