Trout fishing in Missouri, a state celebrated for its abundant outdoor activities, transcends being just a pastime; it's a cherished tradition, especially highlighted on March 1, the opening day of the summer catch-and-keep season at state trout parks. Recognizing the enduring appeal and growing interest in trout fishing, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and novices alike to deepen their understanding of this engaging activity. more

Black River Technical College Automotive Collision Technology student Mike Fraley recently traveled to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., where he received an American FFA degree. more

Nestled within the rolling hills of Missouri, West Plains is a town that holds within its streets and structures the untold stories of a bygone era. This guide embarks you on a self-guided tour, a journey that will lead you through the heart of downtown West Plains, unveiling its rich history and cultural heritage. As you wander through its lanes, you'll find each corner whispering tales of triumph, tragedy, and time-honored tradition. more

The twenty-third Psalm is one of the most famous passages in the Bible. Part of what makes the ancient psalm so moving is that it was written by David, who had been a shepherd before he became a king. It beautifully pictures God caring for us like shepherds care for their sheep. Here is the psalm: more

This time of year, even with its celebrations, is for some people a time of sadness. There has been great sickness, grief, or loss in their lives. Twinkling Christmas lights are not enough to lift the darkness. The truth of scripture speaks to this. In John 1:5 we read, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus is the light of the world, and his coming into our lives brings light. How? He forgives the guilty and comforts the grieving. He welcomes the stranger and heals the broken. The light of Christ streams into our lives as we know the saving grace of God. Jesus was born into this world so that we might know that we are God’s loved and cherished children. Today Christ wants to shine his light into our hearts. May we pray the words of the hymn, “O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches of Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. more

The New Testament opens with four distinct yet intertwined accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, known as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These texts, while centered on the same individual, present different perspectives, themes, and audiences, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and purposes of their authors. more

Whether you’re subscribing to a dating app, getting a gym membership, visiting a website or purchasing a product, you’re probably entering into a consumer contract. As widely used as these agreements are, people rarely read, understand or know the content of them. Although there are some government regulations, contract law generally treats online “terms as conditions” to be binding contracts for people who agree to buy, subscribe, borrow, join or download.
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Along with all the other events being held Saturday for the Willow Springs Downtown Holli-Day, the Willow Springs Arts Council announces it is sponsoring an Invitational Art Show. This is the second year for the event and participating area schools include Thayer, Ava, Mtn. View, Willow Springs, Mtn. Grove, Cabool and West Plains. more

Ozarks Healthcare has a gem in Dani Dawson, an exceptional monitor tech and unit coordinator for their Cardiac Step-down Unit (CSU). Dawson, known for her charismatic personality and spunk, has been a vital part of the healthcare team, bringing a unique vibrancy that has become indispensable to her colleagues and the unit. more

Trout fishing in Missouri, a state celebrated for its abundant outdoor activities, transcends being just a pastime; it's a cherished tradition, especially highlighted on March 1, the opening day of the summer catch-and-keep season at state trout parks. Recognizing the enduring appeal and growing interest in trout fishing, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and novices alike to deepen their understanding of this engaging activity. more

The Fine Arts Academy, under the expert direction of Erin Kimbrough, is set to bring a festive masterpiece to life with its upcoming production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." This much-anticipated event is poised to light up the historic Avenue Theatre in downtown West Plains, promising a blend of humor, warmth, and holiday spirit. With opening night scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 7, and additional shows lined up through mid-December, this production is shaping up to be the highlight of the holiday season in the community. more

Area residents interested in working as paraprofessionals or preservice teachers in area school districts are invited to attend the Professional Educator Recruitment Conference from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Gohn Hall on the campus of Missouri State University-West Plains. more

Willow Springs Elementary special education teacher Brooke Coffman and West Plains Middle School fifth grade teacher Andrea Varney have each been recognized by their local McDonald’s restaurants with an Outstanding Educator Award. more

Missouri State University-West Plains has been given a $45,000 award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) program. more

Area youngsters in eighth grade and younger are invited to participate in Grizzly Basketball Camp Dec. 27-28 at the West Plains Civic Center.  more