Come out to meet our newest and youngest entrepreneurs Chase (age 13) and Jaden (age 9), the proud owners of “Frozen Dreams”! Chase started in business at age 6 with his own money he earned and started with vending machines and gumball/bouncy ball machines. He decided to start a freeze-dried business, so he sold his machines and started “Frozen Dreams”. His goal is to grow into a successful business here in West Plains. Jaden helps with the freeze drying but mainly he makes bracelets and perler beads, also known as Hama beads or Nabbi beads. They are colorful plastic fusible beads formed into designs of your choosing. Jaden has made a successful business at his school and now brings them to the farmer’s market! more

We've had a mild winter compared to some plus an early spring only means summer is in sight.  I know many who have already dusted off the grill and enjoyed some homemade bar-b-que and for me, grilling dinner is a favorite summer outing. And you can't grill without a good barbecue sauce right? Have you ever made your own? It's easier than you think and so much better than store-bought and you can customize each batch.  Most recipes have the same base but this one is an upgrade and you should have many of the ingredients already on hand. So, grab a pretty bottle or jar and make a batch, one for you and one for the hostess at the next cookout. This stuff is so good, you'll be hooked. Happy grilling! more

FNBC Bank has joined Ozarks Small Business Incubator as a Champion member. more

April is National Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 20 million new STD cases in the U.S. every year. more

Area poets are invited to share their works during a poetry open mic night Tuesday hosted by the Ozarks Heritage Research Center (OHRC) at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

In a ceremony held Friday, West Plains Mayor Mike Topliff issued a proclamation to Kenya Cook, an advocate at Christos House for domestic and sexual violence, marking April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in West Plains. The declaration is part of a broader initiative to confront the growing issue of sexual violence in Howell County and the surrounding regions. more

The University of Missouri Extension in Howell County is offering a Spring Pasture Walk at 3 p.m. April 23 at Picking Ranch on AD Highway.   more

West Plains recently transformed into a bustling hub of excitement with the "Party in the Path," a four-day festival that led up to Monday’s breathtaking total solar eclipse. This extensive celebration offered a wide range of activities appealing to all ages, promising fun, learning, and a unique communal experience. Here’s a detailed recap of each day’s events, painting a vivid picture of the unforgettable festivities. more

Lana Snodgras, director of communications for West Plains R-7 School District, has been recognized with a state public relations award by the Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA). more

Winners for the 23rd annual Art Around Town exhibit have been chosen, organizers announce. more

As a Christian and especially as a pastor, my favorite writer and central figure outside of Christ is without question, the Apostle Paul. more

From the number twelve, May-June 1981 issue more

In How Firm a Foundation, Jennifer Benson Schuldt described a visit to her great-grandmother’s house when she was a little girl. The elderly relative lived by a farm, and to keep cattle from trespassing, her yard was surrounded by an electric fence. When she asked to play outside, her parents agreed but cautioned her, explaining that touching the fence would be painful. more

Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me..." more

Growing up in Texas, I used to hear stories of treasure hidden in the hills by outlaws, pirates’ treasure chests, and lost mines filled with jewels and precious metals. Treasure! I have never found any of these, but I am glad to know of a more precious and lasting type of treasure…treasure in heaven. Jesus said, “lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal,” Matthew 6:20. What is treasure in heaven? It is our investment in God’s causes and God’s people. We invest in God’s causes when we feed the hungry, encourage the fainthearted, help those in need. Find an opportunity every day to lay up treasure in heaven by showing God’s love to others. Have a blessed week! Diane Cooke, Pastor of the Presbyterian churches in Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

The Book of Ephesians, one of the 27 books of the New Testament, is a profound piece of Pauline scripture that serves as a cornerstone for understanding the theological and practical aspects of Christian life. Traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, this epistle is written to the church in Ephesus, a major center of trade and power in the Roman province of Asia. However, its messages have a universal appeal, aimed at a broader audience beyond just Ephesus. This article delves deeply into the themes, structure, historical context, and enduring relevance of Ephesians. more

Apart from not smoking, it’s hard to find something that’s better for us than being physically active. From lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke to boosting mobility to adding healthy years to our lives, activity can have a positive impact on our health in many ways. more

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains, will host its ninth annual National Small Business Week celebration May 2. more

This spring, the American Red Cross is asking donors to help defend the blood supply by giving blood or platelets now to combat what officials call a “monstrous” statistic: Only 3 out of 100 people donate blood.  more