Dave Thomas, chartered life underwriter, Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow and insurance agent representing the Shelter Insurance Companies, has been recognized as one of the top agents in the company and has earned an invitation to attend the annual Shelter Insurance Conference of Champions meeting. more

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains, will present two workshops in January: Smart Start: Developing a Successful Business, and Tax Strategy for Business. more

Vehicular transportation is a necessity for living in the rural Ozarks. However, car trouble — which can be quite expensive — comes with any vehicle. Fortunately, individuals like Tracy Green are willing to help.  more

A lucky Missouri Lottery player in Howell County rang in the New Year as a million-dollar winner. more

Small nonfarm businesses in 15 Missouri counties and neighboring counties in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. more

Leonardo DRS, 640 Independence Drive in West Plains, will hold open interview assessments from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. The company is seeking to hire aluminum welders and painters. more

During the month of November, Missouri Lottery offices paid out more than $7 million in prizes of $1,000 or more across the state, and more than $83,600 in Howell and surrounding counties. more

The Ozarka College Board of Trustees recently announced its selection of Dr. Josh Wilson, vice president of advancement at Ozarka in Melbourne, Ark., as the next president of the college. more

Ozarka College has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to begin Skilled Trades programs at its Melbourne, Ark., campus, officials announce. more

The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website, officials announce. more

West Plains Elementary teacher Haley Falterman was recently celebrated for being selected as a 2024 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator. Porter Waggoner McDonald’s General Manager Kayla Butler and Hilburn-Vaini McDonald’s Supervisor Michael McBride visited the school to present Falterman with the award and a $100 gift card. more