Ozarks Healthcare has a gem in Dani Dawson, an exceptional monitor tech and unit coordinator for their Cardiac Step-down Unit (CSU). Dawson, known for her charismatic personality and spunk, has been a vital part of the healthcare team, bringing a unique vibrancy that has become indispensable to her colleagues and the unit. more

Trout fishing in Missouri, a state celebrated for its abundant outdoor activities, transcends being just a pastime; it's a cherished tradition, especially highlighted on March 1, the opening day of the summer catch-and-keep season at state trout parks. Recognizing the enduring appeal and growing interest in trout fishing, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and novices alike to deepen their understanding of this engaging activity. more

The Fine Arts Academy, under the expert direction of Erin Kimbrough, is set to bring a festive masterpiece to life with its upcoming production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." This much-anticipated event is poised to light up the historic Avenue Theatre in downtown West Plains, promising a blend of humor, warmth, and holiday spirit. With opening night scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 7, and additional shows lined up through mid-December, this production is shaping up to be the highlight of the holiday season in the community. more

Area residents interested in working as paraprofessionals or preservice teachers in area school districts are invited to attend the Professional Educator Recruitment Conference from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Gohn Hall on the campus of Missouri State University-West Plains. more

Willow Springs Elementary special education teacher Brooke Coffman and West Plains Middle School fifth grade teacher Andrea Varney have each been recognized by their local McDonald’s restaurants with an Outstanding Educator Award. more

Missouri State University-West Plains has been given a $45,000 award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) program. more

Area youngsters in eighth grade and younger are invited to participate in Grizzly Basketball Camp Dec. 27-28 at the West Plains Civic Center.  more

November is almost over but the Christmas season has only begun, and with that notion comes the first holiday recipe. I've shared my Christmas pie before but wanted to balance the scales and share a cake recipe using cranberries, the berry of the season. I love all things cranberries, pie, jam, sauce, and muffins just to name a few. Too tart for some but cooked in sugar cuts the tartness leaving just enough for flavor. So, while these berries usually go on sale after Thanksgiving, they freeze well allowing you to stock up and try more recipes. Start with this easy upside-down cake, not just for pineapple anymore. I like to grate some orange peel on top for added holiday deliciousness. Tis the season.  more

Hey there, fellow comfort food connoisseurs! Today, I’m going to walk you through an epic, gourmet twist on the classic duo that’s comfort food royalty: the grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. Trust me, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill rainy day fare. We’re talking a culinary upgrade that'll have your taste buds singing and your Instagram popping! more

Editor’s note: Readers may enjoy this look back to deer season 2019 and the tasty selection of venison recipes passed along by You’vah. more

The Missouri Lottery announced this month it has awarded funds to schools statewide, raised from the sales of Scratchers and draw games lottery tickets in the 2023 fiscal year. more

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows young hunters ages 6-15 harvested 3,574 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2023 firearms deer hunting season, Nov. 24-26. Of the 3,574 deer harvested, 1,697 were antlered bucks, 361 were button bucks, and 1,516 were does. more

A West Plains woman was injured when her vehicle ran off the road at 7:25 a.m. Sunday on south U.S. 63, a half-mile south of Koshkonong in Oregon County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

Rick Batton served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. Today, the 74-year-old gives back to his fellow veterans two or three days a week, volunteering to transport them to and from medical appointments. more

With the theme of "Courageous Conversations" for 2023, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, held Nov. 1 through 30, is about to wrap up. more

When used in controlled, supervised conditions, fire can be a beneficial land management tool. However, it’s important to stress that prescribed fire involves planning and on-site management. more

The Willow Springs School Board voted at its November meeting to approve a bid for a new playground surface, as well as a new security camera. more

Officials with the Ozarks Heritage Research Center at Missouri State University-West Plains will host a presentation on the poetry of Christmas hymns at 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St., in West Plains. more

Editor’s note: Shane Hull is a sophomore at Missouri State University-West Plains who began his collegiate career as a traditional student — one who enrolls in college immediately following high school. These students have their own sets of challenges, from picking the college they want to attend to actually attending classes. In this column, Shane continues his story as a traditional college student by looking back at some of the highlights of his freshman year. more