Business | West Plains Daily Quill

Willow Springs sets up eclipse-viewing locations

While officials have no way of knowing what kind of crowds will be present for the April 8 total solar eclipse in Willow Springs, the local chamber of commerce has made arrangements for some “safe-viewing” areas where eclipse-watchers can bring chairs, have picnics, tailgate andset up cameras to enjoy the event, announces Director Kim McCormick. more

4/3/24

Established Oregon County author Donna Brown, writing under the pseudonym Cygnet Brown, right, has penned a book about the recently designated Wild and Scenic Riverway, a section of the Eleven Point River that runs through Oregon County and the only such designated riverway in Missouri. The book is called "Oregon County, Wild and Scenic," and Brown will be holding book signings this weekend at several events centered around the total solar eclipse in Oregon County. With Brown is Thayer Chamber of Commerce President Scott Cecil.

Oregon Co. author to hold books signings during eclipse activities

Area author Donna Brown, writing under the pen name Cygnet Brown, has written a new book focused on the newly created Wild and Scenic Riverway in Oregon County, called "Oregon County, Wild and Scenic." more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/3/24

Austin Roofing Solutions, based in Ava, is now serving Howell County, announces owner Andy Austin. Austin notes he was born “here in the heart of the Ozarks and grew up to know the area very well.” He spent over a decade traveling throughout the Midwest and Southwest as a senior technical representative for one of the largest roofing manufacturers in the country, he shared, adding that being in that role gave him a unique opportunity to see a side of the roofing industry that not many roofing professionals get to experience. Among his duties in that role, he was responsible for quality control inspections, training construction professionals, problem-solving on guaranteed roof systems. Austin has a Registered Roof Observers Certification through the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, and said he has been involved on numerous projects associated with high level government and military projects, hospitals, schools, big box warehouses, cold storage, Arrowhead Stadium and Tesla manufacturing facilities. There is not much on a roof system that he hasn’t been exposed to, he said, noting, “I would love to put my experience to work on your next project.” Austin Roofing Solutions specializes in flat and low-slope roofing. Learn more at austinroofing417.com, email austinroofing417@gmail.com or call 417-686-1292.

Austin Roofing Solutions is now serving Howell County

4/2/24

February jobs report published by state

Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,800 jobs in February, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from January’s 3.3%, report officials with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Economic Research and Information Center, which provided all of the data presented here in its Monthly Jobs Report. more

3/27/24

Local businesses donate to support cystic fibrosis research

3/26/24

Eighteen West Plains High School Future Teachers of America (FTA) students recently learned about the world of teaching, hearing from the superintendent of schools, Dr. Wesley Davis, standing, and teachers who once roamed the halls as students. From exploring education programs at Missouri State University-West Plains to uncovering diverse career paths, students learned many valuable insights, shared school district Communications Director Lana Snodgras. FTA seeks to pave the way for aspiring teachers, offering hands-on experiences and a supportive community, she added.

FTA students get up-close look at teaching

3/20/24

The West Plains Farmers and Artisans Market is now open for business, offering locally-sourced meats, grab-and-go meals, honey, vanilla extracts, breads, seasoning mixes, teas, kombucha and kraut, and candies and snacks. The store also stocks health and beauty items like soaps, bath salts, tinctures and salves, plus handcrafted items like candles, pottery, T-shirts and yarn. Products will be provided by about 30 vendors by April 1, owner Amber Stanley said, including Angry Sheepdog Studio, BackPost Crochet, Crystal Infusions, Dirt Road Diva Leather, Ellen Martin Pottery, Emerald Honey, Falling Spring Farm, Foodie's Fare, Heritage Coffee Roasters, Garden Worx, Get To the Point, Grateful Acres Farmstead, Just Bloom Boutique, Legler Stained Glass, Lit Candle Company, Morrison Family Farms, Naked Chicks Pasture, Our Daily Bread Baking Company, Ozark Donuts, Persimmon Ridge, Poulette Farms, Pure Beth, Ron's Microgreens and More, Rustic Waters Homestead, Sarah's Kitchen, Secret Springs Farm, Split Maple Homestead, Sullana Farm, The Fragrance Apothecary, and Wilmac Sweets. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 222 W. Main St. in West Main Plaza. Stanley said she plans to host outdoor vendor events in the near future. Call 417-257-8679 or find the business on Facebook at “West Plains Farmers &amp; Artisans Market.”

WP Farmers and Artisans Market now open

3/20/24

OzSBI releases annual Economic Impact Report

“2023 was a great year for the Ozarks Small Business Incubator — our team spent nearly 600 hours working one-on-one with 143 unique business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs,” OzSBI officials announced. “We helped start 15 new businesses in our service area ranging from consulting to coffee shops to dog boarding.” more

3/19/24

Simmons Bank of West Plains donated $250 to Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains, contributing to the group’s annual fundraising event which included Saturday’s concert with headliner Sara Evans. This year’s fundraiser raised a record-breaking $92,000, more than $13,000 over the previous record, according to organizers. From left: Simmons Bank Community President John Plummer, Cystic Fibrosis volunteers Lois Frazier and Jessica Joice-Frazier, Community Banker Tramond Day, Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Nevaeh Johnson, Financial Center Manager Elizabeth Sanders, Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Bella Johnson, supporter Jessica Collins, and volunteers Kaigan Barker and Katlyn Johnson.

Simmons Bank contributes to record-breaking fundraising efforts

3/19/24

Free workshop focuses on avoiding pitfalls in estate planning

Local attorney Hannon Ford, of Ford Estate Planning and Elder Law, will offer a free workshop, “Probate, Taxes and Nursing Homes, Oh My!” at 10 a.m. Saturday in the community room of the University of Missouri Extension Office of Howell County, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd., East Towne Village, West Plains. more

3/13/24

Attorney General Bailey warns of scams during tax season

In an effort to protect consumers during tax season, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey warned Missourians to be aware of scammers and to take steps to protect themselves from anyone attempting to get their personal information. more

3/12/24

“Joleen and I are excited to raise a pint with everyone that makes the trip to Bucyrus on March 23,” said said Piney River Brewer co-owner and head brewer Brian Durham, joined here by his wife and the brewery's co-owner, Joleen Durham. The pair will host the brewery's 13th annual Aleiversary event that day at the Piney River "BARn" off Junction ZZ in Bucyrus, Texas County.

Piney River Brewing to celebrate 13th anniversary March 23

Piney River Brewing Company is celebrating its 13 years of brewing craft beer in the Ozarks from noon to 7 p.m. March 23 at the brewery off Junction ZZ in Bucyrus. more

3/6/24

Each year Randy Reese, left, owner of Ozark Trading Post in Mtn. View, donates a guitar signed by the featured performer to Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains' annual fundraising efforts, to be given away at the group's annual concert. This year it is headlined by Missouri native, chart-topper and Grand Ole Opry member Sara Evans. "Each year Randy is so very generous and donates a guitar for our artist to sign for our auction. Some lucky person will purchase a wonderful piece of memorabilia, said Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Rick Frazier. “It is not that often that someone from our area gets the opportunity to own something like this, and we appreciate Randy Reese for making this possible.” Doors will open for the fundraiser at 5 p.m. March 16 at the West Plains Civic Center. Chances for the guitar will be sold beginning at 6 p.m. Advance ticket prices are $30 for adults and $40 at the door, and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased with a credit card by phone by calling the civic center at 417-256-8123 or online at Ticketmaster.com/Sara Evans. Accepting the guitar on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis is volunteer Randy Frazier.

Signed guitar to be given away at annual fundraiser concert

3/6/24

OzSBI accepting entries for annual Pitch Fest contest

Ozarks-area nnovators and entrepreneurs will have a unique opportunity to pitch their business or product idea to a panel of judges for a chance to win a cash prize: The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has announced it will host its annual PitchFest beginning April 18 at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. more

3/5/24

MSU-WP to offer basic print reading, CAD class beginning March 18

The office of workforce development and community education at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will offer a basic print reading and CAD class beginning March 18. more

3/5/24

James Taylor, center, has been selected for the 2023 Part-Time Employee of the Year at Missouri State University-West Plains. Taylor, part-time custodian, was recognized as “a very motivated, hardworking individual” who takes pride in his work and is dedicated to maintaining the buildings he’s assigned to. The award, given at the Jan. 26 Employee Recognition Luncheon, recognizes part-time employees who strive to do their jobs well daily, those who go above and beyond the call of duty in a special situation, and those who have contributed in a significant way to the success of the university. Presenting the award to Taylor above are MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster, left, and MSU System President Clif Smart.

Taylor honored as part-time employee of the year

2/28/24

Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program

On behalf of the Health Resources Services Administration’s Delta Regional Authority (DRA), officials with the National Rural Health Resource Center have announced Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston has been chosen to participate in the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program. more

2/27/24

Fidelity’s 6th annual ‘Dream Bigger’ contest aims to support S.T.E.M. education

Fidelity Communications invites schools and organizations serving K-12 students to enter its fifth annual “Dream Bigger” social media campaign for the opportunity to win $2,500 to fund their science, technology, engineering or math (S.T.E.M.) project or club. more

2/27/24

Poe Hill Customs and Truck Repair is open at 3805 S. Highway 17 in Mtn. View, offering repair work on semitrucks and other vehicles, plus heavy equipment and machinery. Call 417-277-5660, 417-362-9746, or email poehillcustomsllp@gmail.com to learn more. From left at a recent ribbon cutting ceremony held with the Mtn. View Chamber of Commerce are chamber board members Melody Cooper, Ricky Baker and Director Tabitha Caplinger, and Poe Hill Customs and Truck Repair owner William Haynes and employees Mike Haynes, Tracy Haynes and Kymberly Haynes.

Mtn. View Chamber of Commerce welcomes Poe Hill Truck Repair

2/27/24

Don's Goodyear has donated $500 to Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains, ahead of the Sara Evans fundraising concert to be held 7 p.m. March 16 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Proceeds will go toward research into a cure for cystic fibrosis. Ticket prices for adults are $30 in advance or $40 at the door, and $5 for children age 12 and younger whether purchased in advance or at the door. They may be charged by phone by calling the civic center at 417-256-8123, at Ticketmaster.com/Sara Evans, or by scanning a QR code on promotional posters that will take users to the Ticketmaster website. Posters also have a list of businesses, banks, and individuals where tickets may be purchased. From left: Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains volunteer Lois Frazier, John Kenslow of Don's Goodyear, and Cystic Fibrosis volunteers Kaigan Barker and Jessica Joice-Frazier.

Businesses donate toward cystic fibrosis research

2/27/24