Alumni and friends of Missouri State University-West Plains are invited to join university officials for a welcome reception introducing the university’s 12th president, Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams, from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19. more

An update on activities at Missouri State University-West Plains will be the topic of the Friends of the Garnett Library meeting on Sept. 13. more

Emma Ray Porter and Ethan Porter are parents of a son, Winston Ray Porter, born at 6:04 p.m. July 16, 2024, in Rogers, Ark. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 22 inches long. more

Through Sept. 2, including the Labor Day holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, is working alongside local law enforcement for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign, which began Aug. 16. more

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains have announced their vice chancellor and chancellor’s list honorees for the 2024 summer session. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for the 50th annual Bear City Fall Festival, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5. This year’s event marks a significant milestone, celebrating half a century of tradition that has brought the community together every fall. more

Hey, West Plains! It’s that time of year again when the air starts to get a little crisper, the leaves begin to change, and the whole town comes together for one of the most anticipated events of the season—the 3rd annual Downtown Fall Block Party on Court Square! If you haven’t marked your calendar yet, you’re going to want to circle the date because this year’s block party is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before. more

All are invited to join the Democratic Party of Fulton County, Ark., for a homemade Beans and Cornbread Supper at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Salem, Ark. more

The John J. Pershing Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Clinic is inviting veterans, their families and caregivers to an informational town hall meeting at 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts will host an exhibition, “Ozarks Buildings: Cultural Heritage and Containers of Spirit” by local artist Barbara Williams, from Sept. 14 through Oct. 19 in the gallery on the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The public may view the exhibit between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. more

West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host workshop conducted by local artist Tara Shahan to show crafters how to create a Tree of Life crushed glass and resin art piece. more

West Plains R-7 School District’s new teachers geared up up for success during New Teacher Orientation last week, mastering Human Resources processes, technology tools, communication best practices, Google Classroom, Infinite Campus training, security protocols and even enjoying a Q&A with Superintendent Dr. Wes Davis, shared district Communications Director Lana Snodgras. They were treated to a “fantastic” luncheon hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains, she added, and MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster gave a presentation. “We're thrilled to have these talented individuals join our school community,” said Snodgras. The first day of school is Monday. The district calendar is available at zizzers.org. To find it, hover over the For Parents link at the top of the page and click 2024-2025 District Calendar. more

Arts Alliance member events and activities: more

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) recently awarded institutionally-funded scholarships to students for the 2024-2025 academic year. more

A workshop will be held for those interested in suicide prevention from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31 in the Dogwood 2 Room at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains are once again accepting applications for the Student Services Host Family Program. more

The Missouri College and Career Attainment Network (MOCAN) wants West Plains and Howell County area students and their parents to know that it is not too late to complete the FAFSA and that money is still available for college.  more

Willow Springs Senior Center, 501 Senior Lane, will be having an afternoon of music starting at 3 p.m. on Aug. 21. Several local musicians will perform every hour, concluding with a 7 p.m. performance by the Baker Family bluegrass band. more