Mark your calendars and get ready for an extraordinary experience! The Curry Street Church of Christ invites everyone to join us for our Vacation Bible School, happening from July 29 to July 31 at 7 p.m. each evening. This year, we're diving into the thrilling theme of "The Adventures of Paul." more

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at Breaker Rock Beach! Every day is an unforgettable journey, from the morning waves crashing against the shore to evenings filled with bonfires and s'mores. Imagine catching a glimpse of an orca leaping through the surf or watching happy sea lions play among the rocks beneath magnificent pines. Race along the sand with your brightly colored kite, join friends to make the most amazing sandcastle, or gaze in wonder at the mysteries found in a glimmering tide pool. As the crowds come and go and the tides ebb and flow, Breaker Rock rises majestically as a symbol of strength, standing firm against the force of wind and waves. more

On the sun-drenched afternoon of July 20, 1858, the quiet town of Long Island bustled with unprecedented excitement as the Fashion Race Course prepared to host a historic baseball game. This was no ordinary game; it was the first time in baseball history that spectators would be charged an admission fee to witness the contest. For the price of 50 cents, around 1,500 fans gathered, eager to watch the New York All-Stars take on the Brooklyn All-Stars in what would become a pivotal moment in the sport's history. more

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team has found its new head coach. more

Organizers of the first Ursa Minor esports program at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) called the five-week event “a success.” more

A familiar face has been tapped to helm the Grizzly Athletics department at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP). more

Today marks a momentous event in West Plains. At 5 p.m., Toney Aid will take down the flag out in front of Aid Downtown Antiques, formerly Aid Hardware, for the very last time. For 5 generations an Aid has owned and operated a business at 1 Court Square. Aid has a photo of his grandfather taking down the flag on the last day of business for the hardware store in the 1990s. It is a bittersweet day for everyone who knows and loves the Aids, but as one door closes, another one opens. In retirement, Toney can finally focus all of his energy on the book project he has spent nearly half of his life working on. The community of West Plains owes a debt of gratitude to the Aid Family that can never be repaid. Their tireless, often thankless, efforts to preserve and restore the historical sites of our beloved downtown has been a lifetime of work. In the heart of West Plains, a town that clings to its history like autumn leaves to a tree, there stands a testament to the enduring spirit of a family business. Welcome to Aid Downtown Antiques, where stepping through the doors is akin to stepping into a living legacy, a tribute to resilience, innovation, and community impact. more

On June 15, the Christos House Chocolate Festival unfolded in all its sugary glory at the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. The event, held from noon to 4 p.m., was a much-anticipated celebration for chocolate lovers of all ages. With an entry fee of just $10, attendees were treated to 20 tasting tickets, allowing them to sample a wide array of delectable chocolate creations from both professional and amateur chocolatiers. For the little ones aged 10 and under, entry was free with adult supervision, making it a family-friendly affair. more

If you haven't yet experienced the magic of "Mary Poppins" at the historic Avenue Theatre, you're in luck—but just barely. This weekend is your final chance to catch this enchanting summer tradition that's been captivating audiences of all ages. more

In a poignant celebration of Juneteenth, the Lincoln School welcomed Lamar Johnson, a man whose story of resilience and justice captured the hearts of many, to its historic halls. The visit was marked not only by Johnson’s compelling presentation but also by an essay contest that challenged students to delve deeply into themes of conviction, integrity, and personal connection. more

Until recently, I knew little about the Korean Conflict except that the US entered the fight in 1950 to stop the spread of communism. I did not re-alize that while the Korean War lasted just over three years, it took the lives of millions of North and South Koreans and that UN forces also suffered 100,000 casualties. more

Luke 14:26 You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot follow me unless you love me more than you love your own life. more

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) In Nehemiah 8:10 we read, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” With the troubles we face in today’s world, we may be tempted to think these words of scripture are out of date, meant for another time in the distant past. And yet, they are meant for us today. The dictionary says joy is a feeling of happiness, an emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune. The Bible tells us that it is more. This fruit of the Spirit is evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is a response to the ways God intervenes in our lives to help us, to save us, to love us. Life can be hard, even brutal, but we have a Savior, and no matter what happens we have confidence that “nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 15:35) This good news of great joy is why we rejoice. May God bless your week with joy! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View more

Today, let’s embark on a heart-to-heart journey through a topic that often stirs up quite a storm—politics. Specifically, why the Christian church should avoid entangling itself in the political arena. This isn't about pointing fingers or igniting debates but rather about seeking wisdom from the Good Book and understanding our true calling. more

Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) recently was awarded a $2,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation to support the launch of Grizzly Baseball during the 2024-2025 academic year. more

Jared Phay, head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team, today announced the signing of several players for the 2024-2025 season. They are: more

The Grizzly Softball Skills Camp, held on May 17 at the West Plains City Softball Complex, was a resounding success. The event, sponsored by the Community First Banking Company of West Plains, attracted young athletes from various age groups who were eager to enhance their softball skills. more

Three members of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team have been named to the 2023-2024 NJCAA All-Region 16 team. more

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) are looking for new coaches for the Grizzly Softball team. more

The 2023-2024 season came to an end Saturday, April 27, for the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team. more