Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently announced a significant investment aimed at strengthening public safety across the state. The Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 70 grants totaling $5 million, aimed at enhancing the equipment and capabilities of law enforcement, fire service, and EMS providers in class three counties. This funding, part of the state's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, will help first responders better handle emergencies and provide additional protection while performing their duties. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced the official schedules and regulations for the upcoming 2024 hunting seasons for black bears and elk. This fall, hunters across Missouri will have the opportunity to participate in these carefully regulated hunts, aimed at managing the populations of these large mammals within the state's ecosystem. A total of 400 bear permits and five elk permits will be issued through a random drawing process, with applications opening in May. more

Shannon and Carter counties in southeastern Missouri have some of the worst broadband coverage in the state. Local stakeholders say that means communities in the two counties are cut off from essential health, education and employment resources. more

In an unprecedented move within the sphere of federal forest management and crime prevention, an intricate and innovative approach has been taken to tackle the persistent issue of timber theft in the United States. The heart of this pioneering effort centers around the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, where a recent case involving illegal tree harvesting has set a significant legal and scientific precedent. Kimberly Langston of the West Plains Daily Quill extensively covered the unfolding of this case, which not only brought to light the intricacies of forest crime but also the potential of DNA technology in environmental law enforcement. more

West Plains is gearing up for its annual celebration of regional culture with the Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, this vibrant event will transform the downtown area into a bustling hub of music, folklore, and traditional arts. As a beacon of Missouri's rich heritage, the festival not only offers an immersive experience into Ozark culture but also ensures it is accessible to all, with free admission to various activities spanning from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. more

New students planning to enroll in 2024 summer session and/or fall semester classes at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) can sign up now for the university’s STudent Advising and Registration (STAR) Orientation. more

Kansas City Star. April 22, 2024. Editorial: These Missouri and Kansas Republicans in Congress finally did right by Ukraine We don’t get that many chances to say, “Well done, House … more

The head of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee is asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to provide answers about the fatal raid at the home of the Little Rock airport … more

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Serious injuries were reported for a 71-year-old motorcyclist in a crash at 4:15 p.m. Saturday on CC Highway west of U.S. 63 in Texas County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

A woman from Calico Rock, Ark., succumbed to fatal injuries caused by a crash at 3:39 p.m. April 15 on Highway 177 in Pineville, Izard Co., Ark., the Arkansas State Police reported. more

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has conceded defeat on his push to enact universal school vouchers this year, acknowledging there was “not a pathway for the bill” after months of Republican infighting. … more

Lawmakers are poised to take another shot at defunding Planned Parenthood in Missouri. Republicans have tried for years to block Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri. … more

An Arkansas teen is in custody on a first-degree murder charge after the fatal shooting of a high school senior outside a party following a high school prom. Donterious Stephens turned himself in to … more

A second former law enforcement officer from Arkansas has pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of a man he repeatedly punched during a violent arrest that was caught on video. Former Crawford … more

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

The Summersville Friends of the Library will hold its popular Spring Plants & Books Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. more

A Koshkonong resident was arrested April 10 after allegedly perpetrating a sexual assault on a teenage family member. more

David Pryor, a former Arkansas governor and U.S. senator who was one of the state’s most beloved and active political figures, has died at the age of 89. His son, former two-term Democratic U.S. … more

Son: Former Arkansas governor and U.S. Sen. David Pryor dies in Little Rock of natural causes at age 89. more