With tax season comes stress for many people, but knowledge and preparation can simplify the process. more

The Ozark Small Business Incubator is celebrating a milestone year in 2024, with record-breaking numbers on its annual Economic Impact Report. Over the past year, OzSBI dedicated 870 hours to working with 243 unique business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing support leading to the successful launch of 18 new businesses. more

The West Plains Public Library has expanded to keep up with the times and remain true to traditional library services while offering community members of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn, enhance job skills and prepare for professional certification from online sources at home or on public computers at the library. more

West Plains business owner Beverly Fisher Jennat is calling on the public for assistance as she attempts to win a prize of $25,000 in the Forbes Magazine Entrepreneur of Impact competition. more

Sponsors and vendors are sought by Pine Meadows Venue in Willow Springs for its July 4 Red White & Blue Concert for a Cause to benefit Whetstone Boys Ranch in Mtn. View. more

West Plains Bank and Trust Company opened its doors to customers in April 1883, making it the oldest continually-operated business in the area. This year will mark 142 years of community banking, during which West Plains Bank and Trust Company has developed relationships among multiple generations of area families, bank officials point out. more

Yanking up stakes and heading downtown, Wages Brewing Company is set to have a new home on Washington Avenue in West Plains, and owner Phil Wages recently threw the "Move Wages Downtown Music and Beer Fest" at the Avenue Theatre to celebrate and raise funds for the relocation.  more

Downtown West Plains is experiencing a transformation, and the momentum continues to build. New businesses are opening, longtime staples are expanding and historic buildings are getting much-needed facelifts. more

Three locally-owned businesses in West Plains, Butler Heating & Air, Quality Floors and Gary’s Tire & Automotive, are among those boldly stepping toward growth and innovation. more

The nonprofit group Habitat for Humanity has been operating since 1976, providing a path to home ownership for more than 59 million low-income and underserved individuals and families in all 50 states and 70 countries. more

Long-anticipated work on the railroad overpass project on Independence Drive and U.S. 160 in West Plains is said to be smoothly moving along. It has been 17 years since the project was first conceptualized.
"Currently, the project is progressing as expected," saiid City of West Plains Planning Director Emily Gibson. "The project is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2025." By that time, Gibson said, work should be focused on finishing details, such as restoring vegetation disturbed by the building process.
Asked how the community will benefit from the new overpass, Gibson said it will allow for safe and continuous travel across both Howell Creek and the railroad. more

Many people dream of building a house someday, but once that decision is made, there are lots of things to consider: How big will it be? How much do you want to spend? Where are you going to build?  more

The Missouri Department of Revenue is now accepting electronically filed state tax returns for tax year 2024. As Missourians prepare to file their tax returns, department officials remind taxpayers of some best practices and available resources that officials say can help ensure a smooth tax season. more

Cookie Entrepreneurs of the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland council have opened their cookie booths, meaning consumers can now purchase cookies from a Girl Scout at a cookie booth near them, scouting officials announced. more

Bakersfield School has been named one of 50 state winners in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, and received a Samsung technology package valued at $12,000, including a Samsung Galaxy Book and a Galaxy Z Flip to use for the production of a three-minute pitch video. The video must demonstrate how S.T.E.M. is being applied to address the community issue outlined in the student team's activity plans. more

SeniorAge offers a free Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program at the West Plains Senior Center, 415 E. Main. The program offers tax filing help, by appointment, to people who are age 60 or older. more

Area high school juniors and seniors participating in welding training programs are invited to register for Missouri State University-West Plains’ annual welding competition. more