The organizers of this spring's annual cystic fibrosis fundraising concert have announced the headliner for the event, country artist Sara Evans, a Missouri native and the first female performer to be scheduled in the concert’s 36-year history. more

West Plains R-7 school board members voted on Jan. 16 to continue with early-release Fridays for the foreseeable future after weighing the pros and cons, including bringing the district's calendar more in line with surrounding rural K-8 schools and the likelihood of teachers would losing lesson planning and collaboration time if early-release Fridays were eliminated. more

Two Arkansas residents have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following the investigation of a Jan. 8 stabbing death in Hardy, Ark., Fulton County Arkansas Sheriff Jake Smith announced Friday. more

The West Plains City Council delayed a special meeting, initially scheduled for Monday night, due to hazardous road conditions. It has been postponed until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 1910 Holiday Lane. more

One last round of wintry precipitation — this time, freezing rain — associated with an Arctic front that moved into the area Jan. 12, caused another round of cancellations by the majority of area schools on Monday, as well as local government buildings and several businesses. more

State Rep. Travis Smith, Twin Bridges and formerly of West Plains, announced his candidacy for the State Senate on Thursday. He is running for the 33rd District seat currently held by Karla Eslinger, Wasola, who will not seek reelection at the conclusion of her term. more

Fairview School is offering two dates for preschool and kindergarten screenings for the 2024-2025 school year. more

Two people have been charged after a narcotics warrant was served Jan. 10 at a home on the 300 block of West Maple Street in West Plains, resulting in the seizure of drug paraphernalia, suspected methamphetamine and other illegal controlled substances, a large amount of cash, and guns, say police. more

Willow Springs Mayor Pro Tem Kim Rich has been reappointed to her position on, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee, contributing to a landmark moment for the committee, which now, for first time in its history boasts a female majority. more

The yearly Project Homeless Connect event, an outreach service day to put the area's unhoused and unsheltered into contact with assistance agencies and one-day services like medical care, haircuts and help with food and clothing, will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

The annual election of council members for University of Missouri Extension in Howell County is underway. more

The Willow Springs School Board convened for its regular meeting on Jan. 8, swearing a new student representative and voting to create a committee dedicated to reforming evaluations of the school board and superintendent. more

The Richards School Board will hold its monthly session at 6 p.m. Thursday in the school boardroom. more

Craft brewers, distributors and area restaurants will highlight the 11th annual West Plains BrewFest, set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 24 in the arena and exhibit hall at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Doors will open promptly at 5:30. more

David N. Plyushchev, 22, West Plains, has been charged by grand jury indictment with felony second-degree statutory rape after a traffic stop led to the investigation of Plyushchev as the probable father of teen's baby. more

As the bitter cold continues through the first half of the week, and with a slight possibility of a further dusting of snow today, several area schools have called off in-person classes for Tuesday. more