The West Plains Daily Quill is inviting readers to delve into their treasure trove of memories and share the tales of their very first deer hunts. In a heartwarming initiative aimed at celebrating the rich hunting traditions of the region, the Quill is calling on hunters, both seasoned and novice, to contribute their personal stories of triumph, disappointment, or humor from their inaugural deer hunting experiences. more

As autumn transitions to winter, lawn care practices shift from growth promotion to protection and preservation. Winterizing a lawn is crucial for safeguarding the grass against harsh winter conditions and ensuring a healthy, robust return in spring. This process involves several key steps, each tailored to the specific needs of different grass types and regional climates. more

In the picturesque Ozarks, winter ushers in a stark transformation, with frost-laden landscapes and biting cold. Yet, amidst this seasonal harshness, a remarkable story of resilience and adaptation unfolds, starring the region's avian inhabitants. The birds of the Ozarks, from the vibrant Northern Cardinal to the industrious Downy Woodpecker, demonstrate a fascinating array of strategies to survive the winter months. more

Preparing a garden for winter is a crucial task for any gardener, as it ensures the health and productivity of the garden for the following season. This process involves several steps, each tailored to protect plants, enrich the soil, and set the stage for a successful spring. more

The Ford Falcon, an iconic automobile that left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, is a tale of innovation, adaptation, and cultural significance. Its story is intertwined with the shifting landscapes of consumer demand, technological progress, and a nation's love affair with the road. more

In the rolling hills of Howell County, a story of resilience, heritage, and community effort unfolds around the Sadie Brown Cemetery. This sacred space, rich in history and sentiment, has become the center of an extensive preservation project, merging archaeological expertise with community engagement and historical research. The cemetery, named after Saint Leger “Sadie” Brown, a once-enslaved individual turned Methodist minister, represents not just a final resting place for many, but a symbol of African American endurance and legacy in a region steeped in a complex history. more

The name Jack Dempsey has become synonymous with the golden age of boxing, a time when the sport was etched deeply into the cultural consciousness of America and heroes were made in the squared circle. Dempsey's rise from humble beginnings to heavyweight stardom is a tale of grit, determination, and explosive power. Yet, among the storied chapters of his career, one day stands out: December 16, 1918, when Dempsey knocked out Carl Morris in 14 seconds in a heavyweight bout in New Orleans, a record that would echo through the annals of boxing history. more

In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Lady Zizzers have proven their mettle in a series of games against Ozark, concluding with an impressive 2-1 record. The Varsity team clinched a nail-biting victory with a final score of 40-36, thanks to a standout performance by top scorer Allyssa Joyner, who poured in 17 points, followed by Olivia Lawson's solid 10-point contribution. The victory bolsters their season record to 3-2. more

The community of West Plains is set to witness the return of former MSU-WP Grizzlies Head Basketball Coach Tom Barr, as he takes the helm of the upcoming Holiday Shooting and Defensive Basketball Camps. Scheduled for December 27, 28, and 29, the camps are designed to provide focused training and skill development for young basketball enthusiasts. more

Each year thousands of people who are not typical ballet fans watch the Nutcracker, the most popular ballet in the US. It was first performed in 1892. Maria Tallchief’s performance in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in 1954 helped turn the Nutcracker into the annual Christmas blockbuster it is today. According to Wikipedia, major ballet companies in the US generate about 40% of their annual ticket revenue from performances of this famous ballet alone. more

Christmas is a time of joy. Yes, it can be festive and fun, but it also can be difficult for those who are grieving, those whose lives are broken, those who carry heavy burdens. In Luke 2:10 we read that the angel told the shepherds that Jesus’ birth was “good news of great joy for all the people.” more

The third Sunday of Advent, known in many Christian traditions as "Gaudete Sunday," holds a special place in the liturgical calendar. This day is marked by a shift in the tone of Advent, from a more somber, reflective mood to one of joy and anticipation. The name "Gaudete" itself comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," reflecting this change in spirit. more

The Richards School Board is set to hold its monthly session at 6 p.m. today in the school boardroom. more

On Dec. 6, the Missouri Pork Association, National Pork Board and the University of Missouri held the third annual FFA Swine Facility Management Contest in Columbia. more

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., in the north exhibit hall. more

As one of the most insidious diseases in the world, cancer has few treatments that work to eradicate it completely. Now, a new groundbreaking approach pioneered by two researchers working at the University of Missouri’s Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building shows promising results in preventing lung cancer caused by a carcinogen in cigarettes — a discovery that immunologists Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu rank among the most significant of their careers.
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How did my favorite cartoon, Peanuts and Charlie Brown, kill my favorite Christmas tree? Charlie and the gang debuted in 1950 in comic form, and the aluminum “modern space age tree” was invented in 1958. What could these two very different events have to do with each other? Charlie has been loved by everyone over the years. But people always have seemed to have a definite opinion on the unique aluminum trees that were produced from 1958 to 1970. You probably either hate them or you love them like I do. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has released preliminary data indicating a successful late antlerless portion of the firearms deer season, with hunters across the state harvesting 18,904 deer from December 2 to December 10. This year's harvest shows a significant increase from the previous year's total of 16,241 deer, highlighting the vitality and management of Missouri's deer population. more

In the heartland of America, Missouri workers are facing a harsh reality: the current minimum wage of $12 per hour is insufficient to meet the rising costs of living. This struggle is not just a matter of numbers but is deeply felt in the lives of numerous Missourians trying to balance the demands of daily life with stagnant wages. more

Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains recently celebrated a significant milestone at its recent annual Longevity Banquet, honoring 132 dedicated employees for their combined total of 1,270 years of service to the healthcare organization. more