Two area residents are facing multiple felony charges after a traffic stop conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Department. more

The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program is one way that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service provides benefits to communities in and around national forests, including the Mark Twain National Forest. more

The Missouri House has passed legislation that could protect chemical manufacturer Bayer from some lawsuits alleging a popular weedkiller causes cancer. The legislation comes as Bayer faces tens of … more

An Arkansas panel has prohibited election officials from accepting voter registration forms signed with an electronic signatures. The state Board of Election Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously … more

The FBI has determined that a young Black man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a rural Missouri home, not at the hands of the white homeowner who had a history of racist social media … more

Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature has passed a bill to ban Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood. The GOP-controlled House on Wednesday voted 106-48 to send the proposal to … more

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' office says the U.S. and state flags will be flown at half-staff to honor former U.S. Sen. David Pryor, who also served as governor of Arkansas. Pryor died of … more

On March 2 a structure fire was reported at a home on Amyx Street, with a handicapped man located at the back door but unable to get out. West Plains Assistant Fire Chief Chris Sterner and Police Chief Stephen Monticelli presented the awards. West Plains Police Lt. Brandon Stephens arrived on the scene and was able to pull the man onto the porch from the doorway amid heavy fire and smoke, and oxygen tanks exploding inside the house. Fire Lt. Wayne Cormier then arrived and together they were able to pick up and move the victim to safety. more

Gov Brian Kemp is signing a law to give up to $6,500 a year to some Georgia families to pay for private school tuition or home-schooling expenses. It’s a victory for the Republican governor, whose … more

Parents, family members and community supporters of the West Plains High School Class of 2024 have a special opportunity to celebrate their seniors. more

Several Howell County rural schools have gotten funding that will help buy learning materials and equipment, including Glenwood R-8, Howell Valley R-1, and Richards R-5. more

The Willow Springs R-IV School District Board of Education convened for its regular meeting on April 10 with Superintendent Marty Spence presiding over the proceedings. The meeting, held in compliance with the required public notice and with a full quorum, took place with significant decisions on board leadership reorganization, personnel changes, and policy updates that would shape the educational and operational dynamics of the district for the upcoming school year. more

Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently announced a significant investment aimed at strengthening public safety across the state. The Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 70 grants totaling $5 million, aimed at enhancing the equipment and capabilities of law enforcement, fire service, and EMS providers in class three counties. This funding, part of the state's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, will help first responders better handle emergencies and provide additional protection while performing their duties. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced the official schedules and regulations for the upcoming 2024 hunting seasons for black bears and elk. This fall, hunters across Missouri will have the opportunity to participate in these carefully regulated hunts, aimed at managing the populations of these large mammals within the state's ecosystem. A total of 400 bear permits and five elk permits will be issued through a random drawing process, with applications opening in May. more

Shannon and Carter counties in southeastern Missouri have some of the worst broadband coverage in the state. Local stakeholders say that means communities in the two counties are cut off from essential health, education and employment resources. more

In an unprecedented move within the sphere of federal forest management and crime prevention, an intricate and innovative approach has been taken to tackle the persistent issue of timber theft in the United States. The heart of this pioneering effort centers around the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, where a recent case involving illegal tree harvesting has set a significant legal and scientific precedent. Kimberly Langston of the West Plains Daily Quill extensively covered the unfolding of this case, which not only brought to light the intricacies of forest crime but also the potential of DNA technology in environmental law enforcement. more

West Plains is gearing up for its annual celebration of regional culture with the Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, this vibrant event will transform the downtown area into a bustling hub of music, folklore, and traditional arts. As a beacon of Missouri's rich heritage, the festival not only offers an immersive experience into Ozark culture but also ensures it is accessible to all, with free admission to various activities spanning from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. more

New students planning to enroll in 2024 summer session and/or fall semester classes at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) can sign up now for the university’s STudent Advising and Registration (STAR) Orientation. more

Kansas City Star. April 22, 2024. Editorial: These Missouri and Kansas Republicans in Congress finally did right by Ukraine We don’t get that many chances to say, “Well done, House … more

The head of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee is asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to provide answers about the fatal raid at the home of the Little Rock airport … more