On a warm, sunny day in the town of Hermann, M0., a baby boy was brought into the world, and he would come to play a significant role in the annals of journalism. Born on the 24th of August, 1874, the boy was christened William Harry Zorn. However, the world would come to know him as Bill, an endearing moniker used by his friends. He was the scion of a German family; his parents were immigrants who set up home in the quiet town of Hermann, where his father held sway as a well-established businessman. more

August is packed with free activities at Mammoth Spring State Park that will appeal to all ages and a variety of interests, and include an old-fashioned toys and games day, a volunteer highway clean-up session, a history program about Mammoth Spring, nature journaling and a beginner's crochet workshop. The park is located off of south U.S. 63 just across the Arkansas border from Thayer. more

Community First Banking Company, a West Plains-based financial institution that has long served the heart of the Ozarks with dedication and innovation, is set to launch a new and significantly improved mobile banking application on Aug. 16, providing customers with a richer, user-friendly experience. more

The Fine Arts Academy has announced its much-anticipated summer production, "The Day the Internet Died," set to take place at the historic Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave. in West Plains. more

With the onset of July, the countrywide recognition of Independent Retailer Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the significance of local businesses. In the heart of Howell County, West Plains is home to a thriving community of independent retailers that power the local economy. more

As readers are well aware, the West Plains Daily Quill has announced a major transition towards a primarily digital product, a move set to provide readers with faster, more comprehensive news delivery. more

Programs and purchase of circulation items were among the topics discussed at the most recent meeting of the Friends of the West Plains Public Library, held Monday at the library. About 25 officers, members, and other interested community members heard from the organization's officers and West Plains Public Library Director Dr. Greg Carter, who shared his vision for the library and talked about planned programs and building improvements and maintenance. more

Ruby Hinds of West Plains is one of 30 high school seniors from across Missouri to complete the ninth annual Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (H.Y.P.E.) FFA Academy that was held June 27 through 29 in Jefferson City. more

Missouri junior Angus members, including Blake Freeman of Koshkonong, led 113 entries at the 2023 Missouri Junior Angus Preview Show at the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association All-Breeds Show, held June 10 in Sedalia. Randy Mullinix, Toulan, Ill., evaluated five bred-and-owned bulls, 70 owned females, 35 bred-and-owned females, one cow-calf pair and two steers before naming the champions. more

Opal Agafia, a musical artist with deep Ozarks roots and a diverse Ozarks roots-music sound, will kick off a concert Sunday, followed by headlining act Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters, at Oasis 2 Bar & Grill in West Plains. more

In a Missouri State University Board of Governors meeting held Friday, members heard from a wide range of speakers who highlighted both the practical challenges of preserving a stable university system and growing it, including efforts to retain employees and attracting and supporting new students throughout their college careers. more

Local artist Judy Norton’s exhibit “Watercolor Creations” will be on display from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays on the first floor of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains. more

The West Plains R-7 School Board of Education will meet today, beginning with a closed session at 5 p.m., followed by an open session at 6. more

Components of state-of-the-art orthopedic surgical equipment have been added to the Ozarks Healthcare surgical department toolbox in order to improve patient outcomes and recovery time in hip and knee replacement surgeries. more

The Howell County Health Department has responded to a complaint regarding a possible rodent infestation at Colton's Steakhouse made to the department last Friday, committing on Tuesday to making weekly checks on the restaurant through July. more

A delightful blend of dark humor, melodious tunes and a man-eating plant is set to grace the stage of the historic Avenue Theatre this summer. more

Missouri State University-West Plains will offer its annual Summer Scholars Academy July 17 through 20. more