Merry Christmas!  This will be the last recipe before Christmas so I couldn't end the season without an eggnog recipe. I know some have this on the yuck list but made right and fresh, eggnog can go on the yum list.  This year I'm making some fresh eggnog and replacing the sugar with real maple syrup for a richer taste. And one of the desserts I'll be making with it is my annual eggnog pie.  This recipe is so easy, freezes well, makes 2 pies and is a must for the eggnog lovers.  This week is short but sweet, as I like so many are scrambling this last week to pull it all together. So, I hope your holiday is full of family, good food and memories made. Merry Christmas foodies!  more

As Christmas Eve approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. Children and adults alike are bustling with preparations for the most magical night of the year. Amidst the decorations, the glistening tree, and the carols, there’s one tradition that stands out for its sweetness and simplicity: leaving cookies for Santa. But not just any cookies—these have to be the most delightful, scrumptious cookies that Santa has ever tasted! Let's embark on a culinary journey to create the perfect cookie for Santa. more

Editor’s note: This column was first published Dec. 19, 2017. more

Missouri State University-West Plains has been awarded grant funds of just over half a million dollars to help pay for the expansion of its nursing program, officials announced Monday. more

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks and Ozarks Healthcare are calling on community members to cap off the year by donating blood at a drive Dec. 27. more

Rotarian Seth Huddleston, principal at South Fork Elementary updated the West Plains Sunrise Rotary Club on Thursday regarding South Fork’s fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Partnering with K-Country 95 radio station, South Fork’s 135 students’ first efforts in 2009 resulted in contributions of $550. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital's emergency room in Houston has seen an increase in positive respiratory virus cases as Missouri enters its respiratory virus season, hospital board members learned during their most recent monthly meeting Nov. 28. more

New Willow Springs High School facilities and the programs housed within them were showcased at an open house held Tuesday evening, hosted by the district with tours guided by instructors and students. The facility, off of Springfield Road, was formerly the site of Missouri Department of Transportation offices and recently purchased by the school district from the City of Willow Springs for $1. more

Nov. 15 - Dec. 15 more

The West Plains Daily Quill is inviting readers to delve into their treasure trove of memories and share the tales of their very first deer hunts. In a heartwarming initiative aimed at celebrating the rich hunting traditions of the region, the Quill is calling on hunters, both seasoned and novice, to contribute their personal stories of triumph, disappointment, or humor from their inaugural deer hunting experiences. more

As autumn transitions to winter, lawn care practices shift from growth promotion to protection and preservation. Winterizing a lawn is crucial for safeguarding the grass against harsh winter conditions and ensuring a healthy, robust return in spring. This process involves several key steps, each tailored to the specific needs of different grass types and regional climates. more

In the picturesque Ozarks, winter ushers in a stark transformation, with frost-laden landscapes and biting cold. Yet, amidst this seasonal harshness, a remarkable story of resilience and adaptation unfolds, starring the region's avian inhabitants. The birds of the Ozarks, from the vibrant Northern Cardinal to the industrious Downy Woodpecker, demonstrate a fascinating array of strategies to survive the winter months. more

Preparing a garden for winter is a crucial task for any gardener, as it ensures the health and productivity of the garden for the following season. This process involves several steps, each tailored to protect plants, enrich the soil, and set the stage for a successful spring. more

The Ford Falcon, an iconic automobile that left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, is a tale of innovation, adaptation, and cultural significance. Its story is intertwined with the shifting landscapes of consumer demand, technological progress, and a nation's love affair with the road. more

In the rolling hills of Howell County, a story of resilience, heritage, and community effort unfolds around the Sadie Brown Cemetery. This sacred space, rich in history and sentiment, has become the center of an extensive preservation project, merging archaeological expertise with community engagement and historical research. The cemetery, named after Saint Leger “Sadie” Brown, a once-enslaved individual turned Methodist minister, represents not just a final resting place for many, but a symbol of African American endurance and legacy in a region steeped in a complex history. more

The name Jack Dempsey has become synonymous with the golden age of boxing, a time when the sport was etched deeply into the cultural consciousness of America and heroes were made in the squared circle. Dempsey's rise from humble beginnings to heavyweight stardom is a tale of grit, determination, and explosive power. Yet, among the storied chapters of his career, one day stands out: December 16, 1918, when Dempsey knocked out Carl Morris in 14 seconds in a heavyweight bout in New Orleans, a record that would echo through the annals of boxing history. more

In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Lady Zizzers have proven their mettle in a series of games against Ozark, concluding with an impressive 2-1 record. The Varsity team clinched a nail-biting victory with a final score of 40-36, thanks to a standout performance by top scorer Allyssa Joyner, who poured in 17 points, followed by Olivia Lawson's solid 10-point contribution. The victory bolsters their season record to 3-2. more

The community of West Plains is set to witness the return of former MSU-WP Grizzlies Head Basketball Coach Tom Barr, as he takes the helm of the upcoming Holiday Shooting and Defensive Basketball Camps. Scheduled for December 27, 28, and 29, the camps are designed to provide focused training and skill development for young basketball enthusiasts. more

Each year thousands of people who are not typical ballet fans watch the Nutcracker, the most popular ballet in the US. It was first performed in 1892. Maria Tallchief’s performance in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in 1954 helped turn the Nutcracker into the annual Christmas blockbuster it is today. According to Wikipedia, major ballet companies in the US generate about 40% of their annual ticket revenue from performances of this famous ballet alone. more