Many Ozarkers have lived on the same land most of their life, but it is still important to call 811 before you dig. With technology moving forward at breakneck speeds and more people new to the area than ever before, it is important to call and get the underground utilities marked.  more

When the buds on the trees begin to swell and the last frigid blasts of winter have retreated north, the fishing year for me truly begins. March begins where winter left off. The water is cold and it takes a few days of warmth to get much of anything moving. By the end of the month the trees are flush with new leaves and the water is teaming with fish. more

The University of Missouri Extension is offering a free webinar series for horse owners beginning with the first session at 6 p.m. March 19. There are four webinars planned for 2025.  more

In the heart of the Ozarks, where rugged hills and winding trails create a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, a group of young riders is pushing limits, conquering challenges and embracing the thrill of mountain biking on cross-country-style trails. They are the West Plains Composite Mountaineers, a team of student-athletes in grades six through 12 fueled by the desire to test themselves against the elements. more

Students who will be freshmen in fall 2025 at West Plains High School and who are interested in learning more about the Speech and Debate program at the school are invited to a free summer camp. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts has issued a call for submissions for its juried 2-D and 3-D exhibit for Current and Retired Art Teachers, to be displayed from May 17 through June 21 in the gallery in the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

West Plains business owner Beverly Fisher Jennat is calling on the public for assistance as she attempts to win a prize of $25,000 in the Forbes Magazine Entrepreneur of Impact competition. more

Get a jump on the gardening season by starting vegetable and flower seeds indoors now, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg. more

Sponsors and vendors are sought by Pine Meadows Venue in Willow Springs for its July 4 Red White & Blue Concert for a Cause to benefit Whetstone Boys Ranch in Mtn. View. more

March is National Nutrition Month, prompting me to wonder how often this column focuses on the links between what we eat and our health and well-being. more

Hepatitis A is a virus spread from person to person or by consuming contaminated food or water. People who have the virus in their body are not always symptomatic but can still pass it on to others. more

Hebrews 9:5: “And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the Mercy Seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.” more

I cannot believe how fast the time has been flying by. Here we are just out of a winter “blizzard” and already it is the season of Lent. March 5 of 2025 is Ash Wednesday and the next 40 days (not counting Sundays) will be a journey to Easter. This has been a tradition in many churches since the 4th century.  more

Welcome back to my little culinary experiment, where we take everyday essentials we usually toss in our grocery carts and turn them into homemade staples that taste better and often cost less. Today, we’re indulging in a sweet, chocolatey delight: homemade chocolate syrup. more

My name is Anastasia Snyder. I'm a wife and mother to three beautiful children and am very excited to be able to become a vendor at “GoFarm” Farmers Market so that I can provide not just my family but also my community with healthy and delicious products. I plan to open my booth with a variety of items including organic sourdough breads, dried sourdough starter from my “mother starter” and gourmet cookies. Additionally, I make whipped honey flavored with organic freeze-dried fruits and whole foods such as vanilla bean or coffee. I also make topical products like whipped tallow balm that leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed, and essential oil perfume rollers. more

Growing up in Texas, I used to hear stories of treasure hidden in the hills by outlaws, pirates’ treasure chests and lost mines filled with jewels and precious metals. Treasure! I have never found any of these, but I am glad to know of a more precious and lasting type of treasure … treasure in heaven. more

Dr. John Harrington, board-certified general surgeon, has submitted his resignation from Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, effective immediately, hospital officials announced Thursday. more

In a June 22, 2006, USA Today article, experts reported Americans had 33% fewer close friends than they had 20 years earlier. In 1985, the average American had three friends in whom they were willing to confide, but according to the American Sociological Review, by 2004 that number dropped to just two. Perhaps the most tragic detail in the report was how 25% of Americans said they had no close friend. more

St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 808 N. Y Highway in Mtn. View, will serve its annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. March 17 at the church. more