A Taney County resident is charged in Douglas County with drug trafficking and other felonies after a large quantity of controlled substances were allegedly found in the vehicle of another suspect, and a search of his home allegedly uncovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia and items typically used for the weighing and packaging of narcotics. more

Outgoing Missouri State University President Clif Smart gave his final state of the university address Friday afternoon at Hass-Darr Hall on the Missouri State University-West Plains campus. more

The air is crisp, leaves are commencing their spectacular color dance, and the community spirit is blossoming — signaling that it's time once again for the highly anticipated Downtown West Plains Fall Block Party. With last year's event having leaf-peeping and party-going folks flocking in masses, the upcoming soiree, scheduled for Saturday, is set to be an even grander, more splendid affair that aims to un-be-leaf-ably enchant attendees in a spectacular fall festivity. more

This year's Thayer Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday in downtown Thayer. more

A West Plains man charged in Douglas County after allegedly setting up a meeting with two teenage girls, the intention to have sex with one of them, is now also charged with three misdemeanor counts of violation of an order of protection for an adult and a misdemeanor count of violation of a child protection order. more

Beneath the timeless shade of the Ozarks, a customary companion to our weekend routine — the TV Week insert of the West Plains Daily Quill —has taken its final bow in the Saturday edition of the West Plains Gazette, marking the end of an era and signaling a transition reflecting the community’s evolving media consumption habits. more

Gov. Mike Parson recently announced 10 area schools are among 566 Missouri school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools to receive grant funds from the second round of funding for the School Safety Grant Program. more

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, held nationwide during the month of October, is intended to bring attention to the problem of domestic violence and its affects on the community beyond those directly involved. Such effects include the mental health of survivors and witnesses to domestic violence, and the burden these types of crimes place on the criminal justice system. more

The April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse is six months away, and the excitement is building at the prospect of this once-in-a-lifetime event for the Ozarks. more

Tchaikovsky, George Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, The Beatles — and soon, Lilia Bennington. more

The Heart of the Ozarks United Way will celebrate a Day of Caring from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday by planting shrubs and cleaning headstones at the Sadie Brown Cemetery, at the junction of Highway 14 and north U.S. 63 in West Plains. The Day of Caring is an annual event during which United Way board members and community volunteers perform community service.  more

An Ozark County resident is charged in Howell County with second-degree burglary, possession of a firearm by a dangerous felon, unlawful use of a weapon by exhibiting and armed criminal action, all felonies, after allegedly threatening to kill a group of people at a home on County Road 6350 and firing a rifle. more

Three men, one from West Plains and two from Thayer, have been charged with felony first-degree child endangerment after allegedly being involved in separate incidents during which children were put at substantial risk of harm. more

The West Plains Police Department is asking for help in locating a suspect that allegedly stole a vehicle and was the subject of a pursuit that began at Snappy Mart 11, at the intersection of north U.S. 63 and Highway 14, the north West Plains city limits. more

Several contests are held each year at the annual Black Gold Walnut Festival, set to take place Friday and Saturday on the historic court square in Alton. more

A $50,000 warrant has been issued for a West Plains woman on 2022 charges of second-degree drug trafficking and three counts of possession of a controlled substance, all felonies, relating to the alleged discovery of over a quarter-pound of methamphetamine, plus other controlled substances. more

A Thayer man has been charged after allegedly entering multiple vehicles, searching through gloveboxes and consoles, and stealing items including purses, a wallet, backpacks, personal information and debit cards. more