Below are several upcoming events at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), many of which are open to the community. Feel free to clip this calendar and keep it for your reference to make sure you don’t miss any events that might interest you. Also listed are several important dates on the university’s calendar that area residents might want to keep in mind.  more

University of Missouri Extension is one of 14 partners to organize the new Heartland Regional Food Business Center serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas. more

Thanksgiving, with its deep roots in American history, is a holiday that has evolved significantly since its origins in the early 17th century. It represents the blending of Native American and European traditions, symbolizing gratitude, community, and the celebration of the harvest. more

The First Presbyterian Church of West Plains continues to offer a unique way for community members to seek spiritual support, especially for those who might feel uncomfortable entering a church. Their innovative 'prayer wall,' a concept that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a steadfast symbol of the church's commitment to serving the broader community's spiritual needs. more

For the past 25 years I have used a marital survey designed and developed in 1977 by Prepare Enrich when I counsel couples. It helps people prepare for marriage and as-sists married couples who are struggling. I am far from alone; pastors and counselors have used this resource with more than 4 million couples. more

Job 1:21 ...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. more

Isaiah 40:3 says, “A voice cries out, ‘In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord.’” In ancient times, when kings planned a journey, a crew was sent ahead to make sure the road—the way—was passable. They filled in the potholes, removed the obstacles, and repaired the road so the king and his entourage could make the journey. During these weeks before Christmas, let us prepare ourselves so that Jesus may come into our lives anew. Take time to pray and read the Bible each day. (Luke has 24 chapters. You could read one a day.) Remove the obstacles that keep us from Christ. Let go of selfishness and grudges. Cooking, shopping, and decorating are not the only preparations we need to make in this season. “Prepare the way of the Lord!” May God bless your week. Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

As families across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, a deeper exploration into the holiday's roots reveals a complex intertwining with Christian traditions and beliefs. Though widely regarded as a secular holiday centered around gratitude, Thanksgiving's historical and spiritual connections to Christianity offer a richer, more nuanced understanding of this annual celebration. more

Alex McHenry, 18, and Mike Owen, 19, arrived at Martha Vance Samaritan Outreach Center on Aug. 7; their son Finnegan Owen arrived Nov. 3, joining his young parents at the only home he's known so far. more

Eligible donors will receive generous state tax credits for their contribution toward building a new county library branch in Houston. more

On Nov. 8, Missouri State University-West Plains joined hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation in celebrating its “first generation” students (students who are the first in their families to attend college) as part of the National First-Generation College Celebration Day. more

Two women from West Plains who have climbed the ladders to success in their respective fields are recognized among the 2023 Top 50 Missourians You Should Know by Ingram’s Magazine, a long-standing business publication serving Kansas and Missouri. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Thanksgiving is a time of tradition, family, and, of course, sumptuous food. But who says we can't spin the classics into something new and exciting? Enter the Thanksgiving Pizza: a playful and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite holiday flavors in one incredible dish. This recipe combines the comforting tastes of turkey, cranberries, green beans, sweet potatoes, and onions, all atop a homemade crust that's both crispy and chewy. Let's embark on this culinary adventure! more

We have a special Wednesday Farmers Market this week for your Thanksgiving shopping and holiday gift giving. There will be several vendors set up between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with gluten free baked goods, fried pies, hot dogs, molasses, apples, fresh pressed apple cider, eggs, honey, jams, syrups, elderberry syrup, a perfume bar, jewelry and more! more

It's Thanksgiving week! I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful feast with family and friends. I thought I'd give you another pumpkin dessert recipe since you can't have too much pumpkin on Thanksgiving. This fudge is an annual treat in our home. We love fudge in general, the best I've ever had was made with goat's milk. When we had goats I was always looking for ways to use up the generous supply of milk and fudge was always a hit.  more

For the fourth year in a row, The Chaos Closet is sponsoring a storage unit for the 37th Circuit Children’s Division.  more

This week, I am answering reader requests for international recipes. Some of these even sound edible. more

West Plains Council on the Arts is hosting an exhibition of works by 12 area artists through Dec. 16 in the gallery on the mezzanine at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.. The gallery is open to the public during regular civic center hours. more

Cranberries have long been considered the crown jewel of Thanksgiving dinners, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. more

Statistics show lung cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease to afflict veterans — and it’s the deadliest. At the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ John J. Pershing Medical Center, officials hope to turn the tide. more