To the editor: more

Dear Belle, more

To the editor: more

I've figured out the best medicine for a long day at the office isn't found in a bottle — it's found on a lettered two-lane blacktop. There's something about taking the long way home, rolling the windows down and letting the wind blow the day's worries out the window that works better than any other elixir I've found. By the time I pull into my driveway, my blood pressure's a little lower and my attitude's a whole lot better. more

Anyone else feel like being a potato right now? more

Since being diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome last month, I’ve joined a growing number of those with this red meat allergy. Believed to be caused by a tick bite from the Lone Star tick, it seems that most families in our area have at least one member presently affected. more

When you live next to a wooded lot, you also live next to critters. Over the years, we’ve seen deer, chipmunks, mice, armadillos, coyotes, woodpeckers, rabbits, and some entirely unwelcome snakes. But a few months ago, some of the neighborhood squirrels mistook our house for an Airbnb and moved right on in. more

Running a newspaper is not for the faint of heart. more

To the editor: more

What was Halloween like in Howell County in the past? more

When browsing for books to check out at the library, I’ve noticed that most boys behave quite differently than most girls. more

Editor’s note: The Quill presents a new monthly column by Laura (Wright) Jones, a former West Plains resident with fond memories of her hometown. The column is presented in a yearlong partnership with Midway Towing with a commitment to elevating local voices. more

To the editor, more

For all the complaints surrounding social media, I’ve always seen it as a blessing. In my work, it’s a great way to keep up with the happenings in the community we cover, to connect with readers, to get breaking news out fast and just generally to keep the mutual exchange of ideas flowing. more

Here are the most-read stories at www.westplainsdailyquill.net in the past week, followed by their print dates: more

As Missouri’s State Treasurer, I’m proud to join people across our state and nation in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October. This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM — a time to recognize the skills, creativity and determination that people with disabilities bring to the workplace, and to renew our commitment to opportunity for everyone. It is also a chance to thank employers, families, and communities who encourage people with disabilities to achieve their goals and share their talents. more

Service is one of the most beautiful words in the English language. It means giving of yourself for the good of others. Every town needs people who serve — those who donate food, volunteer for cleanup days, or help lead community drives. Yet, as valuable as it is, service alone is not the same as being an engaged neighbor. more

To the editor: more

To the editor: more

Fall in Missouri means a lot of things — cool mornings, combines rolling through fields and leaves changing colors. It also means football, and on Saturdays, you'll find me at Faurot Field or next to a radio or TV tuned in to the Mizzou Tigers. It's a season full of energy — on the farm, in the community and in the stands. more