The Chaos Closet on East Main Street in West Plains, opposite of West Plains Bank and Trust Company, will hold a special Foster Friday event from 5 to 7 p.m. today. more

Richards School District will be hosting Open House for the 2024-2025 school year on the evening of Aug. 15. Open House will be held at both campuses from 5 to 7 p.m. more

Shoppers looking for school supplies in Missouri can take advantage of the annual statewide sales tax holiday that began today and will run through midnight Sunday. All sales taxes on eligible items — local and state — will be exempt. more

The right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy, a fundamental privilege that signifies the voice of the people in shaping their government. However, this right has not always been universally accessible. The history of voting rights in the United States is a long, intricate journey marked by struggles, activism, and gradual expansion. From the early days of the republic to the present, the story of voting rights is a testament to the relentless pursuit of equality and justice. This feature explores the evolution of voting rights in America, highlighting the key milestones and the ongoing importance of civic participation. more

Genesis 2:17 But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die. more

Moving from childhood into puberty and then to adulthood is never easy. The “tween” stage is often a period filled with intense questions and major self-doubt. De-spite that, most people survive those challenging years without long-term complica-tions. more

The Bible encourages us again and again to pray. The Apostle Paul instructs us to “pray without ceasing,” (I Thessalonians 5:17) In Philippians 4:6 he says, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Jesus tells us to “pray always and not to lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) We pray persistently not to nag or pester the Almighty, but to grow in our relationship with God. Persistent prayer is about trust and our willingness to trust Christ to guide us. In a car, prayer should be like a steering wheel. Unfortunately, many of us treat prayer like a spare tire, used only in emergencies. Pray always, pray throughout the day, and you will find yourself growing closer to God. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Living a life that reflects Christ isn't just about following rules or attending church every Sunday. It's a profound, transformative journey that touches every aspect of our existence. For Christians, it means embodying the values, attitudes, and behaviors that Jesus demonstrated during His time on Earth. This editorial will delve into what it truly means to live a life reflective of Christ, clearing up some misconceptions along the way, and offering heartfelt, practical insights on how to walk this path daily. more

Baxter Health officials in Mtn. Home, Ark., are welcoming two new medical doctors to its health system: Dr. Hannah McCarthy and Dr. John Chinchen. more

Baxter Health Fulton County Hospital officials announce announce a community celebration will be held Aug. 29 at the hospital, 679 N. Main St., in Salem, Ark., to celebrate the excitement around Fulton County Hospital integrating into the Baxter Health System. more

Brandi Woosley, a mentee of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, has launched a new business on Court Square in downtown West Plains: Life Phases Metaphysical Store.  more

Ozarks Healthcare has received an Electronic Health Records (EHR) Experience Breakthrough recognition from the KLAS Arch Collaborative in Salt Lake City, Utah, for improvements the local health system has made in the EHR experience for its providers and nurses, officials announced. more

The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to reinforce the blood supply as much as possible before the summer winds down. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August. more

I’m always excited to see a book on our holdshelf with my name on it! Of course, it would be better if both requests didn’t come in at once, causing me to have to choose which one I begin reading first. As much as I enjoy Fannie Flagg’s writing, I can’t help but choose “The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride” by Joe Siple this time due to the excellent reviews it has received. more

I have been fortunate over the years to have two collections of my personal columns published in softcover books. more

In my continuing saga of my Martin family history, James Pinkney Martin and his wife, Elizabeth (my 3x great grandparents) had moved to one of the most isolated areas of the Ozarks to set up a homestead in 1854. They were situated on the Bryant River (also called a Creek at times but river sounds more respectable) section of the White River. more

This weekend, I found myself doing something that used to be a cherished tradition—watching the Olympics. Well, "watching" might be a bit of a stretch. I had it on the television and would catch bits and pieces as I walked by, occasionally pausing to see what was happening. And as I did this, I realized something: my enthusiasm for the Olympics has dwindled. I can’t remember the last time I was truly excited about the Games. Even the opening ceremonies, which used to be a must-watch spectacle, were reduced to a few highlights on YouTube for me this year. more

Alright folks, buckle up because July 31, 2012, was one for the ages! Picture this: a bright, sunny day in London, and the Olympic Aquatics Centre is buzzing with energy. People from all over the globe packed into the stands, ready to witness something truly epic. The air was thick with excitement, and everyone was talking about one man – Michael Phelps. more

The July heat may still be upon us, but the buzz of high school football season is already filling the air with anticipation! The West Plains Daily Quill is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our much-anticipated special Football Preview tabloid. This beloved publication is set to hit the stands in just a few weeks, providing an in-depth look at our area’s high school football teams with stunning pictures and insightful analyses for the upcoming season. more