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With the second wave of coronavirus affecting the nation and the number of cases rising, the CDC recommended people avoid unnecessary travel during the holidays to help stop the virus’s spread. AdvisorSmith analyzed which U.S. counties and states had the most people who traveled over 100 miles during the week of Christmas using anonymized mobile device data. ...

Dr. Lonnie Williams becomes Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement at Arkansas State University effective Jan. 4, 2021, Chancellor Kelly Damphousse announced today. Williams was appointed the interim vice chancellor on June 19, 2020...

The Arkansas Center for the Book announces a virtual poetry program with Jericho Brown to take place Feb. 4, 2021. The hour long program will include Arkansas Poet Laureate, Jo McDougall, and will focus on Jericho Brown’s 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of poetry, “The Tradition” (Port Townsend, WA: Copper Canyon Press, 2019). ...

The federal government offers many financial aid programs to help students and families pay for college. Applying for those programs means submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. These brief summaries from KHEAA describe the more common federal grant and loan programs that can help you get the student aid you need...

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has set a February 12 deadline to apply for wetland and agricultural land easements in Missouri. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help private landowners, tribes, land trusts and other groups protect valuable lands through easements...

Start your new year off with lots of laughs by attending the Jan. 26 performance of comedian Erik Rivera at the West Plains Civic Center theater. Rivera will take the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Current Missouri State-West Plains students can attend free with their BearPass ID...

Stand out and be seen The Microsoft Office Specialist Program provides industry-leading assessments of skills and knowledge through the new project-based testing, giving students and professionals real-world exercises to appraise their understanding of Microsoft Office...

All A’s Bethany Robbins, Molly Sue Corbett, Skylar Davis, Braelyn Eckman, Bethany Robbins, Jailee Tyson, Nikki Young, Remington Richardson, Elayna Russell, Brynn Washam, Delaney Young, Aidan Burns, Adrianna Corbett, Taylyn Davis, Remington Richardson, Blake Rogers, Lauren Skaggs, Aysa Walsh, Payton Tucker, Tisha Case, Rachel Davis, Shelby VanGinhoven and Kelli Young...

Principal’s List = All A’s Honor Roll = All A’s and B’s Seventh Grade: Principal’s List: Keera Arnold and Madison Dubois. Honor Roll: Emma Crowder, Ashlyn Fabrizio, Andrew Inman and Dylan Larsen. Eighth Grade: Principal’s List: Brandon Fraley and Abigail Vernon...

Losing weight is a popular New Year’s resolution, but Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to use caution when buying diet and weight loss products to aid them on their journey, especially products that advertise a free trial. “Miracle” products that promise easy weight loss are ubiquitous on the internet, and you may be enticed to try these products through a “risk-free” trial: Just enter your name, address and credit card number, and the product will be on its way for only a nominal shipping and handling charge. ...

Effective immediately, Baxter Regional Medical Center is offering a 15 percent discount on all hospital accounts if outstanding balances are paid in full before April 30, 2021. To take advantage of this offer or for more information, please contact Patient Financial Services at 870-508-1080 and ask to speak with a Financial Counselor...

Frederick Lorenz, MD, Board-Certified Otolaryngologist, recently joined the multi-disciplinary Ozarks Healthcare Medical Group. Dr. Lorenz brings over 25 years of clinical experience to Ozarks Healthcare Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT). Dr. Frederick Lorenz is a board-certified otolaryngologist. ...

University of Missouri Extension offers a virtual workshop about industrial hemp Jan. 11-15 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Topics include a legislative summary and regulatory update, agronomic practices and pests, uses for hemp, crop enterprise budgets, and processing and contracts...

The 2021 Neighborhood Preservation Act application cycle opened, Jan. 1. Applications are now being accepted, and must be postmarked no later than Feb. 16. Administered by the Department of Economic Development, the Neighborhood Preservation Act is a tax credit program created to aid in the rehabilitation and new construction of homes in certain census blocks in Missouri...

On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Governor Mike Parson announced $46 million in child care funding to ensure child care providers can support the needs of working Missouri families, especially those with low incomes during COVID-19. “In order for Missouri to be a strong and healthy state, we must deliver essential services and support the needs of our working families, especially during COVID-19. ...

Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick announced his partnership with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) Division of Employment Security has reached another milestone by returning over $1 million to Missourians who have applied for unemployment benefits. This partnership was announced in October...

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and researchers at the University of Missouri – Columbia have been collaborating on a statewide project to test domestic wastewater for genetic markers of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. ...

The nonprofit, online university is also offering tips for online learning amidst the continuing COVID-19 pandemic With the New Year approaching, many are eager to put the challenges they faced in 2020 behind them and make a fresh start in 2021. For those whose careers or livelihoods have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, this fresh start could mean resolving to pursue higher education so they can strengthen their skillsets and advance their careers in the year ahead. ...

Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick today announced that the MO ABLE program has doubled in size since he took office less than two years ago. When the Treasurer was sworn in in January 2019, MO ABLE had 906 accounts and today the program has 1,826...

During the Wednesday, Dec. 30 briefing at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson provided an update on Missouri’s progress with COVID-19 vaccinations.  “Missouri has now received shipments of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, and we have been successfully administering vaccines for more than two weeks,” Governor Parson. ...

Just before the start of a new year, Ozarks Healthcare completed its first round of administrations of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination to frontline healthcare workers. Ozarks Healthcare employees who volunteered to receive the vaccine included physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, environmental services staff, and others...

Program offers landowner incentives while increasing public access opportunities. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is extending the deadline to Jan. 15 for landowner enrollment into the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP). ...

Following a national search, Missouri KidsFirst has hired David Chayer as its next Executive Director. Chayer succeeds Joy Oesterly who is retiring after a distinguished 14 years with the organization.  For over 20 years, Chayer has worked in senior-level nonprofit leadership positions at the local, regional, state and national levels, including the American Red Cross and The ALS Association...

Missouri’s rural counties lack mental health services despite growing financial stress and suicide rates. All of Missouri’s 99 rural counties face a shortage of mental health professionals; 57 of them have none. University of Missouri Extension hopes to change that through a multistate project to help farmers, ranchers and farm families find affordable help close to home...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and NASA have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their longstanding partnership on space-based assets benefitting life on Earth. The agreement brings together NASA’s experience with technology development and space-borne Earth science measurements and USDA’s scientific experience and knowledge of agricultural production, resource conservation, food security and safety, and forests and working lands...

Posted 34-ton weight limit due to deterioration Recent bridge inspections showed deterioration, requiring MoDOT to restrict heavy loads on the Route 62 Bridge in Dunklin County. This bridge is located over the St. Francis River at the Missouri/Arkansas state line...

Smokey Bear made several appearances in local Christmas parades over the holidays.  He wants everyone to know Forest Service firefighters continue preparation work for prescribed burning throughout the winter—doing everything they can to prevent wildfires.  He also asks that everyone does their part by being fire safe.  Also, this winter, construction of a new helibase on the Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District has begun.  This new base of operation for the Mark Twain National Forest’s helicopter and helitack crew will increase the Forest’s wildland firefighting readiness.. ...

Conservation area visitors are asked to please take trash bags for picking up litter and properly disposing of it. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding visitors to not leave trash behind – especially fishing line -- when visiting conservation areas this winter...

As the new year approaches, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. You can watch the ball drop with your family, host a gathering with friends or even count down until midnight at a public party. But whether you’re ringing in the new year at home or spending a night out on the town, safety should always be a top priority. Here are a few tips to help you party responsibly, no matter where you celebrate...

The holiday season is almost over and soon it will be time to take down the decorations and dispose of Christmas trees, packaging, wrapping and other items, including used or broken electronics. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a few suggestions to help with disposing of these items this holiday season...

Fidelity Communications associates in West Plains collected 125 pounds of food to donate to the Samaritan Outreach Center this holiday season to help feed families in need. The internet service provider also purchased 16 bikes to donate to the local Toys for Tots drive in West Plains...

Fidelity Communications associates in West Plains collected 125 pounds of food to donate to the Samaritan Outreach Center this holiday season to help feed families in need. The internet service provider also purchased 16 bikes to donate to the local Toys for Tots drive in West Plains...

Designate a sober driver or call a ride share While this holiday season may be different from years past, a lot of those smaller, socially distanced gatherings will still most likely include alcoholic beverages. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind those who plan to celebrate to designate a sober driver or call a ride to avoid driving impaired. ...

West Plains Bank and Trust Company announced today that Richard King, Vice President/Compliance Officer, has decided to retire after 16 years with the bank, effective Jan. 4, 2021. David King will serve as compliance officer upon King’s retirement. King began his role as compliance officer in 2006. Prior to that, he served for two years as senior loan officer, building a commercial and agriculture portfolio and assisting in the development of the credit administration department...

Liesel Paige Garrett, of West Plains, Mo., was recently named to the University of Mississippi’s Fall 2020 Honor Roll lists. Garrett was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. “Our Chancellor’s Honor Roll students deserve a great deal of recognition for their pursuit of academic excellence and incredible achievements,” said Chancellor Glenn Boyce. ...

In response to the recently passed end-of-year package that includes legislation to protect patients from surprise bills, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) released the following statement: “ACEP has advocated for more than two years at the federal level to protect patients from surprise medical bills, and we’re pleased Congress has passed a thoughtful solution that should not endanger access to critical, life-saving care. ...

Governor Michael L. Parson’s Bicentennial Inaugural Committee announced initial plans for an Inaugural Prayer Service and the Inauguration Ceremony in January of 2021.  “To kick off Missouri’s bicentennial, we will celebrate our state’s rich heritage with a historic Bicentennial Inauguration,” said Teresa Parson, First Lady of Missouri and co-chair of the inaugural committee. ...

The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America offers five tips to keep furry friends safe in freezing temperatures Highs in the 40s might not seem bitterly cold, but temperatures are dropping below freezing at night through early morning, which can be a big danger to pets. It’s a common misconception that a pet’s fur will keep them warm while they’re outside, but the reality is – if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet!...

Students braved cool temperatures as they participated in Arkansas State University’s 2020 fall graduation exercises Sunday morning, Dec. 20, in Centennial Bank Stadium. The event, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, but was postponed to Sunday due to lingering rain in the forecast. The ceremony took place on the playing field while friends and families watched from the stands...

The following statement was made from Tom Keller, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, on December 16, 2020: Hello, Today I want to share a few updates on behalf of our organization as we head into the final days of 2020. For all of us, the holiday season is usually a time to gather and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. ...

Nursing Home Veterans and Health Care Workers First Priorities The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is expecting a preliminary supply of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year.  Officials say the first doses could arrive as early as next week. “Planning is underway at the John J. ...

A Dry Cure Bacon Workshop will be held Tuesday, Jan 19. There will be four one-hour classes to pick from. This includes times: 4-5 p.m., 5-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. Each person will be provided with all materials and will leave with a pork belly and instructions on what to do next...

Gift cards can be a convenient gift-giving solution when it gets down to the wire or if the recipient lives far away. E-gift card options make it an even easier gift, not to mention a safer one during COVID-19. Before you buy, Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to check the fine print and fees on gift cards and make sure security seals are intact...

For many, the holiday season is a time to gather and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. From family gatherings to community festivities, the holidays inspire many to honor the spirit of giving and offer time, resources, and help in numbers for those in need. ...

Secret Santa and Secret Sister scams are popular on social media. They are often disguised as a fun holiday exchange, when in reality, they can turn into a devilish scam costing money, your personal information, and heartache during the holidays. The scam works by requesting that you send online “friends” relatively inexpensive gifts, gift cards or money to those on an email or social media chain, with the promise that you, too, will receive gifts in the exchange. ...

In honor of retiring Ozark Independent Living (OIL) Executive Director Cindy Moore a scholarship has been established at Missouri State University-West Plains. OIL Board President Marty Simpson said the scholarship is in recognition of Moore’s 25 years of service to the organization. Moore was the founding executive director in 1996 and has been the only person to serve in the role...

Williams Baptist University has honored nine of its employees for 100 years of combined service to the school and its Christ-centered education. “I am privileged and honored to work with everyone at this great university,” WBU President Dr. Stan Norman said. ...

Gary Paxson, RN, BSN, MS, White River Health System, President/CEO recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standards of professional development. ...

By Brittney Schrick, PhD U of A System Division of Agriculture This year is weird. There, I said it. Nothing has been normal, and as the numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to climb, normal doesn’t seem to be coming back in the near future. Many of us had hoped the pandemic would be under control by the fall and winter holidays so we could see family and friends in a normal-ish way. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case...