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Community Calendar: June 21 update
Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by 9 a.m. Wednesdays to news@westplainsdailyquill.net with “CALENDAR” in the subject line. Three sentence maximum must include event description, date, time, location, cost and source for more information. Weekly events will be printed for no more than a month at a time unless renewed by the host. Call the Quill, 417-256-9191 with questions. Unless otherwise noted, events are in West Plains. more
‘Prince of Egypt’ opens Friday
Curtains will lift on opening night Friday for the Avenue Theatre’s production of Dreamworks’ “The Prince of Egypt,” a stage adaptation of the 1998 film of the same name. … more
The Josiah Howell chapter of Sons of the American Revolution recently celebrated its first anniversary. An event was hosted April 12 by the Ladies Auxiliary of the SAR, made up of members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. “The SAR is very thankful for the ladies' support and the entire community for making our first year so successful,” said Historian Jerry Roberts. The organization also inducted Brett Howell as a new member. He is a descendent of Josiah Howell, the namesake of Howell County, and his family was there to celebrate the occasion and support him in his endeavors. Chapter President Pirch led the induction ceremony and John Hass administered the oath of induction. Cindy Pirch spoke on the relationship of the Ladies Auxiliary to the SAR and congratulated the chapter on its first anniversary. Every member who was inducted in the first year is considered a charter member, Roberts added. Members of the auxiliary, from left: Cathy Roberts, Cindy Pirch, Karen Ryburn, Mary Mutrux and Sharon Wheeler.
Local SAR marks first anniversary
Lincoln School Project to host Juneteenth event
Lincoln School Project officials announced two events this month which endeavor to bring the community together to celebrate history, art: and literature. A Juneteenth celebration, A Tribute to … more
The West Plains Lions Club, through a grant from Lions International, recently purchased and distributed a little over $4,500 worth of 27-gallon heavy-duty storage containers, boxes of heavy-duty extra large trash bags and heavy-duty tarps to more than 50 area families in response to damage from tornadoes and severe weather in March and April. Supplies were also given to the Bakersfield and Caulfield Volunteer Fire Departments and the Howell County Rural Fire District. From left: Dalton Peoples with the Caulfield VFD; Zack Fowler with the Bakersfield VFD; Tera Watts with dad, Bakersfield Fire Chief Greg Watts, and mom, Zaylor Watts; and Caulfield Fire Chief Shannon Sisney.
WP Lions distribute supplies for storm relief
McKee celebrated as R-7 Educator of the Year
The West Plains School District recently announced Jessica McKee as the 2025 Educator of the Year.  A lifelong Zizzer, McKee leads the district’s nursing program, bringing real-world … more
Mega Motorsports of West Plains was a $500 donor to the 40th annual Cystic Fibrosis Buddy Bass Tournament, held April 12 at Lake Norfork Marina at Henderson, Ark., and organized by Cystic Fibrosis West Plains. From left: Tim Lockett, Derrick Burtchett, Olivia Eggert, Kim Burtchett, Shelbi Eggert and Travis Olmstead.
Mega Motorsports supports CFWP
During a tour of downtown West Plains by students in Fairview teacher Erin Kimbrough’s summer school class, the youngsters heard some spooky history from West Plains mayor and local theater participant Mike Topliff, on the stage at right. When the group made a stop at the Avenue Theatre, Topliff talked about the ghostly cries of a baby that have been reported from the balcony, harkening back to the days when there was a “crying room” located near the projection booth for parents to calm their infants while not disturbing other patrons. Topliff expounded on what he’d heard through local lore about the downtown area, and his own experiences at the Catron Opera House at the corner of Court Square and West Main Street. The opera house was used as a morgue after the West Plains Dance Hall Explosion of Friday April 13, 1928, when 39 people were killed. Topliff talked about a “lady in white,” dressed in 1920s fashion, who is rumored to be searching for her dance partner. He told students he’d never seen the lady himself, but after he’d participated in an event there dressed as Santa Claus it seemed he’d been followed home by the mischievous spirit of a young girl that liked to rearrange household objects.
Fairview youth treated to spooky tales from WP mayor
The Lincoln School Reflection Plaza dedication ceremony was held May 17, attended by dozens of community members, government officials, and community members who have contributed to the school’s restoration and promotion of Black history in West Plains. Presentations were made thanking those who devoted time, talent, effort and financial support, and concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony coordinated by the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce to officially introduce the park to the public. Two bronze sculptures of Black children, one with a theme of patriotism and resilience and the other with love and courage have been installed on the grounds of the restored historical Black schoolhouse, surrounded by landscaping and seating. The restoration of the school has been led by Crockett and Tonya Oaks III, holding the ribbon-cutting scissors, as the Lincoln School Project. The couple have also coordinated other efforts to honor the memories and history of Black community members and their contributions to West Plains during an era of inequality and segregation. In the words of Tonya Oaks, whose likeness as a child is the model for the statue of a girl making the “heart” symbol with her hands, “Change doesn’t begin with policies or laws, it begins with people.”
Chamber celebrates Reflection Plaza
Larry Noble Rhoads and Diana Lynn Rhoads of West Plains will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. June 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Historic Post Office, 204 E. Main St., West Plains. Friends and family are invited to stop by and extend their well wishes to the couple. Larry and Diana were married on June 27, 1975, and have spent their entire lives in West Plains, where they built a home filled with faith, love and laughter. The Rhoads are longtime, devoted members of Pomona Assembly of God, where they have faithfully served for many years. They are the proud parents of one son Brian Rhoads, and his wife Ashley, and they delight in their three grandchildren: Parker, Brady and Ellie. Both recently retired and are now enjoying this new chapter of life with their family — as well as spending time in Florida during the fall months. “Please join in celebrating this wonderful milestone with Larry and Diana as they mark 50 years of marriage, faith and family,” family members invite.
Larry, Diana Rhoads to celebrate 50th anniversary
West Plains High School student Aubrey Tidwell, right, who has just finished her sophomore year, recently attended the 90th Missouri State Sophomore Pilgrimage in Jefferson City. Tidwell was selected for the honor based on her demonstration of courage, citizenship, scholarship, leadership and service, said officials. During her visit, she toured government buildings, observed state government in action, heard from top state officials, and visited with 154th District Rep. Lisa Durnell of Willow Springs, with her here.
Tidwell participates in annual sophomore pilgrimage
Take a stroll through a story in Alton
Starting Wednesday, families are invited to enjoy a special Book Walk around Court Square in Alton, sponsored by the Alton Culture Club. The summerlong event features the beloved children’s … more
Locals named to Columbia College spring semester dean’s list
Columbia College recently announced its dean’s list for the spring semester period of January through April 2025. Five area students earned placement on the list. Students recognized: from … more
Celebrate the sounds of summer Thursday with MSU-WP band 
Celebrate the sounds of summer during performance by the Missouri State University-West Plains University/Community Band.  The band will perform at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on Court Square in … more
The West Plains HIgh School Zizzer Choir recently traveled to Nashville, Tenn., for the annual Heritage Festival. The students’ performances over the weekend of April 12 and 13 netted the choir four awards. The Zizzers earned the highest score overall of all participating schools, the adjudicator award, both the Ladies and Chamber Concert Choirs earned the first place gold award, and the Men’s Concert Choir earned silver.
Zizzer Choir hits all the right notes in Nashville
WPHS recognizes foreign exchange students
In addition to valedictorian, salutatorian, and best citizens, West Plains High School recognized four foreign exchange students during the graduation ceremony held May 9. West Plains R-7 School … more
MSU-WP: Sign up now for Summer Scholars Academy
Missouri State University-West Plains will offer its annual Summer Scholars Academy in June, but this year two exciting opportunities will be offered for students to experience hands-on, … more
Free class focuses on planning for long-term care
Local attorney Hannon Ford, of Ford Estate Planning and Elder Law, will offer a free workshop, “Probate, Taxes and Nursing Homes, Oh My!” at 10 a.m. Saturday in the community room of the … more
Zizzer Pride Band brings home awards from State
The West Plains High School Zizzer Pride Band competed in the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Band Music held May 1 through 3 on the University of Missouri campus in … more
This panel, displayed during a recent panel discussion to introduce people to members of the local transgender community, is one of four large quilt squares submitted by Missourians to be included in the “Freedom to Be” installation displayed on the National Mall on May 17 in Washington, D.C., by the American Civil Liberties Union. Taking inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the installation was conceptualized as a declaration that trans people deserve the freedom to be loved, safe, and in control of their own health care decisions, according to the ACLU. The local square was submitted by Just Another Human.
Panel seeks to foster understanding of transgender community in WP
A group of seven transgender community members recently welcomed the community to a panel discussion, “Meet Your Transgender Neighbors.” The two-hour event was open to the general … more
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