Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston will receive a $332,000 Delta Regional Authority grant, hospital board members learned at their most recent monthly meeting on Oct. 31.  more

On a serene Missouri morning, the gentle hum of anticipation fills the air as Missouri State University-West Plains opens its doors to an initiative that is a beacon of hope and a testament to human potential: the ASCEND Program. The atmosphere is charged with an air of possibility, as families from various walks of life converge upon the university, each sharing a common thread – a loved one on the autism spectrum, ready to embark on a journey through academia and beyond. more

In the spirited world of high school sports, few stories are as compelling as that of the West Plains High School Zizzers and Lady Zizzers Cross Country teams. Under the guidance of Coach Alicia Gunter, these teams have demonstrated a remarkable blend of tenacity, skill, and team spirit, particularly at the Class 4 Championship State Cross Country Meet held on Saturday, November 4th. more

Many years ago, I read best-selling author John Maxwell’s fascinating book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Maxwell told a dramatic story about businessman Roberto Goizueta, the former CEO of Coca-Cola. In 1997, only a few months before his death, Goizueta delivered a brilliant speech to the Executives’ Club of Chicago in which he shared the passion which motivated him to get up each day. He said, “…A billion minutes ago, Christianity emerged. A billion seconds ago the Beetles performed on the Ed Sullivan show. A billion Coca-Colas ago was… yesterday morning. And the question we are asking ourselves now is, ‘What must we do to make a bil-lion Coca-Colas ago this morning?’” more

We read in Psalm 107:1, “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” Throughout the year we give thanks to God for abundant blessings, Now that November is here, we think about Thanksgiving Day and the Pilgrims’ celebration in 1621. The Mayflower sailed across the Atlantic with 102 passengers and 30 crew members. Because of disease and exposure during the bitter cold of the winter, about half of them died. With the help of Squanto and the native Wampanoag tribe, the Pilgrims had a harvest that autumn. They celebrated with their new friends and gave thanks for the abundance God provided. May we pause every day to give thanks! May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn.View. more

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3 more

In the vast expanse of religious teachings and interpretations, the fundamental message of Jesus Christ remains a subject of profound contemplation and discussion. Central to Christian faith, the words and actions of Jesus as depicted in the New Testament offer insights into his teachings. At the heart of this exploration lies a question that challenges the conscience of believers: Does following Jesus Christ mean adhering to a strict set of rules, or is it a deeper call to embody the essence of his teachings? more

In the halls of motorcycle history, few names evoke as much reverence and nostalgia as Moto Guzzi. Founded in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, Italy, by Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi, Moto Guzzi has carved out a unique space in the pantheon of motorcycle manufacturing. Over the decades, the brand has become synonymous with innovation, distinct design, and an unwavering commitment to quality. more

Gov. Mike Parson visited West Plains on Tuesday to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the building that will permanently house an existing autism student support program at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

The echoes of history are poised to reverberate through the newly renovated walls of the Lincoln School, a project undertaken with both vision and reverence by Crockett and Tonya Oaks III. The couple, who took stewardship of the property in July 2023 from the City of West Plains, have embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the old structure into a beacon of educational and cultural exchange. more

“Record-keeping is important to make management decisions for optimum cattle operation productivity and profitability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension Livestock Field Specialist. more

Area residents interested in taking classes at Missouri State University-West Plains during the 2024 spring semester can now browse through a list of courses online. more

West Plains’ name ties to its founding in the 1850s — it came to be called that because the settlement was west of nearby Thomasville — but the town today is known for other names, too. Legacies that began locally include famed musicians Jan Howard and Porter Wagoner, baseball legends Bill Virdon and Preacher Roe, and actor Dick Van Dyke. more

Editor’s note: This is the conclusion of a two-part column. Part one was published in the Nov. 1 issue of the Quill. more

Walmart customers in West Plains were welcomed inside the newly transformed Supercenter at 1310 Preacher Roe Blvd. Friday morning as the much-anticipated renovation project is now complete. more

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Farmers Market on Dec. 2 at 10 am via the Howell County Rural Fire Department and will greet the young and old alike until 12:30. He will have a treat for all the kiddos from our vendors. Pass the word!! more