Two area students have been named to the fall 2024 dean's list at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts will host a “Loving Watercolor” workshop led by artist Lee Copen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Walnut Room at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

The Willow Springs Tuesday Study Club met Nov. 19, 2024, at the Willow Springs Senior Center for a regular business meeting. Mary Knott was hostess for the day and also the program leader. Following the business portion of the meeting, Mary gave the following wonderful presentation: more

The West Plains Council on the Arts will host a door hanger workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 14 in the Dogwood Room of the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. It is instructed by local artist Tara Shahan and costs $40, with all supplies included. The project is a cow-head-shaped piece of quarter-inch plywood that will be painted and embellished with letters, bows and floral elements. The door hangers are about 18 inches in height. more

The John E. Miller building at Ozarka College in Melbourne, Ark., was recently filled with holiday cheer and excitement as families gathered to welcome Santa Claus for this year’s Christmas event, themed “Gingerbread Lane.” more

Middle school students from Howell Valley, Fairview, Glenwood and Ozarks Christian Academy (OCA) recently participated in the 2024 Math Educators of South Central Missouri (MESCM) 24-game mathematics tournament, with another to be held in January at Missouri State University-West Plains. Eighty students total participated, and organizer and MSU-WP mathematics professor Jerry Trick thanked the dozens of teachers and volunteers who helped make the event possible. more

On Nov. 13th, 10 members of the Mtn. View Garden Club met at Angel Garden flower shop for their monthly meeting, some arriving early to enjoy the “scrumptious” chicken croissant sandwiches offered for lunch, shared newly-elected club President Robi Tanner. more

Area residents interested in flying drones commercially can attend a workshop at Missouri State University-West Plains Jan. 6 through 8 to help them prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration certification exam. more

It’s Monday morning as I sit at my desk, a cup of freshly percolated hazelnut coffee within arm’s reach. It’s brewed in my trusty 1960s Corningware percolator, a relic that seems to make coffee taste better simply because it’s been around so long. There’s something timeless about the gentle bubbling and the rich aroma that fills the room — a comforting prelude to the reflections that come with the season. By the time you read this, Christmas will have passed, and I hope yours was filled with love, warmth, and a little bit of magic. more

Earlier this week my kids beat me at poker. No money changed hands, other than colored plastic chips. But the bragging rights will last a while, at least until next December. Our college-aged kids taught us how to play Texas Hold ‘em this year. We ordered cheap pizza and listened to Kenny Rogers sing “The Gambler” while we played. more

I like old things. more

Many years ago, my wife and I had a friend who came home to find her husband had passed away on their front porch. Their house was on a busy street, and we often wondered how many people might have seen him lying there but didn’t stop to help. This story reflects a troubling trend — people passing by without noticing or caring about  someone in need. more

On Dec. 24, Gary and Sue Orf of Bakersfield will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. more