The Healthcare Services Group Charitable Foundation (HSGCF) has awarded a grant of $25,000 to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. The primary objective of the grant, according to officials, is to enhance patient safety, quality of care and positive outcomes for all patients. more

For 30 years, Cheryl Rosenfeld has studied how biological information gets transferred from mothers to babies during pregnancy. The research is personal for Rosenfeld, whose niece, Sara, was exposed to sedative drugs in utero. Although the little girl was born healthy, she started developing respiratory, neurological, and other health issues in her teenage years.
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Many people associate virtual reality headsets with interactive video games, but a researcher at the University of Missouri is using them for something far more important — helping autistic people navigate public transportation on college campuses.

MU researcher Noah Glaser — in collaboration with Matthew Schmidt, an associate professor at the University of Georgia, and others — partnered with a program at the University of Cincinnati on a pair of studies geared toward providing autistic people virtual training opportunities to practice using a public bus to get around town. more

It’s the time of year when we’re drawn to comfort foods. As the days get shorter and hats and coats take center stage in the closet, many of us seek out dishes that warm us up. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital gave out top employee awards and honored 38 employees with service awards at the 41st annual Celebration of TCMH Employees on Dec. 8 at the Jayson Gentry Community Safe Room at TCMH.   more

A West Plains man has been charged with second-degree murder after a death investigation where the cause was determined to be "acute fentanyl, buprenorphine and ethanol intoxication." The death was reported at about 10:59 p.m. Sept. 3, 2020, in West Plains, and was suspected to be an overdose when police arrived, according to law enforcement investigation. more

A West Plains man charged in May with the theft of catalytic converters stolen from vehicles parked at local businesses has reached a plea agreement and been sentenced to four years on a charge of stealing a catalytic converter and five years on a charge of stealing $750 or more. more

As the year winds down and the anticipation for new beginnings builds, Wages is set to host its annual New Year’s Eve party, which promises to be a vibrant celebration to usher in 2023. The event is slated for Sunday, December 31st, starting at 8 pm, offering an evening brimming with live music, delicious food, and festive cheer. more

This recipe will guide you through making a heartwarming sweet potato soup served in a homemade bread bowl. It's a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you want something both comforting and impressive. more

A West Plains woman that suffered minor injuries after her pickup truck struck a cow is now charged with being a fugitive from out of state after it was discovered she had active warrants out of Kentucky, two for felonies and another for a misdemeanor. more

An Ava couple has been charged in connection with an alleged incident where an Oklahoma woman was contacted via social media, she and her young son were picked up and driven back to Ava where she was forced into sexual acts with them, then coerced into giving them $1,500 under threat of death to herself and her family before being returned to her mother. more

The West Plains Civic Center will be the hub of community service and support as it hosts the annual Project Homeless Connect event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 25. This significant event is a collaborative effort to support the homeless population in the region, organized by Ozark Action, Inc., the local regional homeless services entry point. more

The Willow Springs School Board convened for its regular meeting on Dec.Dec. 20, overseeing a packed agenda that included key financial decisions and community involvement in the governance of local education. more

The most recent monthly meeting of the West Plains R-7 began with a wrap-up of fall high school student activities, including a visit by many sports and other team participants. The students were introduced by R-7 Activities Director Dr. Ashley Cooley, and the activities spotlighted included cheerleading; girls tennis, softball, golf, and volleyball; boys soccer; girls and boys cross country; football; speech and debate; and theater. more

Willow Springs City Council met Monday night, in part to appoint an interim fire chief, hear updates on the McClellan Building renovation, and recognize Officer David Hocking for his efforts to solve acts of vandalism and sabotage to the city's water system. more

This is the last column for the year and what a year it has been at Summersville Branch Library! more

Lord willing, I’ll be 76 years old as of Saturday, Dec. 30 — exactly 60 years from the day I became old enough to legally drive on Missouri highways. more

Hey there! Today, I want to chat about a song that's as synonymous with New Year's Eve as fireworks and midnight kisses – "Auld Lang Syne." Ever been at a New Year's party, heard this tune, and just mumbled along because you didn't really know the words? You're not alone. It's probably one of the most "mumbled-through" songs in history! more

Our vendors are taking the week off from our outdoor market to enjoy the holiday season with their families, and will return Jan. 6. But you can find 13 of them inside the PopUp Shop from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 410 Washington Avenue next to OzSBI. The shop will only be closed on January 1st for New Years Day. more

I pray you had a happy, safe Christmas with your family. Ours was “scattered” for safety, but joyful just the same. I thank God I am still able to make small gifts for family and friends. more