The echoes of history are poised to reverberate through the newly renovated walls of the Lincoln School, a project undertaken with both vision and reverence by Crockett and Tonya Oaks III. The couple, who took stewardship of the property in July 2023 from the City of West Plains, have embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the old structure into a beacon of educational and cultural exchange. more

“Record-keeping is important to make management decisions for optimum cattle operation productivity and profitability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension Livestock Field Specialist. more

Area residents interested in taking classes at Missouri State University-West Plains during the 2024 spring semester can now browse through a list of courses online. more

West Plains’ name ties to its founding in the 1850s — it came to be called that because the settlement was west of nearby Thomasville — but the town today is known for other names, too. Legacies that began locally include famed musicians Jan Howard and Porter Wagoner, baseball legends Bill Virdon and Preacher Roe, and actor Dick Van Dyke. more

Editor’s note: This is the conclusion of a two-part column. Part one was published in the Nov. 1 issue of the Quill. more

Walmart customers in West Plains were welcomed inside the newly transformed Supercenter at 1310 Preacher Roe Blvd. Friday morning as the much-anticipated renovation project is now complete. more

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Farmers Market on Dec. 2 at 10 am via the Howell County Rural Fire Department and will greet the young and old alike until 12:30. He will have a treat for all the kiddos from our vendors. Pass the word!! more

Last Sunday we got dressed up and headed to the big city of Springfield with some old and dear friends who wanted to treat us to lunch at a fine dining establishment, somewhere new to us. I won't name names but the chosen restaurant was once known for an elaborate display of hand-craved meats, a generous salad bar, and an equally generous dessert display. Those are fond memories now. What we found was less of everything with a hefty price. Is fine dining not a choice anymore?  more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. There's nothing quite like the rustic charm and heartwarming flavors of a classic Shepherd's Pie. This staple of British cuisine has traversed oceans and etched its place in the hearts and menus of comfort-food lovers worldwide. Today, I’m going to share with you a very long, very detailed blog-style recipe to create the perfect Shepherd's Pie, complete with all the traditional trimmings and a few gourmet twists. So, roll up your sleeves, and let's create culinary magic! more

The rate of opioid use among pregnant women in the United States quadrupled between 1999 and 2014 and continues to rise — an alarming trend that researchers from the University of Missouri and University of Iowa say has exposed the stigma felt by opioid-dependent mothers and how their shame has negatively impacted the health care received by their infants.
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Childhood trauma is a key risk factor for future substance use disorder, overdose, and suicide. This is particularly problematic in rural areas where children experience higher rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). more

Willow Health Care officials announce the facility is now accepting U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Optum insurance at Willow Care Nursing Home, Brooke Haven Healthcare and Mtn. View Healthcare. The new policy took effect Wednesday. more

Before a new baby arrives, there are so many exciting things to do to prepare for that special day when parents get to bring their little bundle of joy home. more

Nestled in the heart of West Plains sits the Yellow House, its vibrant hue a beacon to the cultural vitality that has been its hallmark for over a century. Today, the Yellow House Community Arts Center stands not only as a center for creativity and expression but also as a monument to the rich history of a town shaped by visionaries and community spirit. more

Ozark Christian Tabernacle is set to host the Catalyst Conference from November 3-5, aimed at empowering a generation that seeks Him. This free conference is dedicated to equipping youth and young adults with the biblical tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern life while strengthening their faith and understanding of the Bible. more

When a mother who had taken cocaine and oxycodone during her pregnancy gave birth in May 2001, her baby boy was born at just 26 weeks and weighed a mere one pound, 12 ounces. Christopher Duffley was so frail his chances of survival at first were very slim. During those critical evenings, his aunt prayed for God’s help. more

Psalms 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. more

People often think of saints as those who are especially holy or officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, like St. Christopher or St. Mary. Yet, in the Bible, the term saint has a different meaning. Basically, it means one who is set apart for God’s good purposes. In the New Testament, the Christians in local churches are called saints. In Romans 1:7 the Apostle Paul writes, “To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints.” All Christians are saints, not because they never sin or because they are perfect. No, all Christians, while saved by God’s grace in Jesus Christ, are still sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. Yet, all Christians are called to serve God through the power of the Holy Spirit and to live lives consistent with God’s holy character. Let’s live into our calling! “Love the Lord, all you his saints.” Psalm 31:23. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches of Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more