Ever wonder why I named my weekly newspaper column “RFD”? more

It is really hot, isn’t it? And I’m not even in Missouri. I’m at the “Happiest Place on Earth” aka Walt Disney World. Actually, the temperatures back home in the Ozarks are hotter than here in Orlando. Humidity is about the same though. more

I've got a story to share with you today, one that's equal parts frustrating and enlightening. It's about an ordinary day turned into an unexpected lesson on why kindness matters so much in our little corner of the world. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen! Cool off this summer with a refreshing homemade Italian Ice! It's easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for those hot days when you crave something light and sweet. more

Summers in the Ozarks are never the same but one constant is agreed, it gets hot!  When the temperature reaches 90 and above mixed in with some humidity at any percent, it's just uncomfortable.  I beat the heat by fixing lighter meals on those days, with more salads and no heavy main course. In the past, I've shared my family's favorite salad, Mexican Salad which I make a lot over the summer, if there are any leftovers, it's good cold the next day too.  Another favorite is the classic potato salad, it's so good I make it year round and is even better made with fresh-dug potatoes from the garden.  There are so many pasta salads that you could never get bored eating this side dish. But, just when I thought I had heard of them all comes a garden favorite made into a summer salad. We enjoy BLT's  (with our homegrown tomatoes) for a light meal with a salad but now you can have both in one dish. This BLT Pasta Salad has all the flavors of the popular sandwich and with the filling factor of pasta. You will want to make this dish for your next barbeque or family gathering, so keep this on the fridge for when you have a day that's too hot to cook. Enjoy and keep cool.  more

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, hold on to your hats because what unfolded at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds this Tuesday night was nothing short of spectacular! The Missouri Sports Commission Awards, sponsored by Elliott Lodging, turned the spotlight on a dazzling array of athletes from southwest Missouri high schools. But let me zero in on a story about two remarkable athletes from West Plains High School, whose feats have not just brought them accolades but also instilled pride in the heart of every Zizzer fan. more

The West Plains R-VII School District is proud to announce that Coach Ryan Smith has been named the 2024 Coach of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates Coach Smith's remarkable dedication and transformative impact on the boys' and girls' swim and dive teams. more

The West Plains High School Zizzers track team is gearing up for an exhilarating performance at the State Tournament after a stellar season filled with outstanding achievements. A total of 21 athletes have qualified, showcasing their incredible talents across a variety of events. The dedication and hard work of these young athletes have earned them the opportunity to compete at the highest level. more

As the school year comes to a close, the West Plains High School (WPHS) Zizzers are gearing up for an exciting summer of baseball. This year brings two major announcements: the upcoming tryouts for the Zizzers baseball team and a significant upgrade to the WPHS baseball field. Both of these developments promise to enhance the experience for our student-athletes and the community alike. more

In an extraordinary display of talent and determination, West Plains Middle School (WPMS) Zizzers track team member Violet Hafer achieved a stunning series of personal records, culminating in her winning the Ozark Conference Championship and setting a new school record—all in a single day. more

As the dust settles on the diamond at West Plains High School, the Zizzers baseball team has a moment of reflection after a tough loss. Their final regular season game, a 2-5 defeat against Glendale, marked an emotional end to their home game streak. Despite the disappointment, the Zizzers have much to be proud of with a stellar record of 23-4 this season. more

The West Plains High School Zizzers golf team celebrated a notable achievement this past Monday, securing 5th place in the Class 4 District 3 golf tournament. The team's impressive performance was highlighted by the standout efforts of Sam Gohn and AJ Stevenson, who were both named to the All-District team, recognizing their excellent play throughout the tournament. more

The West Plains High School Zizzers baseball team is making waves, and under the astute guidance of Coach James Sharp, they've crafted a season to remember. The team's recent back-to-back victories have propelled their record to an impressive 19-3, signaling not just skill but a relentless pursuit of excellence. more

The West Plains High School Zizzers are thrilled to announce a memorable evening celebrating the accomplishments and future aspirations of their senior baseball players. Scheduled for April 26, 2024, this Senior Night promises to be an exhilarating event as the Zizzers take on their rivals, the Ava Bears, in a highly anticipated home game. more

The tennis courts at West Plains were buzzing with competitive spirit and athleticism as the West Plains Invitational Tennis Tournament unfolded, showcasing the prowess of eight formidable high school teams. The local favorites, the West Plains Zizzers, delivered an impressive performance, securing a hard-fought second place, narrowly missing the top spot in a nail-biting conclusion to the tournament. more

In an exciting development for local sports, West Plains High School senior Paige Sheridan, a standout member of the Zizzer Swim Team, has officially signed on to join the swim and dive team at Rockhurst University. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Sheridan’s athletic career, which has been distinguished by her hard work and dedication to the sport of swimming. more

The West Plains High School Zizzers baseball team has crafted a narrative of unmatched excellence and thrilling competition under the guidance of Coach James Sharp. This season, their record-breaking streak continued unabated, culminating in an awe-inspiring 17-0 record after another masterful doubleheader sweep. The Zizzers’ journey through these games encapsulates not just the spirit of high school sports, but the sheer tenacity and skill of a team determined to redefine dominance. more

In an awe-inspiring show of skill and strategy, the West Plains High School Zizzers baseball team clinched a resounding victory against Central, with a final score of 11-0, in a game played last Thursday. The triumph was not just a matter of scoring but an exhibition of meticulous planning, excellent coaching, and exceptional teamwork. more

Young baseball and softball enthusiasts are in for a treat as The Clubhouse, West Plains' premier indoor training facility, announces an exclusive training to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 14, This special event is designed to cater to young athletes aged 6 to 18, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to hone their skills and foster their passion for the game. more

The West Plains High School Zizzers baseball team is forging a path of victory that resonates well beyond the boundaries of their school's athletic fields. Under the leadership of Coach James Sharp, the team has not just been playing baseball; they've been making a statement, game after game. The Zizzers’ recent triumph over Bolivar with a decisive 12-4 win is a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unyielding spirit, propelling their season record to an impressive 9-0. This victory not only underscores their dominance but also cements their status as a formidable force in high school baseball. more