The Junction Hill School board will hold its January meeting at 6 p.m. today in the school library. more

Thanks to two West Plains-based efforts to stoke the Christmas spirit and give families and kids a little boost, nearly 700 area children who might not otherwise have had much to celebrate got to be included in the holiday festivities. more

Editor’s note: The following article describes a case of alleged sexual abuse of children spanning several years. While care has been taken to report on these charges with sensitivity to survivors and readers, it may still be disturbing to read. See something, say something: If you suspect a child is being abused, call the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline, 800-392-3738. If you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, or if you’re a survivor of the same needing support, call Christos House’s hotline, 800-611-5853.
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An alleged assault with a knife during an apparent attempt to steal a pair of tennis shoes has led to four felony charges filed against a West Plains man with a lengthy criminal history. more

Police announce a narcotics search warrant served Friday on a home on Harlin Drive has resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine, paraphernalia believed to be related to the distribution of illegal drugs, and an illegal firearm. more

For the second time in a month, vandalism to machines at the Laundry Land laundromat ON Porter Wagoner Boulevard has resulted in felony property damage charges being filed, this time against two people who were apparently involved in the same incident. The suspects were reportedly recorded committing the alleged crimes on surveillance video during the incidents. more

On Jan. 27, two students at Missouri State University-West Plains will be crowned the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen. more

Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains has announced the arrival of the first baby born in 2024 at its Women’s Center, Waylon Cooper.  more

Franklin Delano “Denny” Roth II has announced his candidacy for the Missouri 8th District U.S. Congressional seat currently held by Republican Rep. Jason Smith, of Salem. more

Jason Smith, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th District, recently made a visit to the Ozarks Regional Stockyard in West Plains, available to lend an ear to cattle producers and hear concerns about an industry that brings a lot of dollars to the area. more

A resident of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., pleaded not guilty to a charge of felony first-degree property damage after allegedly using a rock to break five windows Dec. 8 at Pizza Shack on Porter Wagoner Boulevard in northern West Plains. more

A West Plains man with active warrants was arrested and released on bond Dec. 19 after a pursuit by officers, the second such pursuit of the same suspect in about a week. The pursuit also appears to have related to action taken by high school and middle school staff and students in response to a potential safety threat after it was reported to school officials by law enforcement. more

Two Birch Tree women suffered moderate injuries when their pickup truck ran off Dry Creek Road at 1:52 p.m. Sunday, about 2 miles north of Birch Tree in Shannon County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. more

All city, council and state government offices and buildings will be closed Monday for New Year’s Day. This includes driver exam stations and license offices, the Howell County office building and courthouse, and West Plains City Hall and the public library. The U.S. Post office lobby will also be closed. more

The December meeting of the West Plains R-7 School Board began with a wrap-up of fall high school student activities, including a visit by many sports and extracurricular activity participants. The students were introduced by Activities Director Dr. Ashley Cooley, and the activities spotlighted included cheerleading; girls tennis, softball, golf, and volleyball; boys soccer; girls and boys cross country; football; speech and debate; and theater. more

Law enforcement officials are searching for a man missing from the West Plains area since Dec. 2. more