WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A gaming, cosplay and anime convention set for April 22-24 at the West Plains Civic Center will raise money for The Child Advocacy Center in West Plains. A group of staff and students at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) invite gaming, comic and anime enthusiasts of all ages to attend Oz-Con (Ozarks Gaming Convention). Those attending can visit with gaming, vendors, authors and celebrities of the industry. This year, voice actors Linda Young, Cynthia Cranz, Erica Schroeder and professional cosplayer Michael Wilson, KnightMage, will be special guests. All proceeds will go directly to The Child Advocacy Center. The Child Advocacy Center's mission is twofold – serving the needs of abused and neglected children in southwest and south-central Missouri and providing education to break abuse cycles and ultimately prevent child abuse in the region. The center currently serves children in 16 counties in the area. For more information about the convention
West Plains, Mo. – Everyone has a story to tell, and several area residents will share their stories about living in southern Missouri during the first ever Southern Missouri Folklore Festival at 7 p.m. March 25 at the West Plains Civic Center theater. Sponsored by Missouri State University-West Plains' (MSU-WP) University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department, this free event celebrates the history, culture and folklore of the southern Missouri Ozarks region, organizers said. "As a child, I participated in a similar festival, bringing the members of our community together to pass down stories, generation to generation," said U/CP Theater and Events Coordinator Hannah Salvesen. "It's an experience you never forget, and I am excited to begin this tradition in southern Missouri." The festival will feature winning storytellers from different age categories who submitted their stories prior to the event. Story topics could range from family history, small-tow
West Plains, MO. - To help raise awareness of suicide prevention and destigmatize mental health, the Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center (BHC) is bringing award-winning mental health and suicide prevention activist and speaker Kevin Hines to the West Plains Civic Center on Tuesday, March 22. The Noon Rotary Club in West Plains donated $500 to help cover operation expenses of the upcoming event that will offer free admission. Mental Health Therapist Tianna Niesen spoke about the event: In 2000, 19-year-old Hines attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his incredibly survival and story of hope, including a sea lion which kept him afloat until help arrived. Now a best-selling author, global public speaker, and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Hines travels the world sharing his story with people of all ages, along with the art of wellness and the ability to survive pain with true resilience. The Ozarks Healthcare BHC will p
West Plains, MO. - The second meeting of "Coffee with the Mayor" is set to happen this Friday, March 4th, at 7 AM in the Redbud room of the West Plains Civic Center. The last meeting addressed several issues those in the city had about their neck of the woods, including nuisance houses, derelict vehicles, and city plans and upgrades. If you would like to attend this meeting, come ready for free coffee, questions of your own, and an open ear for conversation with your West Plains administrators. Photo from the Previous Meeting:
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Local resident Jerry Hall and his late wife, Sue, charter members of the Grizzly Squad at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), have been given the Grizzly Track Award. The award was presented to Jerry Hall Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the Grizzly Basketball team's home game against State Fair Community College at the West Plains Civic Center. The award honors extraordinary support given by individuals or organizations on behalf of Grizzly Athletics. Originally known as the Grizzly Booster Club, the Halls have been long-time supporters of Grizzly Athletics since its inception in 1993, officials said. As a member of the Missouri State University Board of Regents (now known as the Board of Governors), Jerry Hall worked with then MSU-WP Chancellor Marvin Looney to establish the Grizzly Athletics program and secure funding for the Grizzly House residence hall to provide housing for student-athletes. The Halls were charter members of the Grizzly Booster Club, a