During the deadly September attack, casualties mounted, with both the capital and the White House being targeted. What few know is how the President secretly sent a Georgetown attorney to meet with our enemies in an attempt to secure the release of a prominent hostage. However, he was detained before his mission could be completed and had to watch the attack. During the battle, he could only pray as he sat helplessly aboard an enemy ship. more

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. more

The phrase, “clothes make the man,” is an old saying that points out the fact that how we dress influences how others perceive us. We express respect when we dress up for a job interview or worship service. It’s true that we all like to be comfortable, but our own comfort is not the only thing that matters. The same thing is true of the ways we interact with others. In Colossians 3:12 we read, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Our Lord wants us to choose these behaviors and leave some others behind…like anger, greed, arrogance, malice, slander, and lying. Instead, we should put on the virtues we see in Christ himself. Let’s remember the wisdom of Colossians 3:14, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. “That’s the wardrobe God intends for us. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

In certain segments of the Christian church, a contentious belief persists: if one's faith is sufficiently robust, medical intervention becomes superfluous. Adherents of this view hold that prayer alone can remedy every ailment, from mental health issues to broken bones and even fatal diseases. When prayer does not result in healing, the fault is often attributed to the individual's lack of true or strong enough faith. While miracles undoubtedly occur daily, with cures that defy scientific explanation, the notion that faith eliminates the need for medicine is, quite frankly, absurd and dangerous. more

You often wouldn’t know it from what we see on TV and social media, but the basics of a healthy lifestyle can be pretty straightforward. Try to walk or do other physical activities, eat a healthy diet of mostly plant-based foods, limit alcohol and, of course, don’t smoke. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital has a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for the new TCMH Licking Family Clinic, board members heard at their monthly meeting last week. more

Amazon is among the most recent organizations to join the Ozarks Small Business Incubator as a Champion Member. more

Where did June go? We celebrate the 4th of July tomorrow and while it's almost always hotter than a firecracker, I want to make some soup! Are you the type of person who doesn't like to eat or drink something hot when the temperature outside is hotter? I'm not. I drink coffee year-round and I'm not afraid to make soup during a heat wave, as long as the air conditioning is working properly.  For gardeners, harvesting cabbage is underway or over and like most, are looking for ways to use it up or can it. This soup I'm sharing today is a winter favorite but will also be a summer favorite too for the freshness of the cabbage, which just makes everything more tasty. This soup also freezes well so you can tuck a jar or two away for a easy, heat up meal.  So, if you grow your own cabbage or bought some, be sure to try this delicious soup, paired with a salad or some crusty bread, there isn't much left to say. But, have a safe and tasty 4th of July!  more

As the 4th of July approaches, excitement fills the air with thoughts of fireworks, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. One dish that never fails to impress at any summer barbecue is a vibrant, flavorful cold pasta salad. This recipe is designed to be the ultimate side dish for your backyard festivities, combining fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a touch of creativity. Get ready to wow your guests with a pasta salad that’s as patriotic as it is delicious! more

Over the last few months, we have watched on the news about the recalls of applesauce with possible lead issues. It’s concerning, as parents, that we might feed our kids something that could cause any health issues. more

Grayson Hale, a member of the West Plains FFA Chapter, and Connor Clay, Alton FFA, were selected to be among 100 high school sophomores from across Missouri to complete the 12th annual Helping Youth Maximize their agriculture experience (HYMAX) FFA Academy June 14 through 16 at Camp Rising Sun in Kaiser, Miller County. more

Today marks a momentous event in West Plains. At 5 p.m., Toney Aid will take down the flag out in front of Aid Downtown Antiques, formerly Aid Hardware, for the very last time. For 5 generations an Aid has owned and operated a business at 1 Court Square. Aid has a photo of his grandfather taking down the flag on the last day of business for the hardware store in the 1990s. It is a bittersweet day for everyone who knows and loves the Aids, but as one door closes, another one opens. In retirement, Toney can finally focus all of his energy on the book project he has spent nearly half of his life working on. The community of West Plains owes a debt of gratitude to the Aid Family that can never be repaid. Their tireless, often thankless, efforts to preserve and restore the historical sites of our beloved downtown has been a lifetime of work. In the heart of West Plains, a town that clings to its history like autumn leaves to a tree, there stands a testament to the enduring spirit of a family business. Welcome to Aid Downtown Antiques, where stepping through the doors is akin to stepping into a living legacy, a tribute to resilience, innovation, and community impact. more

On June 15, the Christos House Chocolate Festival unfolded in all its sugary glory at the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. The event, held from noon to 4 p.m., was a much-anticipated celebration for chocolate lovers of all ages. With an entry fee of just $10, attendees were treated to 20 tasting tickets, allowing them to sample a wide array of delectable chocolate creations from both professional and amateur chocolatiers. For the little ones aged 10 and under, entry was free with adult supervision, making it a family-friendly affair. more

If you haven't yet experienced the magic of "Mary Poppins" at the historic Avenue Theatre, you're in luck—but just barely. This weekend is your final chance to catch this enchanting summer tradition that's been captivating audiences of all ages. more

In a poignant celebration of Juneteenth, the Lincoln School welcomed Lamar Johnson, a man whose story of resilience and justice captured the hearts of many, to its historic halls. The visit was marked not only by Johnson’s compelling presentation but also by an essay contest that challenged students to delve deeply into themes of conviction, integrity, and personal connection. more

Until recently, I knew little about the Korean Conflict except that the US entered the fight in 1950 to stop the spread of communism. I did not re-alize that while the Korean War lasted just over three years, it took the lives of millions of North and South Koreans and that UN forces also suffered 100,000 casualties. more

Luke 14:26 You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot follow me unless you love me more than you love your own life. more