In Derek Thompson’s cover story for The Atlantic, titled “The Anti-Social Century,” he explores a critical social trend: Americans are spending more time alone than ever before, and this shift has profound implications for our personalities, politics and overall societal health.  more

I’m pretty particular when it comes to my reading selections, but I discovered an author this week that may become one of my favorites. more

I call myself a writer and newspaper columnist, but I’m increasingly doubtful that’s my most important job. more

Fall 2024 scholars at Arkansas State University-Mtn. Home have been named to the chancellor’s list and vice chancellor’s List.  Students who have a 4.0-grade point average are on the chancellor’s list, and students who have a 3.6 to 3.99-grade point average are on the vice chancellor’s List.  more

A fundraiser spaghetti dinner and dessert auction to benefit Craig Cromer has changed location and will now be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at United Freewill Baptist Church, 607 Lanton Road in West Plains. more

A foreign exchange student who is a senior at West Plains High School is looking for a family to host her for the remaining four months of the school year. more

The Ozark Spring Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution Patriot of the Month Award to Texas County Prosecutor Parke J. Stevens for his military service. more

Below are several upcoming events at Missouri State University-West Plains, many of which are open to the community. Feel free to clip this calendar and keep it for your reference to make sure you don’t miss any events that might interest you. Also listed are several important dates on the university’s calendar that area residents might want to keep in mind. more

The Mtn. View Garden Club had an unusually busy month during December, newly-installed President Robi Tanner reported. more

Welcome back to “Chris' Corner,” where I try to steer clear of politics to focus on the common threads that connect us all. However, just this once, I need to veer slightly into that thorny territory. Not to stir the pot, but to address a deeper concern that transcends individual issues. more

Once every five years or so, we get a new television. Sometimes it's because we actually need one — like that summer when a lightning strike electrocuted several of our appliances. But most of the time, it's because Tom starts reading about the incredible picture quality on the newest TV screens, and he just can't stand it anymore. He needs to see it for himself. more

January is National Book Month, so why not get lost in a couple of great books this month to celebrate? Some of my favorite older titles in the New Year to consider: more

When it comes to being kind and helpful to your neighbors, people might wonder if it fits with liberal or conservative values. The truth is, kindness doesn’t belong to just one political side — it’s a universal idea that connects to both perspectives. more

Few sounds in winter are more unwelcome than that of a pitchfork scraping the hay loft floor. more

Columbia College in Columbia recently announced its dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester, August through December 2024. more

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has announced the addition of two scholarships that may be of interest to area students pursuing a postgraduate degree in public health or a degree in the agriculture professions. more