Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by noon Fridays 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.
Through Oct. 27: West Plains High School is holding a fundraiser to support those affected by Hurricane Helene. Many have lost everything and the high school aims to step up to help with food and essentials. Students may bring donations to the front office and community members can contact organizer Charlotte Cochran, 417-274-6229. Two local volunteers will deliver the collected items.
Through Nov. 5 (noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays) The Howell County Democratic Party Election Headquarters is open at 41 Court Square.
Through Nov. 17: Tickets are on sale to enter a Fall Freezer & Meat giveaway drawing held by the West Plains Lions Club, and may be purchased from club members or at Mason’s Midwest Meats. They are $5 each or $20 for five. Prizes: $250-value 5 cubic foot chest freezer, and $282.89-value meat package including ham, ground beef, pork sausage, chicken breast, Boston butt, Lost Trail soda and popcorn.
Through Dec. 31 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays) Paintings by Lee Copen will be on display on the first floor of OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave.
Through December 31 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays) Photography and artwork by Kelli Albin will be on display at the West Plains Public Library.
Oct. 23 (all day) Arby’s, 1342 Southern Hills Center, will donate a portion of proceeds to Habitat for Humanity - Howell County. Mention the organization when placing an order.
Oct. 23 (3-6 p.m.) The Howell County WIC Program will host Trike or Treat at Carmichal Field on First Street with a costume parade, door prizes and food.
Oct. 24 (1-5 p.m.) OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., will host a workshop, Small Business, Big Impact: Marketing Strategies for Success, led by Business Development Specialist Autumn Shirley. Cost is $45 for OzSBI members, $65 for the general public. Register online at www.ozsbi.com/events.
Oct. 24 (5:30-7 p.m.) OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., will host a business mixer featuring the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. The event is free to attend and drinks and light appetizers will be offered. RSVP by Oct. 21 online at www.ozsbi.com/events.
Oct. 24 (6-7 p.m.) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona will host Owl-O-Ween for all ages. Myths and superstitions abound concerning Halloween and its traditional seasonal icon, the owl. Come meet barred, great horned and screech owls from Dickerson Park. Registration required. Sign up online by going to mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com, selecting “Shannon” in the drop-down menu labeled “County,” and clicking search to scroll and find the event listed. For more information call 573-325-1381.
Oct. 25 (noon to 6 p.m.) and 26 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Ozarks’ Coin Club will host its 60th annual Coin and Stamp Show at Relics Event Center, 2015 W. Battlefield Road in Springfield. There is no admission and parking is free. Coin dealers from eight states and several stamp dealers will buy and sell coins and stamps. Hourly door prizes will be given for adults and children. There will be treasures and activities for children ages 5-18.
Oct. 26 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) Mt. Zion Church inAkers will host an open house and musical jam in partnership with ONSR, Ozark Riverways Foundation, Friends of Mt. Zion, Dent County Historical Society, Shannon County Museum and Ozark Heritage Project. Bring a lawn chair and picnic lunch, and learn the culture and historical stories of the Current River people. Crafts will be available for children and adults. The church is a quarter mile from intersection of K and KK highways in Akers, Shannon County, north on K Highway. Call 573-226-3945 for more information.
Oct. 26 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) The Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St., will host Josiah Howell-O-Ween Day, a festival honoring the founding family of Howell County with vendors, music, costume and pumpkin-decorating contests, carnival style games and other family-fun activities around the Yellow House and on parts of Langston and Trish Knight streets. Vendor registrations are now being taken with forms available for pickup from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. weekdays at the Yellow House or 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd, or email terry.hampton@westplains.gov to request a digital copy. Admission is free, but as the event is a fundraiser for the Yellow House, some activities will have a cost, and donations are welcome. Sponsorships available. Text Terry Hampton, 417-372-2055 for more information.
Oct. 26 (1-4 p.m.) Hammond Mill Camp, 15 miles west of West Plains on CC Highway, will host a Zizzer gathering for all classes and graduation years to enjoy recent improvements at an “unknown jewel” of the Ozarks. No charge for admission. Cold water will be provided and all are welcome to bring snacks or food and a lawn chair. An opportunity to contribute in honor of deceased classmates will be available at the event, or send a donation by check in the mail along with the classmate’s name to Hammond Mill Camp, Inc., C/O Classmates, 139 Hammond Mill Drive, Pottersville, Mo, 65790, or go online to PayPal.me/HMCamp65790. A later event will be planned to recognize those so honored.
Oct. 26 (3-6 p.m.) Brooke Haven Healthcare, 1410 N. Kentucky Ave., will hold a Fall Festival with live music, face painting, train rides, food trucks, games, a bounce house, Halloween costume contest and chili cook-off with prizes. All are welcome.
Oct. 26 (5-7 p.m.) The Howell County Rural Fire Department, 1949 E. K Highway, will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for its Memorial Garden upkeep. Dinner will include garlic bread, a cookie and a drink. The cost is $5 for children 10 and younger and $8 for older attendees.
Oct. 26 (6 p.m.) A short Halloween hike through the hills near Alley Spring, Spider Night Hike, is recommended for children. It is a 1/4-mile hike on the Alley Overlook Trail above the mill.
Oct. 27; Nov. 3 & 10 (9 a.m.) West Plains Elks Lodge 2418, 3336 N. U.S. 63, hosts bingo weekly on Sundays. Games are open to non-members.
Oct. 27 (4-6 p.m.) A Family Fall Festival will be held at First United Methodist Church, 503 W. Main St., with free games, hot dogs, inflatables and candy.
Oct. 29-31: The MU Extension will teach a three-day Cattle Artificial Insemination School in conjunction with the Joplin Regional Stockayards at FCS Financial, 108 N. Prosperity Ave. in Joplin. Cost of the class is $525. Class size is limited to 12 students with first-paid, first-served enrollment. Call the Howell County Extension at 417-256-2391 or visit extension.missouri.edu/events/cattle-artificial-insemination-school-october-2024 to register.
Oct. 30 (1-2 p.m.) The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a virtual discussion, Owls of Missouri. Registration required. Sign up online by going to mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com, selecting “Shannon” in the drop-down menu labeled “County,” and clicking search to scroll and find the event listed.
Oct. 30 (2-4 p.m.) A meet-the-artist event for Lee Copen will be held in the lobby of OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. The public is invited to attend, meet Copen and view her paintings on display.
Oct. 31: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host Trunk or Treat. Details to be announced.
Nov. 1-2: First Baptist Church of Bolivar will hold a free women’s event with dynamic national speaker Rachel Lovingood teaching on “who we are as God’s daughters and how he sees us.” The first night will include a special message for women ages 14-30. Free dinner will be provided the first night, and Saturday will include an opportunity to get a $5 Chick-fil-A lunch. Childcare will be offered free both days. Registration is required for both sessions and may be completed at fbcbolivar.org/events.
Nov. 1 (10 a.m.) The Spring River Gem and Mineral Club will hold its monthly meeting at Thunderbird Center, 62 N. Lakeshore Drive, Cherokee Village, Ark. The theme, Touring the World: Finding Rocks, will be presented by travelers Warren and Laberta Stout. Visitors are invited. Members are invited to participate in a silent auction for mineral and fossil specimens. There will be a Christmas party in lieu of December’s meeting. Call or text 870-847-3109 for more information.
Nov. 2 (6-8 p.m.) The annual meeting of the Willow Springs Rural Fire Protection Association Board will be held at the Willow Springs Fire Department, preceding the annual fish fry/chili supper fundraiser. Board elections will happen at 6 p.m. during the business portion. Only paid members may vote in the election, though all are welcome to attend. The cost for the supper is $10 person older than 10, with younger children eating for free; options are fish fry with hush puppies and fries, or chili made by firefighters. Dessert will be offered.
Nov. 5 (6 a.m.-7 p.m.) Election Day: Get out and vote! Visit howellcounty.net/polling-locations to find out where to cast your ballot or call the Howell County Clerk’s Office at 417-256-2591.
Nov. 5: The Howell County Amateur Radio Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 180 Kentucky Ave. in the basement of the Howell County Health Department. Anyone interested in amateur or emergency radio communications is welcome. For more information call 417-372-8799 or visit @w0hca on Facebook.
Nov. 7-8 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and 9 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) St. Paul Lutheran Church, 291 N. Kentucky Ave., will host its annual Christmas Craft & Décor Show. Hot dogs and sloppy Joe meals will be offered, and free apple cider will be served. Baked goods will be for sale. Giveaway drawings will be held for a handmade quilt and decorated Christmas tree. Shoppers may register for a free door prize. Learn more on Facebook @StPaulLutheranCurch.
Nov. 7 (11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., will host a Business Women First Luncheon sponsored by Community First Banking Company. “SOULutions for Stress,” presented by leadership development coach and trainer Kim Worlow, will focus on identifying and replacing limiting beliefs about stress, learning new ways to interpret stress and how to influence stress and get it working for you instead of against you. Cost is $20.
Nov. 7 (noon) The November luncheon hosted by the West Plains Chamber of Commerce in the Magnolia Room of the civic center, 110 St. Louis St., will feature a presentation from guest speaker Winter Kynne, president and CFO of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Register by Oct. 29 by emailing info@wpchamber.com.
Nov. 9 (8 a.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Prepared Childbirth classes recommended for parents in the second semester of pregnancy. Covered are breathing techniques, relaxation methods, support strategies and insights into labor, delivery and C-sections. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Nov. 9 (10 a.m.) Registration begins for the West Plains Elks Lodge No. 2418 annual John P. Cody III Memorial Hoop Shoot at the Winter Sports Complex, 540 E. Olden St. The event begins at 10:30. Kids in age groups 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 will shoot 25 free throws and the winner from each division will advance to the next Hoop Shoot in January in Springfield. Any child who will be between 8 and 13 on April 1, 2025, is welcome, as long as they have not already participated at their school or won at the school level, including kids who are home schooled or attend a private school. For more information call Liz, 417-257-3573.
Nov. 9 (10 a.m.) A hike to Stegall Mountain will be hosted by the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks for veterans. It will begin with a brief flag ceremony at Rocky Falls, then embark on the Ozark Trail for a 5-mile out-and-back hike up Stegall Mountain.
Nov. 9 (5 p.m.) A benefit auction and dinner will be held to help Sharry Lovan, diagnosed with breast cancer in April, with medical bills. Live music will be performed by New Grass Attack and Bluegrass Hymnals. The auction will be conducted by Billy Sexton Auction Service. The dinner will be held at First General Baptist Church, 2507 Railroad Drive, Willow Springs. For more information, call Monica, 417-252-7675, or Heather, 417-372-3811, or follow “Sharry Lovan Benefit 2024” on Facebook.
Nov. 12 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Nov. 13, Dec. 11; Jan. 8 and Feb. 13 (9-11 a.m.) The Howell County Health Department, 180 Kentucky Ave., will host a free diabetic education class in a small group setting. The class is a series of four monthly sessions, with a $25 Casey’s gas card presented at the last of the four classes. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required and may be done by calling 417-256-7078.
Nov. 13 (6 p.m.) The public is invited to the November meeting of the Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks at the Library Center Auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. in Springfield. MSU history professor Dr. Brooks Blevins will present A Tale of Two Majors: Retaliation in St. Louis. Meetings are free to attend.
Nov. 18-25: Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection will be underway at area churches. Year-round volunteer opportunities are available. Visit samaritanspurse.org/occ or call 816-622-8316 to learn more.
Nov. 18 (noon to 1 p.m.) The West Plains Council on the Arts’ quarterly Lunch with Art in the West Plains Public Library’s Community Room, 750 W. Broadway, will feature a presentation from music educator Rocky Long and his students from MSU-WP. The cost of the luncheon is $10 for council members and $15 for the general public. Reservations may be made through the “November 2024 Lunch with Art” Facebook page, by texting Paula at 417-293-2325 or emailing info@westplainsarts.org. Attendance is limited.
Nov. 19 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Nov. 21 (1-5 p.m.) OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., will host a workshop, Grant Writing 101: How to Write a Winning Proposal, led by CEO Heather Fisher. Cost is $95 for OzSBI members, $1255 for the general public. Register online at www.ozsbi.com/events.
Dec. 6: Deadline for auditions for the Masked Singer Competition hosted Feb. by the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area. Selected candidates will perform in elaborate disguises. Each round, one singer will be eliminated and unmasked. Performances are pre-recorded and voting will take place between 6-8 p.m. Feb. 8. There is a $20 fee to audition. Call 417-204-2582 or email director@bgcwp.com.
Dec. 7: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host Pancakes with Santa and a slew of other Downtown Holli-Day events, concluding with a lighted Christmas parade. Details to be announced.
Dec. 7 (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) and 8 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) The annual West Plains Optimist Club Holiday Season Arts & Crafts Show and Sale will be held at the civic center. Admission is $3 per day for ages 15 and older. Children 14 and younger are admitted free with an adult. Prospective exhibitors may request a reservation by Nov. 1 by emailing wpoptimistartsandcraftsshow@gmail.com, calling Amy Ross at 417-255-6091 or Marc Hubbell at 417-293-3404, or sending a letter to West Plains Optimist Club, P.O. Box 873, West Plains, MO 65775.
Dec. 7 (56p.m.) The Couch High School FFA will host a fundraiser dinner, “Grand Gatsby Murder Mystery,” which will include the FFA Greenhand Ceremony. Doors open at 5 p.m.; the event will be held in the school gym. Tickets are $10 for students 6-18, $20 for adults or $50 for families of four or more. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. RSVP by Nov. 2. Call 417-938-4212 or email rlawrence@couchk12.com for details.
Dec. 8 (3 p.m.) The Little Mister and Miss Merry Christmas Pageant will be held at the West Plains Civic Center. Three age divisions: 2-4, 5-7 and 8-12. Entry forms are available at the West Plains Daily Quill and must be turned in by Nov. 15, either by returning to the Quill or emailing to wp.mrs.claus@gmail.com. No fee to enter. Audience admission to the pageant is $5. Door prizes will be available.
Dec. 10 (8-11 a.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will offer low-cost lab screenings including those for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, thyroid function, calcium levels, diabetes, prostate cancer and vitamin D levels. The cost per screening ranges from between $15 to $35, cash or check only. Visit the Alton, Gainesville, Mtn. Grove, Mtn. View, Thayer or Winona clinics, or the West Plains walk-in clinic at 181 Kentucky Ave., or OZH Lab Services at 1100 Kentucky Ave.
Dec. 10 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Heart Saver Infant CPR classes recommended for new parents in the third semester of pregnancy up to a year after birth. Covered are basic resuscitation skills for use on an infant. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Dec. 12 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session New Parent Skills classes recommended for parents in the third semester of pregnancy. Covered are self-care, baby care, infant bathing, safety, immunizations and circumcision. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Dec. 14 (8:30-11 a.m.) Cookies with the Claus, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club, will take place at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Children 3 and younger are admitted free of charge; entry for ages 4 and older is $3 cash only. Professional family photos will be available for $25 and individual photos for $10; payments must be made in cash. Activities will include cookie decorating, a Whoville scavenger hunt, games, and meeting Santa. For more information call or text 417-204-2582 or email director@bgcwp.com.
Dec. 17 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offer single-session Preparing for Breastfeeding classes recommended for expectant mothers. Classes are held in the Women’s Center Education Room, 1100 Kentucky Ave. No charge for those planning to deliver at OZH; for those planning to deliver elsewhere, there is a one-time $75 charge to attend one or all new parent classes offered.
Jan. 23 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) Project Homeless Connect will be held at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Service providers are needed to volunteer their services. This can include helping clients complete applications and intake forms, signing up for programs, handing out free items and providing direct services such as medical, dental, vision and mental health care; care relating to substance abuse; housing assistance; benefits support; legal assistance; help with photo identification, food and clothing; wheelchair repair; and haircuts. To request a registration form, email Sharon Cobb, scobb@oiawp.org. Those who cannot offer services may donate items including menstrual hygiene products, Ziploc bags, shaving razors, washcloths, pillows, socks, T-shirts, hand warmers, blankets, hats, winter gloves, can openers, tents, toothbrushes and paste, and laundry pods.
Feb. 8 (6 p.m.) The Boys & Girls Club of Greater West Plains presents Valentines Masquerade with a Masked Singer at Rubydoo’s Vintage Events Center, 9240 County Road 9190. Can you guess who’s behind the mask? The event features dinner, a silent auction, giveaway drawings and a costume contest. Tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door; a table for eight may be reserved for $750. Sponsorships are available. Singers interested in participating must pay a $20 audition fee; sign up by Dec. 6 by calling the club or emailing director@bgcwp.com. Online reservations will be available soon. For more information call 417-204-2582.
