Log in
Featured Stories
Alton’s 2024 Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas, Carstyn Casey, left, and Oaklee Poe.

Alton’s Christmas Parade lights up the night

ALTON — On Saturday evening, the streets of Alton glowed with Christmas lights and holiday cheer as the community gathered for its annual Christmas parade. This year’s theme, “Fishing You a Merry Christmas,” brought a unique and playful flair to the tradition.


Woman hurt in crash near Peace Valley dies of injuries

The Missouri State Highway patrol has reported a 71-year-old West Plains resident who was injured in a two-vehicle crash has succumbed to her injuries.

MSU-WP will close Dec. 20 for winter break, Quill announces holiday schedules

Offices at Missouri State University-West Plains will be closed between the 2024 fall and 2025 spring semesters for winter break.

How to setup Digital Access if you’re a print subscriber

Get the most out of your print subscription and sign up for digital access.

News
Mr. & Miss Merry Christmas Elijah Hanson, right, and Holli Pendergrass.

West Plains’ Little Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas crowned

Holiday spirit and youthful charm were on full display Sunday afternoon at the West Plains Civic Center during the annual Little Mister and Miss Merry Christmas Pageant.
FILE - Taylor Swift performs during

10 notable books of 2024, from Sarah J. Maas to Melania Trump

Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, Americans still found time to read. Sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around …
Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks in his Capitol office in Jefferson City, Mo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

Republican-led states are rolling out plans that could aid Trump's mass deportation effort

Governors and lawmakers in Republican-led states are rolling out plans that could aid President-elect Donald Trump's effort to deport millions of people living in the U.S. illegally. A growing number …

Missouri companies sue to stop a law that raises minimum wage and requires paid sick leave

Missouri business groups have filed a lawsuit to try to stop a voter-approved law that will raise the state’s minimum wage and require employers to give workers paid sick leave. The powerful …

Police in Missouri shoot a suspect who opened fire on officers after a crash

Police in Missouri shot and wounded a suspect who authorities say opened fire after crashing his vehicle. Inside the vehicle, investigators found the body of a female who they say was dead before the …

Member of Little Rock Nine christens nuclear submarine named for Arkansas

The nuclear submarine USS Arkansas has been christened, almost a decade since the U.S. Navy announced that a Virginia-class submarine would bear the state’s name. Carlotta Walls LaNier, one the …

Sports
Liberty Eagles prepare for year two under Harrill
The Liberty Eagles boys basketball team is set to embark on its second season under Head Coach Justin Harrill. After an impressive 19-9 campaign last year that saw the Eagles advance to the district championship, the program now faces the challenge of replacing key contributors while building on the foundation established in Harrill’s first season.
The highlights of Wednesday's AP Sports report. An up-to-the minute listing of all stories planned, including games and events, is available in Coverage Plan on AP Newsroom, …
The West Plains Zizzers girls basketball program is turning the page to a new chapter this season: After a storied career, longtime Head Coach Scott Womack has retired, leaving a legacy of success and a foundation of excellence. In his final season, the Zizzers compiled an impressive 24-9 record, ultimately falling to Branson in the district semifinal round.
The Alton High School Lady Comets basketball team is set to take the court with fresh excitement and determination as they head into the new season. With a mix of returning talent and promising new players, the Lady Comets are ready to build on last season's successes and make their mark on the competition. There's a palpable energy surrounding the team, and fans are eagerly anticipating the thrilling moments that lie ahead.
After a 16-win season that showcased their potential, the Willow Springs Lady Bears are heading into the new basketball year with confidence, chemistry and a desire to rewrite their program’s record books. With nearly the entire starting lineup returning, this team is hungry to build on last season’s successes.

Bears aim high with experienced roster

Junior Kolby James is starting the season off strong by scoring his 1,000th career point Friday night. Standing behind James are teammates from left, Caden Lee, Garit Spence, Alex Moritz and Owen Duddridge.
The Willow Springs Bears basketball program enters the new season with a buzz of excitement and high expectations. After a 13-win campaign with a young team, head coach Dustin Forrest is confident this year’s more seasoned squad has the tools to make an even bigger impact. With nearly the entire lineup returning and only one starter lost to graduation, the Bears are poised for a strong run in the highly competitive South Central Association (SCA).

Lady Zizzers to hold Pink Out 5K on Jan. 18

The Lady Zizzer Basketball team is set to host a Pink Out 5K and 1-mile walk/run at 8 a.m. Jan. 18 at Ozarks Healthcare, 1100 Kentucky Ave. in West Plains.
People & Events

Summersville Bookends

It’s not often that Santa’s “better half” has time to come to the library this close to Christmas, but Mrs. Claus will be paying our branch a special visit from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday!

OZARKS RFD: The woods in December

I have come again into the woods on a December evening.

Chris’ Corner Four days of Christmas cheer

This past weekend, it felt like Christmas took me by the hand and led me on a whirlwind tour of everything that makes this season special.

Community Calendar: Dec. 11update

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.
Arkansas news
Missouri news
Features

Down Home with Sue: Getting festive with gingerbread cookies

Did you know that the day I write this, the 8th of December, is National Gingerbread House Day? There seems to be a day for everything and I don't keep up, but let's be festive and celebrate this one.

Simple Staples: Homemade mayo

Welcome back to the second installment of my little culinary experiment: a column where I challenge myself (and you) to stop buying and start making things we use every day. Not only are these homemade versions almost always better-tasting, but they’re also more affordable. Let’s face it: Why pay more for less flavor?
Chase Donnell, 14, Frozen Dreams freeze-dried candy business owner.

“Go Farm” Farmers Market

Thank you Santa and Mrs. Claus for bringing such joy and happiness to a lot of children and their families last Saturday. Blessings to you both!!

Jasper gives over $9K to local organizations

Jasper Endows Today & Tomorrow (JETT) recently presented 17 grants totaling $53,375.50 to local and national nonprofit organizations, including two in Howell county.
Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative (HOEC) has donated to the Wreaths Across America program. Presenting the check are veterans employed at HOEC. From left, Kyle Willard, John Ogles and Scott Ward presented the donation to Ozark Spring chapter members of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution of West Plains. Veterans employed at HOEC also include Stace Kerley and Mike Buehler. National Wreaths Across America Day is an event held in more than 3,000 communities each December. It is a day where volunteers of all ages, demographics and backgrounds gather to place live balsam veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of veterans, joining together to say each of their names out loud and keeping their memories alive. Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember the Fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom is yearlong and carried out by individuals finding a way to serve in their communities. This year’s event will be held Dec. 14 at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Mtn. View.

Ozark Spring DAR to host second Wreaths Across America event in Mtn. View

At 11 a.m. Dec. 14, members of the Ozark Spring Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will partner with the Wreaths Across America organization to lay wreaths at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1019 E. Third St. in Mtn. View.

COMMENTARY | The story of Veterans Day: honoring those who served

As fall deepens in November, with the leaves mostly gone and the air turning crisp, America pauses for a day to honor those who have served in the military. Veterans Day, celebrated on Nov. 11 each year, is a chance to express gratitude and reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of millions of veterans who answered the call to serve. But how did this day come to be? The history of Veterans Day is a story rooted in hope, peace, and remembrance.

WPHS to host annual Veterans Day celebration

West Plains High School invites veterans and their families to a special Veterans Day celebration on Monday, honoring the service and sacrifices of local heroes.

Veterans Day parade begins at 11 a.m. Monday

The West Plains Veterans Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. Veterans Day at People’s Park at the intersection of Porter Wagoner Boulevard and Broadway.
X
X