The countdown to March Madness is on. The beloved annual tradition that is the NCAA Tournament will begin next week. Tens of thousands will fill out brackets in hopes of winning the office poll or at … more

Fans navigating the dozens of schools in the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments might become as attached to the mascots as the athletes themselves. Frankie the Friar wears a permanent … more

For the first time in a long time, there are at least a half-dozen teams that could win the women’s NCAA Tournament. Defending champion South Carolina leads the way. Unlike last season when the … more

The college basketball season is winding down, which means March Madness is upon us. The annual men’s and women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association tournaments are among the most closely … more

Dick Vitale became emotional Saturday night while talking about his most recent cancer battle while announcing top-ranked Duke’s 73-62 victory over No. 13 Louisville in the Atlantic Coast … more

Out of a field of 1,404 runners, a West Plains High School sophomore recently placed third at the annual Vacation Races Zion Half-marathon in Utah, having never trained at that sort of altitude.  more

Cheer tryouts start April 14 more

University of Michigan regent Denise Ilitch tells The Associated Press she believes there’s enough support for the Big Ten school to launch a Division I women’s hockey program that it’s only a … more

The Thayer High School Bobcats’ senior class closed the book on their storied careers in fitting fashion Thursday, delivering a gutsy performance to claim a fourth consecutive Class 3 third-place finish with a 68-61 victory over Woodland in the state tournament. more

In a hard-fought battle for the Class 5 District 6 championship, the West Plains Lady Zizzers left everything on the court Tuesday night but ultimately fell to the Marshfield Lady Bluejays, 64-58, at Willard High School. Despite several late-game rallies, the Lady Zizzers couldn’t overcome Marshfield’s free-throw shooting and second-chance points down the stretch. more

The West Plains freshman and sophomore baseball Zizzers played Thursday in the Red and White Scrimmage at the Zizzer Baseball Field.  more

Area wrestlers recently traveled Camdenton for the Missouri USA District 6 Tournament, resulting in a subsequent trip to Springfield March 8 and Sunday for the State Championships. more

Damon LaSalle is making the most of his second chance. He's a 40-year-old volleyball player for New Jersey City University. Most of his teammates weren’t born 20 years ago when he was one of the … more

The next few days should be stressful for Ohio State after the Buckeyes lost 77-70 to Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State is on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Not only did the Buckeyes lose … more

For the fourth straight season, the Thayer Bobcats are bound for the Final Four. Coach Matt Pitts and his squad delivered a commanding performance Friday, dismantling Lamar 67-39 in the Class 3 quarterfinals to punch their ticket to the state semifinals. more

The West Plains Lady Zizzers left no doubt on Friday night, storming past the Hillcrest Lady Hornets with a commanding 72-51 victory in the Class 5 District 6 semifinals. From the opening tip, the Lady Zizzers came out firing on all cylinders, setting the tone early with relentless defense and lights-out shooting. The win secured their spot in the district championship game against Marshfield. more

When the buds on the trees begin to swell and the last frigid blasts of winter have retreated north, the fishing year for me truly begins. March begins where winter left off. The water is cold and it takes a few days of warmth to get much of anything moving. By the end of the month the trees are flush with new leaves and the water is teaming with fish. more

In the heart of the Ozarks, where rugged hills and winding trails create a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, a group of young riders is pushing limits, conquering challenges and embracing the thrill of mountain biking on cross-country-style trails. They are the West Plains Composite Mountaineers, a team of student-athletes in grades six through 12 fueled by the desire to test themselves against the elements. more

Authorities in New Mexico say actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease likely a week after his wife died of hantavirus. Officials say he may not have realized she was dead in their New Mexico home. … more