Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part column. The continuation will be published in the Nov. 8 issue of the Quill. more

A group of West Plains High School students is gaining valuable hands-on experience while helping make the campus safer and more accessible to students and staff who require the use of a wheelchair. more

UScellular officials announce the company has been awarded more than $5.8 million from the Missouri Cell Towers Grant Program to enhance mobile and in-home connectivity in several counties across the state. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. When the leaves start to change colors and there's a crispness in the air, you know it's time to bring out those recipes that warm your heart and soul. And what could be more fitting for this season than a bowl of rich, creamy, and utterly delectable sweet potato soup? This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a symphony of flavors that celebrates all the best parts of fall. Today, I’m beyond excited to share with you my all-time favorite sweet potato soup recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your autumn culinary repertoire! more

It's November foodies, and the big meal of the year will be here before we are ready, that's every year for me. But, before we get into that menu, I've been hunting up recipes using ground beef more since it's still the most economical.  I tend to get into a food rut so I was looking for casserole dishes that would be filling and give us leftovers.  I do appreciate leftovers.  Autumn and winter cooking tends to be based around soups and stews so this recipe caught my eye as an excuse to give casseroles another chance.  more

The Arrive Alive challenge was high tech, but the message was relatively simple for the Willow Springs High School students who donned virtual reality goggles and got behind the wheel of an SUV. more

Editor’s note: Having just graduated high school, traditional students may seem eager to embrace the next chapter in their educational journey – college. But that’s not always the case. Going through the processes to pick the college they want to attend can seem daunting, then comes actually attending the classes so they can get a degree. Shane Hull, a current sophomore at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), has been through the processes and will be sharing his story in this column and subsequent columns in the coming months to provide insights into the higher education processes for others like him who are embarking on their own collegiate journey. Hull works part time on several projects in the MSU-WP university communications office. more

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

Nestled in the heart of Ozark County, a mere five miles north of Gainesville, lies a captivating expanse of natural beauty and rich history - the Caney Mountain Conservation Area. Covering a sprawling 7,899 acres, this remarkable region stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur, conservation success, and the tenacious spirit of wildlife preservation. more

In an era marred by misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and misguided animosity, it becomes imperative to journey back through time and scriptures to unravel the threads that intricately weave together three of the world's major monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Although varied in practices and perspectives, these faiths share a common root in the veneration of the God of Abraham, embodying a rich tapestry of religious, historical, and cultural connections. more

This simple word is found throughout the story of God’s people. In Genesis 12:1 Abraham’s story begins when God tells him to go from his country to the land God will show him. It is a journey of miles, but it is also a journey of faith. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” These words in Matthew 28:19 are often called the Great Commission. After his resurrection, Jesus sent his followers to share his message and continue his ministry. In Mark 16:15 Jesus said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news.” It is important to remember that “go” is an imperative and a call to action. Going requires movement, doesn’t it? We cannot follow Jesus and stay put. Pray for God’s guidance and trust that God will lead you. Our Lord calls us to go in peace and in faith. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

In the first part of our study, we discussed the foreknowledge & omniscience of God. Now, in Psalms 139, let us examine God's omnipresence.  more

Many years ago, I read best-selling author John Maxwell’s fascinating book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Maxwell told a dramatic story about businessman Roberto Goizueta, the former CEO of Coca-Cola. In 1997, only a few months before his death, Goizueta delivered a brilliant speech to the Executives’ Club of Chicago in which he shared the passion which motivated him to get up each day. He said, “…A billion minutes ago, Christianity emerged. A billion seconds ago the Beetles performed on the Ed Sullivan show. A billion Coca-Colas ago was… yesterday morning. And the question we are asking ourselves now is, ‘What must we do to make a bil-lion Coca-Colas ago this morning?’” more

I have talked with other Christians concerning being disheartened about life, circumstances or just simply feelings disconnected from God. Even as a pastor myself, there have been times that I have struggled with these thoughts and feelings. more

In the realms of motorcycle history, few names carry the weight and nostalgia that BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company) does. Founded in 1861 in Birmingham, England, BSA has endured wars, economic fluctuations, and the test of time to create a legacy that is etched in the annals of motorcycling history. From munitions to motorcycles, the BSA story is a riveting tale of innovation, triumph, and resilience. more

Attention, music enthusiasts and fans of live entertainment! The historic Avenue Theatre in downtown is gearing up for an extraordinary night of music, fun, and community gathering as Ha Ha Tonka prepares to grace the stage on November 3rd. Excitement is in the air, and the good news is, there are still tickets available for this must-attend event! more