Area students eligible for the TJ Swift House A.S.C.E.N.D. Program at Missouri State University-West Plains will not have to pay the program fee for the next two academic years. more

BrewFest 2024 will showcase flavors provided by 19 purveyors of foods and beverages, including favorites old and new, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the arena and exhibit hall at the West Plains Civic Center. Doors will open promptly at 5:30. more

Fate, and perhaps some divine intervention, combined on Wednesday with goodwill and volunteerism in the nick of time to facilitate the delivery of balloons and chocolates to nursing home residents for Valentine's Day. more

The Richards School Board is set to hold its monthly session at 6 p.m. Thursday in the school boardroom. more

The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) recently honored the recipients of the 2024 Missouri Arts Awards, the state’s highest honor in the arts, at the Missouri State Capitol, in a ceremony that was open to the public. Among those recognized is Kathleen Morrisey, president of the West Plains Council on the Arts. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce presented nine awards during its annual banquet held Feb. 3 at Pine Meadows Venue on Highway 76 in Willow Springs. more

Over the weekend of Feb. 2 through 4, three Willow Springs High school students traveled to Kansas City with team leader Matt Knapp and sponsor Sabrina Lee to compete at Make48 on the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus, shared district Communications Director Jenny Hayward. Make48 is an invention competition in Which Willow Springs against six other schools from across the state. more

Following a meeting of the Texas County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees on Feb. 6, Stace Holland, who served as CEO of the hospital starting in November 2022, is no longer employed at TCMH, officials announce. Holland took on the role upon the retirement of longtime CEO Wes Murray. more

West Plains R-7 School District officials have announced the appointment of Michelle Miller as the new social worker for the district, effective immediately. Miller, a dedicated and experienced counselor, has been a valued member of the West Plains Elementary team, where she has made a significant impact on students' lives, said district officials. more

Howell Valley and Junction Hill schools have set dates for kindergarten and preschool screening sessions for incoming students planning to enroll for the 2024-25 school year. more

The final three candidates for the next president of Missouri State University will take part in a series of open forums across the university system in February, officials announce.  more

In a poignant celebration of history, heritage and hope, the West Plains community gathered Saturday at the historic Lincoln School on for a dedication ceremony that encapsulated the spirit of unity and educational equality. The event, which drew about 80 attendees into the small, one-room schoolhouse, served as both a culmination of the restoration efforts and a tribute to the African American educational journey during the segregation era. more