The Smotherman family participated in the man get-togethers which small-town country folks did at that time, late 1930s, 1940, ’41, ’42, ’43. There were gatherings at Deepwater School called pie suppers. Women would bake their best pies to bring; then, the pies would be auctioned off. The money raised was spent to help support the school. more

Wichita State University in Kansas has announced the names of 3,865 students, including two from Texas County who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for fall 2024.  more

My apologies to my unknown relatives in Canada for the unpleasant political winds emanating from below our border. more

It was a Saturday night in Downtown West Plains. February 22. more

Tonight will be a night of fun, food and friendship when the Friends of the Garnett Library host Bingo Night at 6:30 p.m. at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

In just a few weeks, high school students from across the region will gather at Missouri State University-West Plains to participate in the 37th annual Interscholastic Contest, scheduled for April 11 on the MSU-WP campus. more

The Shannon County Museum in Eminence will host an Author’s Day from 1 to 4 p.m. today featuring local writers. The museum opens at 10 a.m. for its first day of the 2025 season. more

The Willow Springs Tuesday Study Club met on Jan. 21 at the beautiful home of Peggy Miller for the first regular business meeting of the new year. Following the business portion of the meeting, Peggy gave the following delightful presentation: more

Growing up in a small town, I knew my neighbors. I rode bikes and played wiffle ball with my neighbors. I went to church and school with my neighbors. I even went to a neighbor's house to eat chocolate chip cookies when I got in trouble at home. That was because my grandparents were one of my neighbors! more

It didn’t take long for me to get enough winter after the ice and cold weather that enveloped the Ozarks in early January. more

Where did the Smotherman sisters go to school, and how did they get there? more

As I write this on Feb. 22, I realize it’s George Washington’s birthday and regret it’s not honored as it was when I was growing up. Back “in my day,” Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays were federal holidays on Feb. 12 and Feb. 22, respectively. more

The West Plains Senior Center held special events for Valentine's Day recently, including a contest for best-decorated Valentine box and a King and Queen competition. Valentine Box winners were, from left, Kathy Ruff, first place for her "Castle Fit For a Queen”; May Schmitt, second place for her "I Love To Sew" themed box; Bob Dutton, third place for his "Gnome My Heart" box; and honorable mention went to Debra Hicks for her "Love Boat" box. Dutton was also crowned Valentine King, and Nona Oaks was crowned Valentine Queen during the festivities, which had about 65 attendees. For information about West Plains Senior Center lunches, services and special events, call 417-256-4055 or visit the Facebook page @WestPlainsSeniorCenter. 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

Winners in the recent annual Harlin Museum Quilt and Fiber Arts Show have been announced. more

Truman State University in Kirksville announces Kerrie Sanchez, Licking, earned her Master of Arts degree at the conclusion of the fall semester. more