Editor’s note: Having just graduated high school, traditional students may seem eager to embrace the next chapter in their educational journey – college. But that’s not always the case. Going through the processes to pick the college they want to attend can seem daunting, then comes actually attending the classes so they can get a degree. Shane Hull, a current sophomore at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), has been through the processes and will be sharing his story in this column and subsequent columns in the coming months to provide insights into the higher education processes for others like him who are embarking on their own collegiate journey. Hull works part time on several projects in the MSU-WP university communications office. 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

Nestled in the heart of Ozark County, a mere five miles north of Gainesville, lies a captivating expanse of natural beauty and rich history - the Caney Mountain Conservation Area. Covering a sprawling 7,899 acres, this remarkable region stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur, conservation success, and the tenacious spirit of wildlife preservation. more

In an era marred by misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and misguided animosity, it becomes imperative to journey back through time and scriptures to unravel the threads that intricately weave together three of the world's major monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Although varied in practices and perspectives, these faiths share a common root in the veneration of the God of Abraham, embodying a rich tapestry of religious, historical, and cultural connections. more

This simple word is found throughout the story of God’s people. In Genesis 12:1 Abraham’s story begins when God tells him to go from his country to the land God will show him. It is a journey of miles, but it is also a journey of faith. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” These words in Matthew 28:19 are often called the Great Commission. After his resurrection, Jesus sent his followers to share his message and continue his ministry. In Mark 16:15 Jesus said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news.” It is important to remember that “go” is an imperative and a call to action. Going requires movement, doesn’t it? We cannot follow Jesus and stay put. Pray for God’s guidance and trust that God will lead you. Our Lord calls us to go in peace and in faith. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

In the first part of our study, we discussed the foreknowledge & omniscience of God. Now, in Psalms 139, let us examine God's omnipresence.  more

Many years ago, I read best-selling author John Maxwell’s fascinating book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Maxwell told a dramatic story about businessman Roberto Goizueta, the former CEO of Coca-Cola. In 1997, only a few months before his death, Goizueta delivered a brilliant speech to the Executives’ Club of Chicago in which he shared the passion which motivated him to get up each day. He said, “…A billion minutes ago, Christianity emerged. A billion seconds ago the Beetles performed on the Ed Sullivan show. A billion Coca-Colas ago was… yesterday morning. And the question we are asking ourselves now is, ‘What must we do to make a bil-lion Coca-Colas ago this morning?’” more

I have talked with other Christians concerning being disheartened about life, circumstances or just simply feelings disconnected from God. Even as a pastor myself, there have been times that I have struggled with these thoughts and feelings. more

In the realms of motorcycle history, few names carry the weight and nostalgia that BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company) does. Founded in 1861 in Birmingham, England, BSA has endured wars, economic fluctuations, and the test of time to create a legacy that is etched in the annals of motorcycling history. From munitions to motorcycles, the BSA story is a riveting tale of innovation, triumph, and resilience. more

Attention, music enthusiasts and fans of live entertainment! The historic Avenue Theatre in downtown is gearing up for an extraordinary night of music, fun, and community gathering as Ha Ha Tonka prepares to grace the stage on November 3rd. Excitement is in the air, and the good news is, there are still tickets available for this must-attend event! more

Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,200 jobs in September, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point, report officials with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Economic Research and Information Center, which provided all of the data presented here in its Monthly Jobs Report. more

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers across the globe are reporting higher levels of negative feelings, including stress and worry. Half the American workforce is reportedly not engaged at work. As a result, employers are looking for ways to reverse the trend and foster a more respectful and inclusive workplace.
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Dawn Garner with Root Essence Esthetics has recently opened in the Ozarks Small Business Incubator. Garner is a licensed esthetician offering holistic and modern services at 414 Washington Ave. in West Plains. She offers a variety of services including facials, massages and dermaplaning.  more

Heidi Hulvey of Birch Tree recently received a $50,000 microloan through the Ozarks Small Business Incubator to fund the building and equipment of Birch Tree Laundry & More. In addition to the laundry machines, Birch Tree Laundry & More will offer showers, a fluff-and-fold service and an arcade.  more

As a physician, University of Missouri researcher W. David Arnold has long cared for patients with some of the world’s most debilitating illnesses, including spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophies. Now, funded by a $3 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA)/National Institutes of Health (NIH), Arnold will examine how motor neuron firing rates influence strength in older adults. His ultimate goal for this grant is to discover new ways to optimize and maintain function and independence of older adults. more

This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates almost two million new cancer cases will occur in the United States, and at least 25% of cases may be fatal. That’s why Paul de Figueiredo and his team at the University of Missouri are working to lower these numbers through the Synthetic Programmable bacteria for Immune-directed Killing in tumor Environments (SPIKEs) project. more