“I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5) more

Twenty-five years ago, Missouri State University began offering the Teacher Education Completion Program at Missouri State University-West Plains, giving area residents who wanted to become elementary teachers a local pathway to achieve their dream.  more

Texas County Memorial Hospital recently honored Michael Sullivan of Houston with a Daisy Award during a cinnamon roll breakfast ceremony held for all the Houston-based hospital’s Daisy Award nominees.  more

Shoe Sensation, a regional chain of name-brand family shoe stores with a location in Southern Hills Shopping Center in West Plains, is holding a Socks for Troops sock drive. Each store is collecting socks for local active duty military and veterans through Dec. 31. more

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has enacted new reporting requirements for both new and existing business entities, shared officials with the Ozarks Small Business Incubator: As of Jan. 1, most corporations, limited liability companies and similar entities are now required to provide information about the company, its beneficial owners and company applicants to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This new requirement aims to combat financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing through shell companies. more

On a crisp, golden morning in the heart of historic downtown West Plains, a wave of patriotism swept through the streets as the community gathered for the annual Veterans Day Parade. Under the bright November sky, the air was alive with pride, and the sidewalks were filled with citizens of all ages, their faces lit with excitement and reverence for the day’s celebration. Leading the procession was West Plains Mayor Michael Topliff, a proud veteran of the United States Navy, who rode with Tilman Durham behind the wheel. As the car moved forward, the atmosphere grew electric with anticipation, and the crowd seemed to grow closer, united in spirit and respect. more

Baxter Health Reppell Diabetes Clinic, 622 Broadmoore Drive in Mtn. Home, Ark., will hold a special celebration in honor of World Diabetes Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. more

It is common for Americans to gain 1 to 2 pounds during the holiday season. more

Small nonfarm businesses in 16 Missouri counties and neighboring counties in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. more

Achieving the right balance of carbohydrates and protein in our diet can be a game-changer, boosting our energy, supporting our health, and helping us feel our best. These two nutrients play vital, complementary roles, and understanding how to combine them properly makes healthy eating both satisfying and sustainable. more

This Saturday, the "Go Farm" Farmers Market of West Plains is bringing a blend of handmade artistry, delicious food, and farm-fresh finds to kick off the holiday season! Local artisans and food vendors are setting up shop with an impressive spread that’s sure to have something for everyone. more

In celebration of National Veterans Small Business Week, the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at MSU-West Plains and the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) will host the workshop “Becoming a Better Borrower” from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., in West Plains. more

Here we are, mid-November and it's time to talk turkey!  With a whopping 88 % of Americans eating turkey on Thanksgiving, you can bet everyone has their way of preparing it. Stuffed or not seems to be the one of biggest questions on the turkey hotlines, being  a matter of preference or tradition. My Mom always stuffed her birds but I don't. I like the stuffing on the side in it's own baking dish. Do you have to baste your turkey, was another popular hotline question along with the number one call-in,  how long do I cook the turkey?  As for me, I baste with a garlic butter and I bake low and slow. Back to the stuffing, my favorite side dish, made from homemade bread crumbs and cornbread.  This year, our gathering will be smaller than usual so I'm not making a huge pan of stuffing but these stuffing balls caught my eye and are perfect for guests to eat plain or with gravy spooned over.  You can use your own stuffing recipe but in case you want to stick with the recipe, it's fairly common but can be customized to your liking, and it's a great way to use any leftover turkey. The countdown is on, you can bet I'm in that 88% group! more

Craving a hearty, comforting meal with a twist? This homemade mac 'n cheese brings extra richness with tender grilled chicken and the smoky-sweet flavor of roasted red peppers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor – a perfect dish for a cozy night or to impress your family and friends with some gourmet vibes! more

The West Plains Zizzers Cross Country teams have once again proven they’re a powerhouse on Missouri’s state scene, adding new lines to their already impressive legacies at the Class 4 state meet on Friday. On a challenging, rain-soaked course, the boys claimed their first team title since 2008, notching the program’s 14th state championship and an astounding 38th trophy overall. Meanwhile, the girls’ team earned runner-up honors, securing their 27th trophy in their 41st consecutive state appearance. It was a showcase of endurance, grit, and the incredible legacy of West Plains running. more

At 11 a.m. Dec. 14, members of the Ozark Spring Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will partner with the Wreaths Across America organization to lay wreaths at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1019 E. Third St. in Mtn. View. more

As fall deepens in November, with the leaves mostly gone and the air turning crisp, America pauses for a day to honor those who have served in the military. Veterans Day, celebrated on Nov. 11 each year, is a chance to express gratitude and reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of millions of veterans who answered the call to serve. But how did this day come to be? The history of Veterans Day is a story rooted in hope, peace, and remembrance. more

West Plains High School invites veterans and their families to a special Veterans Day celebration on Monday, honoring the service and sacrifices of local heroes. more

Arts Alliance member events and activities: more