The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg have updated animal movement requirements for animals coming into Missouri from states with New World Screwworm (NWS) infested zones. more

The Willow Springs Arts Council recently concluded its Summer Arts Camp, a three-day program that brought local youth together to explore their creativity. more

    Aimee Jarrett has returned to Ozarks Healthcare as vice president of ambulatory services. Jarrett, a Summersville native, previously served Ozarks Healthcare in several … more

What do you do when the zucchini keeps coming and you've already made relish and bread? Make salsa, of course! more

Dear readers and editors, after lengthy consideration and with no small degree of reticence, I have determined I have, as of July 1, 2026, fully retired from my role as a weekly newspaper columnist. more

Max Lucado’s excellent book, "Great Day Every Day," tells an interesting story about a conference sponsored a few years ago by the organization Women of Faith that had a big problem. more

July is recognized as Sun Safety Month, a reminder that protecting your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is important for people of all ages. While spending time outdoors is a great way to stay active, enjoy nature and participate in summer activities, too much exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, premature skin aging and eye damage. more

        Roots are critically important to a tree. The roots anchor it and make it steady. How else could something so large and so tall grow upward toward the … more

Ozarks Healthcare recently received three American Heart Association "Get With The Guidelines" achievement awards for its treatment of heart disease and stroke. more

Exciting news for local shoppers: the Wednesday market season officially kicks off today! The midweek market will run from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday through early September. To make midweek shopping even easier, West Plains Transit will offer drop-offs at the market during operating hours on Wednesdays, provided passengers call in with a 24-hour notice. The number to call to arrange a ride is 417-256-1241. more

Missouri Office of Administration and U.S. Census data show that by 2030, 1 in 5 Missourians will be over 65. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic and degenerative disease is expected to increase. This raises an important question: Are we helping people age well? more

    Shilo Baptist Church invites the public to attend its upcoming vacation Bible school, themed "Emerald Crossing: An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23." The event will be … more

We celebrate our national heritage not because we are perfect, but because the country often serves as a beacon of freedom and hope in the world. more

    Ozarks Healthcare has appointed Tonya Aaron as its new chief nursing officer. Aaron brings more than 16 years of experience with the health system, having served in a … more

This weekend is July 4 weekend — Independence Day — and America’s 250th anniversary celebration is in full swing! To help commemorate this historic milestone, many of our vendors have created patriotic-themed products, holiday specials and free coloring books and crayons for the kids while supplies last. more

        At home, Dr. Adam Gray treats patients in two fully equipped facilities in north central Arkansas. In Cajamarca, Peru, he knelt beside people who had … more

Baxter Health, based in Mtn. Home, Ark., and with a clinic in West Plains, has earned redesignation through the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program, a distinction recognizing the highest standards of nursing practice, patient care and professional development, officials announce. more

Here we are, foodies, July! For those who gather for the Fourth of July and need a dish to bring, this one is perfect for the holiday. This Tex-Mex inspired casserole has all the spice without the heat, but you can always add some jalapeño if needed. Aptly named, this Firecracker Casserole is sure to become an annual family favorite. more

In Matt. 7:24-25, Jesus says, “Therefore, anyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” more

Baxter Health has recently expanded its medical staff with the addition of five new providers across its specialty and family clinics in Mtn. Home, Ark. more