Officials with the Office of Workforce Development and Community Education at Missouri State University-West Plains will offer an eight-week phlebotomy technician training program beginning Feb. 1, 2025.   more

Texas County Memorial Hospital Family Nurse Practitioner Ray Bruno and emergency medical personnel Jason Steelman and Aaron Petersen received the sincerest thanks from patient Jeramy Lee of Bucyrus after the Houston hospital employees demonstrated “exceptional care and professionalism” in rendering roadside assistance. more

This Saturday Santa will be at the farmers market from 10 a.m. to noon greeting the old and young alike, so pass the word! more

Ozarks Healthcare officials announce Dr. José Alonso-Escalante has joined its the practice at Ozarks Healthcare General Surgery, 1100 Kentucky Ave., in West Plains. more

“Given most nuts ripen late in the year, they have long been associated with the holiday season,” said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. It also is one of the few times when consumers see what nuts looks like in nature. Most often, nuts are purchased with their shells removed and ready for use. One of the nuts likely found in the bin or bag of mixed nuts at a supermarket is the hazelnut. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club are partnering again this year to host the Pancakes with Santa fundraiser breakfast. more

Welcome to the first installment of my new Food Page column, where we dive into those kitchen essentials we usually grab at the store but could easily (and deliciously) make ourselves. Not only do these recipes often save money, but they also let us savor the joy of food made by hand. more

Ozarks Healthcare recently held its annual Longevity Awards Banquet to recognize the outstanding commitment and service of team members who have dedicated decades to providing compassionate care and support to the community. The banquet brought together staff, leadership and family members for an evening of celebration, gratitude and camaraderie. more

Revelation 16:12: And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. more

Christmas is a time of hope, not because our lives are perfect (because they are not), not because we are doing everything just right (because we aren’t), but because even in the most difficult of times, God gives us hope. more

Okay, one holiday down, and another to go. As you read this, Thanksgiving is a memory that is continuing to be reactivated by the leftover turkey in your fridge. Now that I think about it, how is that turkey stew after the fourth warm-up? more

Ozarks Healthcare has announced the appointment of Melody Trimble as transitional CEO as the healthcare system board of directors conducts a nationwide search for President and CEO Tom Keller’s replacement. more

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), urges Americans to embrace the spirit of the holiday season by supporting local small businesses on Small Business Saturday, an annual event founded by American Express which is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024. more

I recently had the privilege of being part of a Friendsgiving event with a large group of people with a variety of dietary needs and preferences. more

Vicky Rutter-Grisham brings this delightful cranberry treat to share every year for the Quill’s employee Thanksgiving luncheon. She said she got the recipe from her sister, Janet Myers, and it’s a family favorite. more