The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, encourages community members to wrap up the year by saving lives. more

The American Red Cross recently announced that blood products collected in October at Ozarka College in Melbourne, Ark., have been delivered to patients in need of vital care. Distribution included, but was not limited to University of Kansas St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kan.; Scotland County Hospital, Memphis, Mo.; Research Belton Hospital, Belton, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. more

The First United Methodist Church of West Plains recently brought holiday cheer to the community with its dinner theater event, “Christmas at the Cricket County Cafe.” more

Information in the digital age is like porridge in the tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” How do you know what is too much, too little, just right – or maybe not right at all? more

The Howell County office of the University of Missouri Extension will hold a Backyard Poultry Workshop, free of charge, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 18. more

West Plains Elementary teacher Haley Falterman was recently celebrated for being selected as a 2024 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator. Porter Waggoner McDonald’s General Manager Kayla Butler and Hilburn-Vaini McDonald’s Supervisor Michael McBride visited the school to present Falterman with the award and a $100 gift card. more

The West Plains Downtown Revitalization organization has introduced a new initiative aimed at encouraging shoppers to explore and support local businesses in the city’s historic downtown area. The West Plains Downtown Small Business Passport offers a way to experience the charm of downtown while also offering the chance to win prizes this holiday season. more

“With a mission to create a culture where everyone feels they belong, while helping families save money so they can live better,” Walmart officials announced the retailer has implemented “Sensory-Friendly Hours” for shoppers with sensory disabilities during the holiday season and beyond at all of its stores. more

Luke 2:10-11: But the angel said, “Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord." more

“Do not be afraid, for I am bringing you good news of great joy!” Never in all my life have I ever been greeted like that. Usually greetings start with a hello, or introduction, or even a question. Never have I ever heard anyone start off with “Do not be afraid for I have some good news.”  more

We’re entering one of those special times of the year — the winter holidays. more

Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains has received a gold medal from Health Quality Innovators (HQI) through the Health Quality Improvement Contractors (HQIC) Recognition Program for its success in improving the quality and safety of healthcare, officials announced. more

Christmas is a time of joy. Yes, it can be festive and fun, but it also can be difficult for those who are grieving, those whose lives are broken, those who carry heavy burdens. more

This is the last farmers market shopping day of the year! We have wonderful gift-giving items all from your local Ozark neighbor. We have handmade jewelry, Christmas ornaments — all glass and handblown — warm and cozy quilts, tinctures for your aches and pains and overall health, beauty and bath products, hats, scarves, soaps, plushies, cutting boards, charcuterie boards, arrowheads, knives, tomahawks, scented soy wax melts, too much to list. more

Welcome back to “Simple Staples,” where we turn pantry basics into homemade wonders — better tasting, better for you and, often, better for your wallet. This week, we’re diving into a spread we all know and love: peanut butter. more

’Tis the season and I like to keep you trendy, so when I hear of a viral recipe or food hack, I'll share it. more

As holiday celebrations continue, the American Red Cross encourages donors to keep the blood supply top of mind by giving blood or platelets this month. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged by the Red Cross to give now to help ensure patients can continue to receive the care they need in the coming weeks. more

Ozarks Healthcare has welcomed Emily Brown, family nurse practitioner, to its Heart and Lung Center team. An Arkansas native, Brown brings over six years of nursing experience, including four years as a nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology at Baxter Health in Mtn. Home, Ark., said officials. more