Features | West Plains Daily Quill

The Ozarks Healthcare Women’s Health Clinic recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of its relocated facility at 1115 Alaska Ave. in West Plains. The upgraded space is dedicated to providing comprehensive gynecological and obstetric care for women of all ages, offering evaluations, treatments, surgeries, breast health services and birth control. Expanded care options include the addition of certified nurse midwives Shelley Mitchell and Tabitha Young to the health system’s labor and delivery staff. Clinic providers include Drs. Tony Lam, Jose Crespo, Roxanna Torres and Kimberly West, alongside women’s health nurse practitioners Jennifer Rhoads and Mary Kate Brasier. Staff members, hospital administrators and chamber representatives joined members of the community in the ceremony. Holding the ribbon are chamber ambassadors Heather Foster, far left, and Bryan Adcock, far right, while West cuts the ribbon.

OZH women’s clinic celebrates new location

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9/30/26

How to plan for construction, inspection of a food processing facility

Planning to open or build a food processing facility? The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) can provide an informal review of facility plans before construction to help identify potential food safety concerns. more

BY CURTIS BEAULIEU ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST HOWELL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT | 9/30/26

Harlin Museum names Fall Art Show winners

The Harlin Museum recently announced the award winners for its annual Fall Art Show, with artist Lee Copen taking home Best of Show honors for her watercolor painting "Lantern’s Light." more

9/30/26

First responders and community members from across southern Missouri listen to a presentation from Ozark County Crisis Intervention Program Coordinator Chris Bryant during a 40-hour training course recently held at the Ava Area Ambulance District training center. The five-week program focused on de-escalation, mental health awareness and first responder wellness.

Regional first responders complete crisis intervention training

First responders and community members from across southern Missouri recently completed a 40-hour crisis intervention training course this month, designed to improve responses to mental health emergencies. more

9/30/26

Rep. Jason Smith honored for rural Alzheimer's advocacy

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, representing Missouri’s 8th Congressional District,was recently honored by the National Grange with a Rural Health Champion Award for his efforts to improve Alzheimer’s care and diagnostics in rural communities. more

9/30/26

Slaughter stock sells lower

Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were $2 to $4 lower Wednesday at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was moderate on a moderate supply of 581 head. more

9/26/26

Area student named to Columbia College dean's list

Savanna Moore of Mtn. View has been named to the Columbia College dean's list for the summer 2026 semester. more

9/26/26

USA Grazing Systems in Ava: Equipping Ozarks cattlemen with advanced watering and fencing infrastructure

For cattle producers across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas looking to build resilient forage stands, optimize daily gains, and cut hay dependency, pasture design is shifting toward high-density rotational grazing. more

JUSTIN JONES/SPECIAL TO THE QUILL | 9/26/26

OzSBI announces 50% Mo. tax credits available for 2026 donations

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has received 50% tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to help fund regional entrepreneurship initiatives and facility improvements. more

9/26/26

Timing, target key to success with Bt insecticides

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that gardeners use to target pesky insects — mainly caterpillars — without harming beneficial species. However, successful application requires careful timing and product selection, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. more

9/26/26

September is Child Passenger Safety Awareness Month

September is Child Passenger Safety Awareness Month, a great reminder to make sure our youngest passengers are riding safely. Motor vehicle crashes are … more

Christina Parrish, LPN HOWELL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT | 9/23/26

Baxter Health expands medical staff with four new specialty providers

Baxter Health recently expanded its medical staff with the addition of four new providers across its specialty clinics in Mtn. Home, Ark., bringing new expertise in oncology, addiction medicine, gastroenterology and nephrology to the region. more

9/23/26

Nurse practitioner Lakynn Bradshaw returns to WP Family Medicine

Ozarks Healthcare has welcomed back board-certified family nurse practitioner Lakynn Bradshaw to its West Plains Family Medicine clinic, 181 Kentucky Ave. Suite 100. more

9/23/26

Final Authority Quartet to perform at Smith Chapel

The Final Authority Quartet will perform a gospel concert at 6 p.m. Saturday at Smith Chapel in West Plains. more

9/23/26

OZH joins Show-Me High Value Network

Ozarks Healthcare has joined 23 other independent Missouri hospitals to form the Show-Me High Value Network, a statewide collaboration designed to improve health care quality, … more

9/23/26

MSU names summer dean’s list honorees

Missouri State University officials in Springfield have announced the names of area students who earned spots on the school’s summer 2026 dean’s list. more

9/23/26

Jared Brassfield stands behind his display of fresh fall produce — including tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and gourds — at the "Go Farm" Farmers Market. The market returns this Saturday with a full lineup of autumn harvest items, mums and food court favorites.

‘GO FARM’ FARMER’S MARKET: Market returns with fall produce, mums and fresh baked goods

We are back this Saturday with all your favorite vendors and even new ones, too! Stop by for a full selection of fall produce, fall mums, plenty of fall-themed baked goods, hot meals and great artisan crafts. more

By Patrice Jennings, Market Manager | 9/23/26

Virtual walk-in clinic expands access with new website option

Ozarks Healthcare is expanding access to its virtual walk-in clinic by offering patients a new way to connect with a health care provider online without needing to create or … more

9/23/26

Ozarks Coca-Cola encourages students to apply for scholarships

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is encouraging area students to apply for two scholarship opportunities available this fall: the Coca-Cola Scholars Program and the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway. more

9/23/26

Brian Durham of Piney River Brewing Co. and Jennifer DuMont of Freiheit Ranch share a toast with craft beer and spaetzle during a previous Fall on the Farm celebration. This year's event on Oct. 3 will feature a menu of locally raised German sausages, seasonal brews and live music.

Piney River’s annual Fall on the Farm date set

Seasonal ales brewed with sweet potatoes and apples will pair with locally sourced German fare to welcome autumn at Piney River Brewing Company's annual Fall on the Farm celebration. more

9/23/26

Quick fix for young royalty

Van Alst indicted on rape, incest charges

Zizzers to host Military Appreciation Night

OZH women’s clinic celebrates new location

Alton artist’s work appears in national publication

Silver Springs Ranch set to host Blue Jean Ball