Each year in July, high school students from across Missouri converge on Jefferson City to learn first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business and being a leader. The Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) is a four-day, fun-filled opportunity for high school juniors (would-be seniors) to grow their leadership abilities. more

School choice and transportation reimbursement, plus reimbursement of a portion of base teacher pay by the state were topics of concern at the West Plains R-7 monthly school board meeting, held Tuesday after being postponed a week due to weather. more

The Connect West Plains comprehensive plan has resulted in significant achievements and ongoing efforts since its adoption in August 2023, says City of West Plains Planning Director Emily Gibson.  more

The historic Lincoln School in West Plains is the seventh site in Howell County to be included on the National Register of Historic Places. more

In June 1984, Mary Hass Schrag embarked on a journey that would shape the landscape of physical therapy in Howell County and beyond. As the first physical therapist to provide services in the area, Schrag’s dedication and vision laid the foundation for what would become Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic. more

Nominate the Best of West Plains now more

Many think of commerce as the only focus of local chambers, but a closer look at the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce proves it is not just a listing of businesses, but a comprehensive look at why West Plains should be considered a town to live, work, play and raise a family. That includes information about employment, educational opportunities, social and business networks, housing, and listings of churches and recreational and community events for all ages. more

No one place can provide every service needed for the unhoused and unsheltered within a community, but three local resources aim to work as a safety net to complement and supplement one another. more

A small city surrounded on all sides by rural America, West Plains is home to a robust LGBTQ+ community. more

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains are seeking nominations for an honorary associate’s degree, to be awarded at the May 10 commencement ceremony. The deadline to submit candidates is March 14. more

Craft brewers, area distributors and local restaurants will be highlighted at the 11th annual West Plains BrewFest, set to begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. March 8 in the exhibit hall at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., and end at 8:30 p.m. more

The sixth annual Cystic Fibrosis Day at Captain D’s will be held Saturday at the restaurant, 1402 Preacher Roe Blvd. in West Plains. more

Randy Frazier, Mtn. View, recently accepted, on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains, a guitar donated by Randy Reese of Ozark Trading Post, Mtn. View to be autographed by chart-topping country musician Rodney Atkins. more

The Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd., is hosting a birthday party 11 a.m. March 10, in honor of a special past resident of West Plains, Jim the Wonder Dog. more

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1828 of West Plains will host a remembrance ceremony for Operation Desert Storm at 1 p.m. Friday. more

4-H Club holding food drive more

Long-anticipated work on the railroad overpass project on Independence Drive and U.S. 160 in West Plains is said to be smoothly moving along. It has been 17 years since the project was first conceptualized.
"Currently, the project is progressing as expected," saiid City of West Plains Planning Director Emily Gibson. "The project is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2025." By that time, Gibson said, work should be focused on finishing details, such as restoring vegetation disturbed by the building process.
Asked how the community will benefit from the new overpass, Gibson said it will allow for safe and continuous travel across both Howell Creek and the railroad. more