Community News | West Plains Daily Quill

The West Plains R-7 School Board, during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, expressed appreciation for the service of outgoing president Jim Thompson, right, who recently lost his bid for reelection to Shealia Harper. Thompson made a statement before the board recounting his experience and was presented a cake and a memento commemorating his 36 years of service before Harper and re-elected board member Brian Mitchell were sworn in and the board was reorganized. Former Vice President Cindy Tyree, left, was appointed president.

WP R-7 school board to move accounts to West Plains Bank

Tuesday’s West Plains R-7 School Board meeting began with a presentation by high school students intending to become teachers, who are members of the Future Teachers of America (FTA). High School Principal Ryan Smith introduced Allison Brooks and Kia Wilson, who talked about college visits with teaching degrees and a state convention for FTA members, FTA Day, and how they each signed a letter of intent to teach. more

4/20/24

HOEC annual member meeting set for May 3

On May 3, Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative will host its 85th annual membership meeting at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., beginning with registration at 4:30 p.m. more

4/19/24

It was coming up roses at Posey Patch Garden during the recent Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains concert fundraiser, featuring country artist Sara Evans. The yearly event is an ideal date night, and Posey Patch Garden donated 150 long-stem roses that were sold at the concert at $3 each, the proceeds going toward the record-breaking total raised of $92,106. From left: Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Jessica Joice-Frazier holding her dog Olive, Posey Patch Garden designer Lavina Wilkening, Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Lois Frazier and Posey Patch Garden owner Marisa Wilkening.

Posey Patch donates roses to support cystic fibrosis research

4/19/24

Stranger accused of entering elderly woman's home, rubbing her foot without consent

Ronald D. Masterson, 59, West Plains, has been charged with felony first-degree burglary after allegedly entering an elderly woman's home without her permission, rubbing her foot and eating her food. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/17/24

West Plains City Councilman Johnny Murrell was sworn in by City Clerk Kellie Mayers at Monday night's regular monthly meeting, after being reelected April 2. Murrell ran unopposed and was also appointed to the West Plains Public Library committee as part of the evening's agenda to reorganize. Other council member committee appointments made were Jessica Nease as Mayor Pro-Tem and ex officio member of the civic center committee; Mayor Mike Topliff and Greg Collins to Planning and Zoning; and John Niesen to Tourism.

Improvements to parks, entertainment district given green light by WP council

Business taken care of during Monday’s meeting of the West Plains City Council included the approval of bids for plans to build an upgraded restroom facility at Galloway Creek Park, improvements at the Hilburn Sports Complex and the purchase of a skid steer for the transportation department, all part of the evening's consent agenda. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/16/24

Traffic stop leads to drug, weapon charges

A traffic stop by West Plains Police officers recently resulted in the arrest of two West Plains residents who now face felony drug and weapons charges. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/16/24

R-7 now enrolling for summer school classes

As the 2023-2024 academic year draws to a close, note West Plains R-7 School District officials, it's time for parents to “start planning your summer adventures,” and among them is the option for students to participate in summer school programs at West Plains Elementary, Middle and High schools. more

4/16/24

Alumnus Nicklaus Martin to speak at MSU-WP commencement May 11

Nicklaus Martin, a 2015 graduate of Missouri State University-West Plains and sound designer with Source Sound, Inc., in Springfield, will give the keynote address at the campus’ 2024 commencement ceremony, officials announced. more

4/16/24

“Throughout the West Plains R-VII School District, educators tirelessly nurture and inspire students of every age,” shared district Communications Director Lana Snodgras in a recent announcement naming the 2024 finalists for Educator of the Year. “From parents to students, colleagues to community members, we've reached out to gather stories of the teachers who have truly made a positive impact. After careful consideration, we've distilled these nominations into our top six finalists.” Early this month, each finalist was surprised by district officials as they presented the educators with the title of Building Level Educator of the Year, Snodgras explained, adding, “Yet, the top recognition awaits as we prepare to select the District Level Educator of the Year from this exceptional group.” All six will be celebrated during a district faculty and staff awards banquet to be held May 16. Those named are West Plains Elementary RTI teacher Adriane Wooderson, Zizzer Pride Academy teacher Tonya Davis, Southern Missouri Technical Institute auto technology teacher Wayne Hansen, West Plains Middle School sixth grade teacher Korrie Vance, South Fork Elementary second grade teacher Nichole Riggs and West Plains High School person finance teacher Sandra Roberts.

R-7 names Building Level Educators of the Year

4/16/24

West Plains City Council meets tonight with full agenda

The West Plains City Council will meet in regular session at 5:30 p.m. today at city hall, 1902 Holiday Lane, with reorganization planned for the start of the meeting. more

BY ABBY HESS, ABBYH@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/15/24

Snodgras honored with state PR award

Lana Snodgras, director of communications for West Plains R-7 School District, has been recognized with a state public relations award by the Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA). more

4/12/24

Four due in court next week on drug trafficking charges after hotel room search

A narcotics search warrant served March 26 at a room at the Baymont Inn in West Plains has resulted in felony drug charges filed against four area residents. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/11/24

Hammond Mill to thank community Saturday with BBQ & Bluegrass lunch

Hammond Mill Camp will host a BBQ & Bluegrass Gratitude Lunch Out for the community from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. more

4/11/24

Staff members of the City of West Plains Purchasing Department and Warehouse have been making deliveries of the 2024 Explore West Plains guidebook. From left: Kristopher Bates, Marc Brannan and Lucas Douglas.

Explore West Plains Guidebooks available

The 2024 Explore West Plains guidebook, “Year of the Eclipse” edition, is now available. At 112 pages, the new book is expanded from last year’s edition and is filled with things to do in and around West Plains, including a self-guided history, art and attractions and tour, event calendar and points of interest, along with information about the community and famous West Plains residents. more

4/11/24

Christos House Chocolate Fest set for June 15

The Christos House Chocolate Festival will have a return to form this year, festival organizers announce. more

4/10/24

Mullins sentenced to 2 years of probation for domestic assault

A West Plains man charged about a year ago pertaining to alleged child abuse has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor fourth-degree domestic assault, first or second offense, and is sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation and a suspended imposition of sentence by 37th Judicial Associate Circuit Court Judge R. David Ray. more

4/10/24

2024 Old Time Music, Ozarks Heritage Festival dates announced

The 2023 Old-Time Music, Ozarks Heritage Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 7 and 8. The annual event in downtown West Plains celebrates Ozarks music and culture. more

4/9/24

The West Plains Civic Center was one of two officially designated eclipse-watching sites for Monday's total solar eclipse. The east and west lawns and the east parking lot were packed with spectators and skywatchers with telescopes, eclipse glasses and, for some, picnic blankets. Here, a group watches the sky just moments before totality, when the moon fully obscured the sun and darkness settled for just over three minutes. The Quill invites readers to continue sharing photos by emailing them to news@wpdailyquill.net with the subject line ECLIPSE KEEPSAKE.

Deadline extended for WP Eclipse keepsake book submissions

The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, has left those in its path with memories that will last a lifetime, and the West Plains Daily Quill is capturing those moments in a special book commemorating the celestial event. Monday’s eclipse drew eyes upwards and brought communities together, creating experiences that will be remembered for generations to come. more

4/9/24

Five charged in convenience store gambling machine crackdown

An investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol into illegal gambling devices has resulted in misdemeanor charges against the local managers of five area convenience stores, according to court records. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/9/24

Thayer, Mammoth Spring team up to host eclipse events

The City of Thayer is hosting eclipse camping through Tuesday, complete with a nightly bonfire, live music, shuttles and food vendors. more

4/6/24