The Monthly Monitor is a new report compiled by the University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center and Farm Journal that surveys economists nationwide on their projections of agricultural trends. Now, Scott Brown, director of the policy center, is forecasting a positive outlook for farm finances even as the weather has created significant challenges this past year in North America. more

Missouri’s non-farm payroll employment  decreased by 13,700 jobs in August, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point, 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

Hello, my foodie friends and welcome back to my kitchen. Ah, Autumn. The time when the world dons a golden hue, leaves dance to the ground, and there’s a hint of festive chill in the air. What better way to embrace this enchanting season than by baking a batch of the most delectable, melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Spice Cookies with White Chocolate Chips? That’s right, we’re combining the warm, spicy flavors of fall with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. It’s an irresistible pairing! more

It's officially fall, and the last week of September. It's time to switch cooking modes, from light meals to hearty and while we're at it, let's bring back grab-and-go meals for those busy nights. I'm digging out the crock pot for super easy meal planning plus it's so nice to come home to dinner just waiting to be served. We all deserve that.  more

When humans or animals get infected, the body’s immune system tries to not only clear the infection but also build up a memory of the pathogen that caused it. So, when the pathogen comes around again for possible reinfection, the body has an army of memory T cells that can recognize and destroy it. These T cells are a critical part of immunological memory, and an important component of efficient vaccines.   more

The Harlin Museum, 405 Worcester St. in West Plains is set to host its 48th Annual Fall Art Show and is calling for entry submissions from artists nationwide — with a focus on artists from Missouri and Arkansas.  more

Pastor Frank Mulford and the congregation of Smith Chapel Church invite all to attend Final Authority in concert at 6 p.m. Saturday. more

Ozarks Healthcare At Home has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Premier Performer” for achieving an overall patient satisfaction score, ranking in the top 5% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2022 calendar year, officials announced. more

Ozarks Healthcare’s Behavioral Health Center (BHC) has introduced the “Healing Hearts” support group, intended to be a compassionate and nurturing resource designed to provide support and guidance to adolescents and adults facing emotional and mental health challenges, announce officials. more

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, with support from Delta Dental of Missouri, is launching a new $130,000 grant program to improve dental health for children attending rural schools, officials announce. more

Officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) say the agency is committed to empowering older adults in Missouri to reduce their risk of falls, one of the most significant causes of severe injuries and death among people older than 65. more

The West Plains Optimist Club is introducing a Neighborly Fall Display Contest for local business owners around Court Square in West Plains. more

In the heartland of America, where hills roll and tales of small-town legends seem as real as the morning dew, there was Laurel Thompson. A titan in the community of West Plains, Thompson, whose life spanned nine decades, was an emblem of dedication, commitment, and pure love for the place and people he called home. more

In January 1873, the weather in West Plains was probably cloudy and cold. A bit of sunshine and warmth, however, came riding down from the north that month in a one-horse buggy. Alice Cary Risley had just arrived from St. Luise to join her husband, Sam A. Risley. Howell County had just gained a first-class citizen. more

"For I will regard (consider) the heavens, the work of thy fingers; the moon and stars, which thou hast established. 4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Psalms 8:3-4, Greek Septuagint more

In today's ever-evolving world, where the tides of social change are often at odds with tradition, the Christian community stands at a crossroads. Issues such as racism, poverty, and inequality persistently challenge societies globally. For many modern Christians, their faith offers not only solace but also guidance on how to navigate and address these social maladies. This article delves into how the contemporary Christian community, informed and inspired by biblical teachings, confronts these pressing issues. more

Berean Southern Baptist Church, the “Little Church in the Valley,” has a new pastor, Fred Palmer of West Plains. more

No matter our age, we all get tired. Without sufficient food, water, and rest each day, we may experience physical exhaustion. The same thing is true of our spiritual energies. They need to be replenished daily by God. As an older saint at church used to say, “Our spiritual batteries need to be recharged!” When we neglect God and fail to make time for Bible reading and prayer, we become weary and discouraged. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” The kind of hope Isaiah mentions is not simply wishful thinking, but it is a confidence that God is with us and will renew our strength. We can face challenges with faith, undergirded by God’s grace. I Chronicles 16:11 says, “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually.” May we seek the Lord and his strength each day. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more