“We had a wonderful turnout here at the library for our Festival of Trees! The winning tree, by popular vote, was the West Plains Noon Rotary Club,” announced West Plains Public Library Manager Dr. Greg Carter. Eighteen businesses and organizations set up Christmas trees in the library, helping the West Plains Public Library Foundation raise more than $3,000, said Carter. He added that during the festival’s culmination on Dec. 16, the library welcomed over 200 guests for hot cocoa; “delicious cookies” from culinary arts instructor Bryan Hathcock at Southern Missouri Technical Institute, formerly South Central Career Center; a special story time; and visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Library patrons cast their votes for their favorite trees with dollar bills. Present to celebrate the Noon Rotary Club’s win were, front row, from left: Angela Meyer, Haden Garrett, Sunie Pace, Ramona Heiney, Sarah Russell and Carson Russell. Back row: Diane Cook, Jeff Collins and Grayson Gordon.
