Prolific creator of West Plains murals Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo recently unveiled his latest painting, "Let There Be Light," at the West Plains Public Library and was presented with a proclamation from West Plains Mayor Mike Topliff for his contributions to the community and library. more

West Plains attorney Melissa Stewart has been sworn in as an associate 37th Judicial Circuit judge to replace Donna Anthony, who recently retired from the seat after being elected in 2018 and 2022. The appointment was made by Gov. Mike Parson and announced April 15, the same day Stewart was sworn in by Presiding Circuit Judge Steven Privette at the Howell County Courthouse. more

Missouri State Parks officials are asking for public input regarding the future development and considerations to be made for the Eleven Point State Park in Oregon County. more

This week, the Quill learned of a possible scam related to the results of the recent 2023 Best of West Plains contest, published in the March 30 issue of the Quill’s West Plains Gazette. more

The Howell County Sheriff's Office has reported a 12-year-old West Plains Middle School student has been placed in juvenile custody after threats made on April 18 and Monday. more

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

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

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

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

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

A woman from Calico Rock, Ark., succumbed to fatal injuries caused by a crash at 3:39 p.m. April 15 on Highway 177 in Pineville, Izard Co., Ark., the Arkansas State Police reported. more

A Koshkonong resident was arrested April 10 after allegedly perpetrating a sexual assault on a teenage family member. more

Howell County Commissioners have two meetings scheduled for their regular Monday session at 10 a.m. in the conference room on the second floor of the county office building, 35 Court Square. more

On May 3, Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative will host its 85th annual membership meeting at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., beginning with registration at 4:30 p.m. more

Ronald D. Masterson, 59, West Plains, has been charged with felony first-degree burglary after allegedly entering an elderly woman's home without her permission, rubbing her foot and eating her food. more