The festive spirit was in full swing Friday on Court Square in downtown West Plains, as the community gathered for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event, attended by nearly 200 people braving the cold, marked the beginning of the holiday season in the city. more

With just four weeks to go until Christmas, Santa’s mailbox is now open and quickly filling up with letters from children with special gift requests. more

Two incidents Friday resulted in action taken to ensure school safety at the West Plains district school buildings and Willow Springs Middle School. more

A special meeting of the Mtn. View City Council to appoint an alderman to fill a seat left open by the Nov. 14 resignation of East Ward Alderman Steven Sills and to conduct second interviews of city administrator candidates was held Tuesday, with the appointment of Bud Vines by Mayor John Krasuski. Vines accepted the appointment, and the seat will be on the ballot in April's city elections. more

Downtown Willow Springs is looking like it will be abuzz with activity today, starting with breakfast and children’s activities this morning and wrapping up with this evening’s Christmas parade. more

Two brothers have pleaded not guilty to felony charges of stealing and burglary filed after an October break-in of a West Plains business. more

Officials with the U.S. Department of Justice, Western District, Springfield, have announced the sentencing of an Arkansas resident who was found in October 2020 with a large amount of methamphetamine and cash, plus a firearm, at the Twin Bridges Campground in Douglas County. more

Early this year, Hammond Mill Camp launched a campaign to raise $160,000 by Jan. 31, 2024. With just two months left to go, the board that runs the camp announces it has reached 72% of its goal. more

Commission to hold special session today more

The Howell County Commission is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. Thursday with county Emergency Management Director Mike Coldiron for a grant application conference. more

The Mtn. View City Council will meet in a special session at 6 p.m. today in the council chambers at city hall, 120 N. Oak St. more

The Ozark Spring chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution monthly meeting will be a “Tea Party” beginning at noon Saturday in the American Legion Hall, 1401 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains. more

Those getting ready to do their Christmas shopping are invited to pick up some extra children’s gifts to take to The Bridge Church, in the building formerly known as The Barn Event Center, 10105 South U.S. 63, West Plains, for the 12th annual Toys for Tots Christmas Concert to be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings. more

The Mtn. View Chamber of Commerce has announced a day full of Christmas activities to help support small businesses and spread holiday cheer in downtown Mtn. View on Dec. 16. more

During a busy monthly meeting for Willow Springs City Council members, an update on the McClellan Building was given, a draft balanced budget was presented by City Administrator Beverly Hicks, upcoming city elections were discussed, and a funding agreement was made between the city and the Willow Springs Community Foundation regarding financial support of the McClellan Building renovation. more

On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, people from around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give back. The Ozarks Small Business Incubator encourages the community to take part in this international day of generosity by donating to their favorite charity, nonprofit organization, or cause. more

The Missouri Lottery announced this month it has awarded funds to schools statewide, raised from the sales of Scratchers and draw games lottery tickets in the 2023 fiscal year. more

Because of increased needs and the nonprofit’s goal to continue toward the future in a sustainable manner, the Diaper Resource Center-West Plains (DRC) is looking to the community continue its eight-year tradition of support in helping the organization meet families’ diaper-related needs. more