Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Chamber News

**Our LEAD WP class is now FULL**

The West Plains Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the upcoming 2026 LEAD West Plains Community Leadership class and the opening of sponsorship opportunities. This program is dedicated to developing the next generation of community leaders, and we invite local businesses to join us in this vital endeavor.

The support of local businesses is crucial for the success of the 2026 LEAD West Plains program. By sponsoring this initiative, businesses not only contribute to the growth and development of future leaders but also invest in the prosperity and sustainability of the entire community. Sponsorship provides businesses with visibility, recognition, and a direct role in shaping the leaders who will drive the region forward.

The 2026 LEAD West Plains program is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to tackle the challenges of today's dynamic world. The curriculum focuses on leadership skills, community engagement, and personal development, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to assume leadership roles. Through workshops, mentorships, and hands-on projects, participants of the West Plains community leadership class will gain a deep understanding of the community's needs and how to address them effectively.

We encourage all local businesses to seize this opportunity to support a transformative community leadership initiative. Sponsorships are now available, and we look forward to collaborating with you to empower tomorrow's leaders today. For more information on sponsorship packages and how you can participate, please contact the West Plains Chamber of Commerce at 417-256-4433 or info@wpchamber.com. 2026 LEAD participant applications are now online at www.wpchamber.com

*Applicants are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size limitied. Deadline for applications: December 31, 2025

Join us on February 12, 2026, for the first-ever Stronger Together: Ozarks Business Summit, hosted by the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce and OzSBI! Connect with local entrepreneurs and leaders for a day of inspiring speakers, hands-on sessions, and valuable networking. Topics include AI for business, social media marketing, leadership, and workforce retention—perfect for anyone looking to grow or scale their business in the Ozarks.

Member News

 West Plains Gears Up for America 250 Celebration

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Event Planned for 2026

WEST PLAINS, Mo. . — The nation is preparing to commemorate America 250, and planning is already underway in West Plains for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The celebration will take place on July 4, 2026, on the Missouri State University–West Plains campus. Festivities will include food trucks, live music, sack races, a wagon and bicycle parade, and more family-friendly fun.

In honor of the semiquincentennial, community members are invited to participate in the “Walk 250 Miles” challenge! Starting October 27, 2025, walk just one mile per day to reach 250 miles by Independence Day 2026.

To record your miles, log sheets are available at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center (2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd.). Completed sheets totaling 250 miles or more can be submitted for a chance to win prizes. Participants may enter one of three divisions: 65 and over, 18–64, and 17 and under.

Get your 250 miles in however you can—even if that means more than a mile per day to catch up!

Stay tuned for updates and additional details by following Explore West Plains on Facebook. Happy walking, and thank you for celebrating America 250 with us!

Free Chair Yoga Program for Seniors Launches in Howell County

The University of Missouri Extension is excited to announce the launch of a new wellness initiative for older adults in Howell County: Functional Fitness – A Chair Yoga Approach. This free program is designed to support the physical and emotional well-being of seniors through gentle, accessible movement.

The program is currently seeking volunteers aged 65 and older to participate in a 12-week pilot study. Participants will attend twice-weekly chair yoga classes and provide feedback on their experience to help determine the program’s effectiveness.

Program Details:

• Location: Howell County Extension Office, 1376 Bill Verdon Blvd, West Plains, MO
• Dates: September 29, 2025 – January 7, 2026
• Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Cost: Free

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 65 years or older
• Able to attend 24 classes over 12 weeks
• Willing to complete pre- and post-program surveys

“This is a wonderful opportunity for older adults to engage in a gentle fitness routine while contributing to research that could benefit seniors across Missouri,” said Candace Rodman, M.S., Principal Investigator with MU Extension’s Health and Human Sciences.

To register or learn more, contact the Howell County Extension Office at (417) 256-2391 or email howellco@missouri.edu. For special accommodations or class-specific questions, reach out to Alicia Winrod, Pilot Instructor, at AliciaAmyx-Winrod@Missouri.edu.

Candidates Sought for Howell County Extension Council

The University of Missouri Howell County Extension office is currently taking nominations for the Howell County University of Missouri Extension Council. The University of Missouri Extension Council is the local link between county residents and the University of Missouri.

The job of a council member is to assist in the planning and executing of Extension programs designed to improve the lives of Howell County citizens. As public officials, council members also administer the Howell County Extension budget ensuring the needs of their county are properly met.

“The Howell County Extension Council is seeking people from all walks of life who are interested in education and the progress of our community,” stated Council Chair Ray Riggs. “Serving on the Extension Council is a great way to help make our community and county a better place to live.”

Candidates must be at least eighteen years old and reside in Howell County. The Howell County election district is based on the county at large. Nominations for individuals interested in serving on the council may contact the Howell County Extension Office at 417-256-2391. Deadlines for accepting nominations is November 5, 2025. The Howell County Extension Council meets on the first Thursday of each month.

Dry Cured Bacon Class

Are you interested in curing your own bacon and food preservation?

4-H specialist Kyle Wake with the University of Missouri – Extension will teach a dry cured bacon class on November 18th at the Howell County Extension Center at 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. West Plains, MO 65775.

Through this class you will gain key skills needed to cure your own bacon. You will also leave with a pork belly that will be in the first stages of the curing process, ready for you to finish at home in your refrigerator.

The cost can be found on our website. Class size is limited with first paid, first served enrollment. For questions or to register, contact the Howell Co. extension center at 417-256-2391.

Sign up DEADLINE: November 4th

Join us for a night of fun and laughter at our Halloween Movie Night in the Park featuring Hocus Pocus on Saturday, November 8th.

The movie will start between 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM depending on lighting at sunset. Food/concessions will be available prior to and during the movie. Events/activities will be held before the movie. A timeline of the evening will be posted on Friday, November 7th.

GREAT NEWS! St. Paul Lutheran Church in West Plains Missouri will hold its Annual Christmas Craft and Décor Sale Thursday November 6th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday, November 7th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. and Saturday, November 8th 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

You are invited to come and enjoy the new and exciting collection of elegant and rustic crafts, holiday décor and more. Everything is of exceptional quality, reasonably priced and awaiting a new home. This has been an annual event for over 30 years.

We will be serving Hot Dogs or Sloppy Joe dinners which include Chips, Drink and Dessert for only $6.00. You can dine in or carry out. Don’t forget to take home some mouth watering baked goods from our bake sale.

There will be a raffle drawing at 3:00 pm on Saturday November 8th for a beautiful Handcrafted Quilt and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Tickets for each drawing are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.

Come join us and enjoy free Apple Cider while shopping in a relaxed atmosphere and register for a free door prize given away on Saturday November 8th at 3 pm.

St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at 291 N Kentucky St in West Plains Missouri. Stop by and shop with us and enjoy getting your Christmas shopping done early.



A Thrivent Financial Action Team is participating in this event by providing Seed Money to help purchase food for the meals. Thrivent Action Team members also help during the event.

Great News for Local Nonprofits!

The Community Foundation of West Plains is now accepting grant applications for projects that make a difference right here at home!

Apply between: October 30 – December 4, 2025

Grants available: Up to $2,500

Nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and government entities with 501(c)(3) or similar tax-exempt status are welcome to apply.

As part of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, founded in 1973 and serving 55 regional affiliates across central and southern Missouri, we’re proud to help strengthen our communities through local giving.

Ozark Fruit Company        

Find us every Saturday at the “Go Farm” Farmers Market in the Endurance Church parking lot!

We offer raw local honey, along with a wide variety of jams and syrups—including unique flavors of jalapeño!

"Go Farm" Farmers Market

Come hungry, leave happy, and shop local every Saturday with our 30+ vendors.

New items like gluten-free and dye-free baked goods, pear and apple cider, Alpha Gal products, mums, corn stalks, Michael Jackson’s famous Baked Not Fried Pies, and more.

Our Saturday food court brings you Filipino, Italian, Cajun and now smoothies. A sample of some of the other items vendors will have: apples, pears, local honey, jams/syrups, produce, sourdough breads, eggs, fermented foods, local Artisan crafters, beef/chicken/rabbit/pork, tallow, gourmet baked goods, health & wellness products, freeze dried items, and more!

For a more complete list:

Follow us on Facebook: “Go Farm” Farmers Market of West Plains and our new OzarkMarket Place.com.

EBT, DUBS, Cash, Credit, and Debit accepted.

Call for updates: 417-293-0590

City of West Plains Updates

Did you know City Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month? These meetings are a great way to stay informed and involved in local decisions that shape West Plains.

Also, if you or someone you know is looking for a new opportunity, the City regularly posts open job positions at westplains.gov.

We've updated the Citizen Reporter feature on our website. If there's an issue you'd like to let us know about (streetlight out, pothole, a nuisance issue, etc.), please follow the link below, fill out the form and (newly added) upload a picture , hit submit and our crews will investigate. If it's our issue to fix, we'll take care of it - if it belongs to someone else, we'll pass it along.



Stay tuned for more city news, and don’t forget to follow the City of West Plains on Facebook for the latest updates!

Job Board & Classifieds

Looking for a new opportunity or know someone who is? We keep an updated list of job openings from our local businesses and partners. Visit our website here, to see what’s available and help spread the word!

Volunteer & Sponsorship

Opportunities

Looking to give back or help our community grow? Whether you want to roll up your sleeves and volunteer or support local events and programs as a sponsor, we’d love to have you involved! Visit our website here, to fill out a volunteer form.

Professional Development/Resources

Thank you to our committed Chamber sponsors: