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McWilliams Pumpkin Patch is open for the season and hosted two Gainesville first grade classes for a field trip Thursday morning. The students learned about agriculture and livestock on a train ride around the farm and observed animals familiar and fancy, including ponies, goats, pigs, emus, llamas, alpacas and peacocks. The pumpkin patch also offers a ground-level jumping pillow, giant slide, hay bale maze and the human-size “hamster wheel” race shown here. Inside the wheel are students in Ally Roe and Rachel Hogan’s classes. McWilliams has pumpkins, gourds and mums for sale, and hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Located at 4007 County Road 6920 off U.S. 160 southwest of West Plains, the business is open through the last weekend in October.

Pumpkin patch playtime

     

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Saturday, October 10, 2026

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Four-hour standoff leads to felony charge

A Willow Springs man faces a felony charge of resisting arrest following a four-and-a-half-hour standoff that drew multiple law enforcement agencies and a SWAT team to his home.

FYI

Oz Faire, hosted by Always a Future for Kids, runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday at the Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association (HOBA) Park, 1138 Bluegrass Lane off Lanton Road.
Parker French, right, stands with his wife, Brandy, as they collect their first-place prizes in the West Plains Daily Quill’s recent “Copy Cats, Doggy Doubles” people’s choice photo contest. Parker French and his dog, Oliver, wore matching plaid hoodies to secure the win with their entry, “Dogs Against the Machine,” submitted by Brandy French. The first-place prize included four tickets to the St. Louis Renaissance Festival, a Mug Root Beer float gift set donated by Pepsi MidAmerica, a $25 gift card from All Pet, two large pizzas from Little Caesars, dog toys, $25 in Chamber Bucks and a six-month Quill subscription. Second place was awarded to Matt Morris, Rolla, whose wife, Brandi Richardson submitted a photo of him and his dog, Hank, titled “Double Trouble! (I have a type!).” Their prize package included tickets to the St. Louis Renaissance Festival, a $10 gift card from All Pet, a large pizza from Little Caesars, dog toys, $25 in Chamber Bucks and a three-month Quill subscription.

‘Doggy Doubles’ champions

    Parker French, right, stands with his wife, Brandy, as they collect their first-place prizes in the West Plains Daily Quill’s recent “Copy Cats, Doggy Doubles” …

Local agencies aid in federal meth bust

Officers with the Licking Police Department and the Texas County Sheriff’s Office assisted federal authorities in a Dent County drug investigation that resulted in federal methamphetamine charges against three men.
News
The Elks Lodge 2418 John P. Cody III Memorial Hoop Shoot will be held Oct. 31 at First Baptist Church, 202 Walnut St. in West Plains. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. and the free throw competition begins at 3 p.m. Entry is free to participants, who will be divided into three age groups — 8 and 9, 10 and 11, and 12 and 13 — in boys and girls categories. T-shirts will be given to participants and awards to winners. The participant who makes the most of 25 free throws will advance to a regional contest to be held in January in Ozark. Winners have the opportunity to advance to nationals held in Chicago. The Hoop Shoot was first held in 1946 in Oregon to build character, teach life skills and offer youth experience in travel and earn prizes and scholarships, said local contest organizer Liz Ford. It is named in memory of John Cody, who led the initiative for 15 years until his death in 2007, when Ford took over. From left: Elks Lodge 2418 Past Exalted Rulers (PER) Craig Jordan and Ford; members Ali Andrews, Tracy McCallister and Paris Jordan; PER Richie Shertz; member Jody Tullos; and Exalted Ruler Bobby Pankey.  

Elks’ Hoop Shot set for Oct. 31

   
Staff from Colton’s Steak House & Grill, including owner Haley Mitchell, holding the check at right, present a $775 check to Pedal the Cause committee members following a recent restaurant fundraiser. The funds will support Saturday’s annual community walk and bike ride at West Plains High School. Local efforts have raised more than $120,000 over six years to fund cancer research, said organizers. To register for Saturday's event, visit bikesignup.com and search for "West Plains Rides for Pedal the Cause."

Colton’s donates $775 ahead of Saturday’s Pedal the Cause event

     
A Hughes Towing operator loads a Howell County Sheriff’s Office school resource officer vehicle onto a flatbed after a two-vehicle collision Monday morning at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Abe Taylor Street in West Plains. The crash occurred around 8:42 a.m. when the patrol car collided with another vehicle and was pushed into the perimeter fence on the northwest corner the historic Lincoln School property. Responding crews from the West Plains Fire Department and South Howell County Ambulance reported no injuries. The West Plains Police Department is investigating the crash.

SRO vehicle damaged in crash near Lincoln School

             

Proposed data center sparks Oregon Co. debate

    As artificial intelligence data centers expand across North America, the potential for development in rural Southern Missouri is generating community concern over the facilities' heavy electricity and water demands.    
Jacob B. Garrett center, was sworn in Tuesday as a practicing attorney by 37th Circuit Associate Judge R. David Ray. The occasion marks the third generation of the Garrett family to practice law in Howell County. Joining the ceremony via Webex, a remote live feed, were Garrett’s grandparents, retired 37th Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge R. Jack Garrett and his wife, Kay. R. Jack Garrett also previously served as Howell County prosecuting attorney. His son, local attorney Jacob Y. Garrett, has practiced in West Plains for more than 30 years. The younger Garrett earned his undergraduate degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and his law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Gathered for the ceremony are, front row from left, McKenzie Garrett holding daughter Bowen, newly sworn attorney Jacob B. Garrett and Judge Ray. Back row: sister Haden Garrett, mother Erika Garrett and father Jacob Y. Garrett, and appearing on screen, grandparents R. Jack and Kay Garrett.

Three generations at the bar

     
Sports
Parks and Rec youth basketball signups close Monday
West Plains Parks and Recreation youth volleyball games are scheduled for today, with youth basketball registration closing Monday and adult softball continuing next week.
The West Plains boys soccer team shut out the Rolla Bulldogs 3-0 on Monday in Rolla.
West Plains' Addi Simpson goes for a return during her doubles match alongside teammate June Sanderson as the Lady Zizzers take on Hillcrest on Sept. 24 at the West Plains High School tennis courts. West Plains defeated the Lady Hornets 5-4.
The West Plains Lady Zizzers tennis team secured its fourth win of the season with a tight 5-4 victory over the Hillcrest Lady Hornets on Sept. 24.
Lady Zizzers freshman infielder Morgan Russell comes around to cross the plate Sept. 30, as West Plains took on Hartville and scored a 10-9 walk-off win at Zizzer Ballpark.
      The West Plains Lady Zizzers softball team shook off a difficult stretch to secure a 10-9 walk-off victory over Hartville on Sept. 30 at Zizzer Ballpark.  
West Plains Zizzer Softball hosted its annual Strike Out Cancer game Sept. 29, at Zizzer Ballpark to raise awareness and honor those whose lives have been impacted by the disease. Through T-shirt sales and donations, the softball team was able to donate $600 to Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center, according to West Plains R-7 Activities Director Dr. Ashley Cooley. She expressed thanks to Posey Patch for donating roses presented during the game. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who purchased a shirt, made a donation, attended the game or helped make the evening possible," Cooley said. "The strength, courage and memory of those affected by cancer are never taken for granted." Front row, from left: Lady Zizzers softball team members Morgan Russell, Roxie Bryant, Gracie Young, Molly Orr, Bella Bridges, Remini Williams and Cadence Tackitt. Back row: assistant coach Kris Kirby, Head Coach Don Long, Kennedy Evans, Adilee Joyner, Bailey Wake, Aubrey Ellison, Brooklyn White, Sloane McNett, Oliva Cudworth, Mick Price, Taylor House and assistant coach Madalyn Ivy. 
     

Zizzers stifle Carl Junction in Friday win

West Plains quarterback Cale Combs finds himself in a tight spot against the Carl Junction defense Friday at Zizzer Stadium. The West Plains defense delivered a dominant performance to secure a 7-0 victory, improving the team's record to 5-1. The Zizzers held the Bulldogs to just 38 rushing yards, 150 yards of total offense and zero fourth-down conversions. The game's lone score came in the second quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by Gavin Marshall, followed by an extra-point kick from Caleb Cobb. "This game was won with a lot of heart and determination," West Plains Head Coach Brock Kenaga said. "It was just a good, old-fashioned, hard-nosed game. Both offenses struggled to move the ball, so it just came down to who was going to have the fewest mistakes and who wanted it more."
               

Deadline approaching for West Plains youth basketball sign-ups

      West Plains Parks and Recreation has youth volleyball games scheduled today and youth basketball registration remains open through its TeamSideline page. Free …

Zizzers sink Mules at West Plains Duals

West Plains freshman Matthew Stewart takes a breath on his way to winning the 400 freestyle on Sept. 24, at the West Plains Civic Center. Stewart finished in 6:04.92 to help the Zizzers defeat Poplar Bluff 69-46. West Plains won seven of the meet's 12 events.
The West Plains boys swimming and diving team captured first place in seven of 12 events to defeat the Poplar Bluff Mules 69-46 at the West Plains Duals on Sept. 24.

ZIZZER SPORTS BRIEFS

      Lady Zizzers volleyball tops Logan-Rogersville in four sets The West Plains Lady Zizzers defeated the Logan-Rogersville Lady Wildcats 3-1 (25-12, 26-24, …

Zizzers to host Military Appreciation Night

The West Plains Zizzers will host Military Appreciation Night during their home football game on Friday.
People & Events

Cathy Roberts receives patriotic recognition

The Josiah Howell Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution recently recognized Cathy Roberts of West Plains with the Lydia Darragh Medal.
Quilts made using patterns of long ago were on display during Pioneer Days Sept. 26 in Mtn. View. Though often elevated to an art these days, the craft of quiltmaking demonstrates the resourcefulness of homemakers of long ago, who usually gathered scraps of worn clothing or old bed sheets that were repurposed into bed coverings. The quilt show was sponsored by Connolly Insurance.

From harvest to heritage: Fall festivals bring communities together

                                  …

Schools, nonprofits can apply for state park transportation grants

    The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Bus Grant Program, which helps fund student field trips to …

COMMUNITY CALENDAR:

 Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by 9 a.m. Wednesdays 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.

CFO, Coover Foundation open grant round for rural schools

    The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and the Coover Charitable Foundation have opened applications for a grant program designed to support rural schools and their hometowns. …
Records
Arkansas news
Missouri news
Features
Haden, Kaylee and Kinley Brown stand behind their Falling Spring Farm booth — featuring kombucha on tap, fine ferments, iced coffee and specialty drinks served in reusable "Boo Buckets" — at the "Go Farm" Farmers Market.

Falling Spring Farm introduces 'Boo Buckets'

Mark your calendars: Our Fall Festival is Oct. 24 and will once again feature our vendors-only Chili Cook-off and Pumpkin Carving Contest.

Ozarks Healthcare plans vaccination clinics in area communities

Ozarks Healthcare Pharmacy staff will host vaccination clinics at several Ozarks Healthcare locations in October.

Protect your family this flu season

Fall is here, and it’s time to protect yourself and your family from influenza, commonly known as the flu. Flu can cause more than just a few days of feeling miserable — it can lead to serious complications, hospitalization and even death.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Making the switch to healthier fats

      Choosing healthy fats is an important part of healthy eating. And that’s actually super, for a lot of reasons. Fats can add flavor and great texture to foods, boosting our enjoyment.  

OZH, CBCO plan Oct. 23 blood drive

  Ozarks Healthcare and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will host a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Willard Hunter Classroom at Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.  
Special Sections
2024 Letters to Santa cover
A host of Zizzers stop a Hillcrest run during the West Plains High School homecoming game Friday at Zizzer Stadium. The West Plains defense held the Hornets scoreless in the second half as the Zizzers secured a 34-12 victory.

Zizzers take charge of second half for homecoming win

The West Plains Zizzers pulled away in the second half to secure a 34-12 homecoming victory over the Hillcrest Hornets on Friday.
Aubrey Tidwell, back left, was crowned the 2026 West Plains Homecoming Queen on Friday during halftime of the Zizzers' football game against Hillcrest at Zizzer Stadium. Joining her are her escort, Mason Matejek, center, and 2025 Homecoming Queen Olivia Rodriguez, right. In front are flower girl Natalie Schultz and crown bearer Dallas Smith. The Zizzers won the game 34-12.

Zizzer Homecoming Highlights

                                  …
The Mtn. View Chamber of Commerce will host the 36th annual Pioneer Days beginning with a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Saturday in downtown Mtn. View. The festival features live music, heritage demonstrations, contests, vendors, food and family activities.

Pioneer Days set for Saturday in Mtn. View

The Mtn. View Chamber of Commerce will host the 36th annual Pioneer Days on Saturday in downtown Mtn. View, featuring live music, heritage demonstrations, contests, vendors, food and family activities.

West Plains R-7 Homecoming Spirit Week

    Monday: No school across the district.   West Plains High School • Tuesday: "Hotel California" (Comfy Clothes Day). • Wednesday: "Back in Black" …

Zizzer Homecoming Parade theme announced

The 2026 West Plains High School Homecoming Parade will be held Friday. This year’s parade theme is “Rock and Roll,” as the Zizzers prepare to play the Hillcrest Hornets.

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