Did you know that the day I write this, the 8th of December, is National Gingerbread House Day? There seems to be a day for everything and I don't keep up, but let's be festive and celebrate this one. more

Welcome back to the second installment of my little culinary experiment: a column where I challenge myself (and you) to stop buying and start making things we use every day. Not only are these homemade versions almost always better-tasting, but they’re also more affordable. Let’s face it: Why pay more for less flavor? more

Thank you Santa and Mrs. Claus for bringing such joy and happiness to a lot of children and their families last Saturday. Blessings to you both!! more

Jasper Endows Today & Tomorrow (JETT) recently presented 17 grants totaling $53,375.50 to local and national nonprofit organizations, including two in Howell county. more

A Boys & Girls Clubs of America study has found that its clubs are a “sound investment,” providing a return of more than $10 in benefits to club communities for every dollar invested, said officials. more

Avori Schaffer, a third grader in Kylie Agnew's class at West Plains Elementary School, achieved a milestone by completing all her blue ribbons on Study Island, a learning program designed to help students master state-specific standards in core subjects. As a reward, Schaffer chose to spend the day as the elementary school’s official "office assistant." School officials noted she did “an incredible job.” “From taking an official call with Mrs. (Mary) Maguffee to assisting Dr. (Donnie) Miller with transportation changes, running errands and managing concession items, Avori handled it all like a pro,” said West Plains R-7 District Communications Director Lana Snodgras. Maguffee is a Title I teaching methods coach at West Plains Elementary, and Miller is the district’s transportation director. more

On a Wednesday morning in a Walmart Store in Allen, Texas, her white cane and smartphone in tow, Paula Margeson walks alone. She’s reclaiming a freedom many of us take for granted: shopping for groceries. more

Americans love their corn — whether it’s canned, fresh off the cob or in their favorite breakfast cereal. more

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has a new Facebook page, officials announced, and the original page will retire on Jan. 1. more

The amount of fat and calories consumed in an average holiday meal is staggering. Here are a few tips that can help to reduce that number. Find more tips like these at eatright.org. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce announces it has moved from 120 W. Main St. to its new location at 209 E. Main St., inside the Star Theatre Annex space in downtown Willow Springs. more

Area residents interested in learning how to read blueprints or develop computer-aided drafting skills can sign up now for a class being offered by the Workforce Development and Community Education Department at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

Deuteronomy 32:9: “For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession.” more

One of the most important promises in the Bible is found in Matthew’s Gospel: God with us. more

Beginning Dec. 18, the West Plains Daily Quill Church & Religion Page will move to Wednesday publications in order to allow area churches more time in the week to notify the public of special events. more

The Tiptons, a Gospel singing group from The Ozarks, will be featured in a Gospel Music Concert Sunday morning at The Bridge Church of West Plains. The service begins at 10:30 a.m. more

Officials with the Office of Workforce Development and Community Education at Missouri State University-West Plains will offer an eight-week phlebotomy technician training program beginning Feb. 1, 2025.   more

Texas County Memorial Hospital Family Nurse Practitioner Ray Bruno and emergency medical personnel Jason Steelman and Aaron Petersen received the sincerest thanks from patient Jeramy Lee of Bucyrus after the Houston hospital employees demonstrated “exceptional care and professionalism” in rendering roadside assistance. more