Following the monthly meeting of the Texas County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees on July 30, the board announced that interim CEO Bill Bridges has been appointed the permanent chief executive officer of the Houston hospital, effective immediately. more

August is recognized as National Breastfeeding Month. Here at the Howell County Health Department, we celebrate by having a breastfeeding event each year. To celebrate this year, we will be having a POOL PARTY! more

Ozarks Healthcare is partnering with Dickerson Park Soon and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to host a special blood drive on Aug. 16. The "Go Wild and Give Blood" drive aims to encourage blood donations while rewarding donors with exciting gifts, said officials.  more

Artificial intelligence (AI) is hot right now. Also hot: the data centers that power the technology. And keeping those centers cool requires a tremendous amount of energy. more

Missouri’s “Outstanding Older Worker of the Year” award program seeks to honor a Missouri resident who is 55 or older, employed at least 20 hours a week and displays dependability and new skills on the job. Nominations are currently being accepted. The winner will be recognized at a ceremony during National Employ Older Workers Week in Jefferson City, held the last week of September.  more

Supporting local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and crafters is more than just a transaction; it’s a commitment to our community’s heart and soul. Our vendors, each a small business owner, thrive because of your loyalty and patronage. On behalf of all our 40+ vendors, we extend a heartfelt thank you! more

Here we are in August and the last of summer days are near. But for those with kids who are gearing up for school and sports, your days are about to get busy again. So, with that in mind, it was good timing for a easy, make-ahead meal to help keep your time from getting out of hand.  And this recipe not only freezes well but the leftovers are even better on the second day. Those are my favorite recipes, for any time of the year.  Plus, you can customize this recipe to your liking, or your kids. I remember those days.  As we wind down another summer season, it's always good to start preparing for the rush of school and shorter days, so keep this recipe handy.  I know I'll be making it often, paired with a salad or garlic toast, it's a menu must.  more

Who doesn’t love a good corndog? Whether it’s at a county fair or from your kitchen, these tasty treats are sure to bring smiles all around. Making them at home is easier than you think. Let’s dive in! more

Tickets to the Aug. 16 Bear City Ball at Pine Meadows Venue, 1449 Highway 76 in Willow Springs, are available for purchase in person or online, and Pizza Americana is offering a discount to ticketholders who visit the restaurant for dinner before the ball, announces Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce Director Kim McCormick. more

The West Plains School District will begin the 2024-2025 school year Aug. 19 with a full day of classes. more

The Dora Back-to-School Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Dora School cafeteria. more

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is widely considered one of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world, with only two units ever built. Its history is rich with innovation, prestige, and a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. more

The Chaos Closet on East Main Street in West Plains, opposite of West Plains Bank and Trust Company, will hold a special Foster Friday event from 5 to 7 p.m. today. more

Richards School District will be hosting Open House for the 2024-2025 school year on the evening of Aug. 15. Open House will be held at both campuses from 5 to 7 p.m. more

Shoppers looking for school supplies in Missouri can take advantage of the annual statewide sales tax holiday that began today and will run through midnight Sunday. All sales taxes on eligible items — local and state — will be exempt. more

The right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy, a fundamental privilege that signifies the voice of the people in shaping their government. However, this right has not always been universally accessible. The history of voting rights in the United States is a long, intricate journey marked by struggles, activism, and gradual expansion. From the early days of the republic to the present, the story of voting rights is a testament to the relentless pursuit of equality and justice. This feature explores the evolution of voting rights in America, highlighting the key milestones and the ongoing importance of civic participation. more

Genesis 2:17 But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die. more

Moving from childhood into puberty and then to adulthood is never easy. The “tween” stage is often a period filled with intense questions and major self-doubt. De-spite that, most people survive those challenging years without long-term complica-tions. more

The Bible encourages us again and again to pray. The Apostle Paul instructs us to “pray without ceasing,” (I Thessalonians 5:17) In Philippians 4:6 he says, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Jesus tells us to “pray always and not to lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) We pray persistently not to nag or pester the Almighty, but to grow in our relationship with God. Persistent prayer is about trust and our willingness to trust Christ to guide us. In a car, prayer should be like a steering wheel. Unfortunately, many of us treat prayer like a spare tire, used only in emergencies. Pray always, pray throughout the day, and you will find yourself growing closer to God. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more