Arts/Education
Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) announced today that Dr. Jason McCollom, associate professor of history at MSU-WP, has been honored with the 2025 Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The award was presented on April 2 by officials with the Council on...
The West Plains High School Zizzer Pride Band and Zizzer Choir recently competed at the MSHSAA District Competition.
The Zizzer Varsity Band received a top rating in performance and sight reading.
The Zizzer Concert Choir and Zizzer Chamber Choir received gold ratings. For the concert...
The West Plains R-VII School District announced last week Michael Davis has been approved as the next Coordinator of At Risk Services and Director of the Zizzer Pride Academy (ZPA).
Davis has been employed with the district since 2018, beginning his career on the maintenance and custodial...
A petition from a group of concerned parents is circulating regarding the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District. The outcry centers on the administration/principals of the district and lack of communication on critical issues, "such as the reported presence of a sex offender on school grounds...
Only a single bid was received for the purchase of the Carmichael School building, and it was refused by the West Plains Schools Board of Education during their meeting on March 18. The school also discussed the effects of the March 14 tornado and approved the minimum seating they will require...
Strong winds on March 19 damaged the roof of the FEMA shelter at Willow Springs Schools, known locally as the Bears Den. Superintendent Dr. Marty Spence confirmed Friday that repairs have already begun.
“The event took place while middle school students were outside for recess. School...
The Mountain View-Birch Tree High School recently announced their third quarter honor roll students.
9th Grade - Gold: Dalton Boyd, Malila Cross, Bristol Dale, Brinley Duckett, Liam Greer, Cooper Holden, Chloe Jester, Stevie Ledbetter, Taylen Luster, Allie Marriott, Braxton Minnich, Isabella...
The Willow Springs R-IV School District Board of Education has decided to use a traditional five-day calendar for the 2025-2026 school year instead of a proposed four-day/hybrid schedule. The board voted five to one in favor of the five-day calendar, with Board President Mac Gum voting against it...
The Willow Springs School Board of Education discussed board policy, non-resident tuition rates, and a open enrollment law in the state legislature during their March 10 meeting. The board also approved a calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, and that topic is covered in a separate article....
Missouri State University—West Plains Chancellor Dr. Dennis Lancaster announced last week that he will retire on July 1. Dr. Lancaster has spent more than three decades in various roles serving the university.
"Serving as chancellor of Missouri State University-West Plains has been one of the...