Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Mansfield, MO

Marshfield Mail · Mansfield, MO

Literature Festival Draws 1,000-Plus Students

More than 1,000 students from across the Ozarks attended the eighth annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival in Mansfield on Nov. 5–6, where award-winning children’s author Marc Brown, creator of Arthur, received the festival’s top literary honor. The two-day event featured 10 authors from across the country, including several from the Ozarks, and drew students from Marshfield’s Shook Elementary and schools throughout southwest Missouri. For festival chairman Nicholas Inman, the event was especially meaningful. Not only has he helped guide the festival since its beginning, but the celebration also started in Marshfield. “It actually has a Marshfield connection because the festival began here eight years ago as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival,” Inman said. The festival moved to Mansfield during its second year, giving students the opportunity to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum while taking part in activities centered on reading and writing.

Marshfield Mail · Marshfield, MO

Nearby: Marshfield, MO

Marshfield High School to Honor Veterans with Special Ceremony

Marshfield High School will honor local veterans with a special Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. The program, scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., will bring together students, veterans, and community members for a morning of military traditions, music, and recognition. The ceremony will begin with the presentation of colors by the Marine Corps Maneuver Support School Color Guard from Fort Leonard Wood. James Rupe, commander of the Webster County Veterans Memorial Association Honor Guard, will welcome those attending. Marshfield High School Student Body President Coby Rost will lead the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The Marshfield High School Band will perform the national anthem, a musical tribute recognizing the military branches, and “God Bless America.” Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Todd Clark will serve as the featured speaker. Natalie Cruise will perform “Taps,” a military tradition honoring those who have served and remembering those who have died.

Farm Talk · Strafford, MO

Nearby: Strafford, MO

Service and commitment gained in the military brought to the farm

Lile in El Salvador, extracting teeth. Every farmer or rancher knows that the work doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. They put livestock first, make sure the hay is baled before the storm rolls in, and trade a full night’s sleep for calf checks every two hours during calving season. For Jan Lile, that service and commitment is nothing new.Her 20 years in the United States Air Force taught her lessons that continued to shape her life long after her time in the military. Today, she spends her days caring for the cattle and working alongside her family on their farm near Strafford, Missouri. Although she has traded in her uniform for a pair of work jeans, the dedication she developed during her military career stays the same. FARM TALK recently spoke with Lile about her journey through breast cancer that was featured in the Oct. 28 issue. This is a continuation of her story that reflects on her time in the Air Force and life after retirement.

West Plains Daily Quill · Willow Springs, MO

Nearby: Willow Springs, MO

Willow Springs Arts Council plans paint night, wreath contest

The Willow Springs Arts Council is getting into the holiday spirit with two creative opportunities for the community in November and December. Local artist Tammy Schulz will lead “Paint Night with Tammy” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the upstairs meeting room of the Ferguson Building, 127 E. Main St. in Willow Springs. Participants will be guided step by step through creating a snowman canvas suitable for winter display or as a handmade gift. No previous painting experience is necessary. The cost is $40 per person and includes all painting supplies and light refreshments. Registration is available at square.link/u/4ZUhCsTZ. The arts council is also inviting community members to participate in its annual wreath decorating contest. Participation is free, and blank wreaths may be picked up at the Ferguson Building during regular business hours. Participants may decorate the wreaths with ribbons, ornaments or other materials.

The Nevada Independent · Springfield, MO

Nearby: Springfield, MO

OPINION: Nevada is a safe haven for trans people — until they need medical care

Despite its well-established reputation as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, Nevada tends to leave transgender people looking for medical care feeling duped. What seems like an oasis for gender-affirming care is really just a mirage of a better life. Silver State Equality State Director André Wade has described Nevada as "poised to welcome providers and seekers of gender-affirming care," but providers who are willing to offer services to trans people, especially youth, are few and far between. In 2023, Nevada passed SB163, mandating that certain medical insurance policies, including Medicaid, must cover gender-affirming care to treat gender dysphoria. Despite enacting these protections, many medical providers operating in the state remain afraid to offer services to trans people due to aggressive attacks from red-state attorneys general, federal scrutiny and the lack of shield laws protecting our healthcare professionals across Nevada. State Sen.

Cedar County Republican · Springfield, MO

Nearby: Springfield, MO

Nonprofit raises funds for safety bed for Stockton child

Founded in 2026 in Springfield, Missouri, A Bed for Izzy (ABFI) is a nonprofit organization that provides medically necessary safety beds for children and adults with developmental disabilities who cannot safely sleep in a traditional bed or crib. These beds can be life-changing for individuals who struggle with nighttime wandering, limited safety awareness, seizures or other challenges that make traditional sleeping arrangements unsafe. As an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit, ABFI raises funds through individual campaigns for each person it serves. Once a family is approved, the organization shares their story and works to raise the funds needed to purchase a safety bed suited to their specific needs. The beds cost between $10,000 and $20,000, and insurance companies deny the vast majority of requests. The organization is currently conducting a fundraising campaign for Wyatt, an 11-year-old boy from Stockton.

West Plains Daily Quill · West Plains, MO

Nearby: West Plains, MO

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by 9 a.m. Wednesdays to [email protected] with “CALENDAR” in the subject line. Three sentence maximum must include event description, date, time, location, cost and source for more information. Weekly events will be printed for no more than a month at a time unless renewed by the host. Call the Quill, 417-256-9191 with questions. Unless otherwise noted, events are in West Plains. ONGOING Through Dec. 1: The Willow Springs Arts Council invites crafters and creatives to pick up a wreath to decorate from the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs. Finished wreaths for the council’s fourth annual Wreath Decorating Contest must be returned to the building by Dec. 1. They will be sold during Grinch Fest as a fundraiser for the arts council. TODAY Nov.

West Plains Daily Quill · West Plains, MO

Nearby: West Plains, MO

Bradfute, Kerley state-bound

West Plains Zizzers varsity diver Chance Bradfute placed sixth at the Class 1 District 4 competition on Saturday at North Kansas City High School. The finish advances him to this weekend’s state championships, according to West Plains Head Coach Ryan Smith. In addition, Smith said Rhys Kerley was named a state qualifier in the 500 freestyle on Sunday and will also compete this weekend. The Class 1 state championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. Diving events begin at 9 a.m., followed by swimming events at 3 p.m.

West Plains Daily Quill · West Plains, MO

Nearby: West Plains, MO

Police identify victim in fatal Stewart Street shooting

The West Plains Police Department has identified 29-year-old Paul R. Maschmeyer as the man killed in an Oct. 30 shooting on Stewart Street. Police said Maschmeyer’s next of kin have been notified. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. The shooting occurred on the 1500 block of Stewart Street, where officers were initially dispatched following a report of a domestic disturbance, according to previous reports. While responding to the call, officers were alerted that a man involved in the disturbance had walked onto a neighboring property and confronted a resident. Police reported the neighbor discharged a firearm in self-defense during the confrontation. Upon arrival, responding officers found Maschmeyer with fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Howell County Coroner Tim Cherry.

Branson Tri-Lakes News · Branson, MO

Nearby: Branson, MO

Branson Teacher Named 2026 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator

Branson Junior High SpecialServices teacher, Brad Bacon Courtesy of Branson School District A special education teacher with the Branson School District received an honor for his dedication to his students.Branson Junior High Special Service teacher, Brad Bacon, was recently named a 2026 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator by Branson area McDonald’s owners and operators, Andy and Jennifer Ruprecht.According to a press release from the Branson Public School District, Bacon was nominated by a student. Bacon has been a part of the Branson School District staff for over 16 years and has been teaching special education for the ;last decade.“I am so honored to be chosen as a 2026 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator,” said Bacon. “I have the privilege everyday to work with an amazing group of educators and students. To be able to make a difference in someone’s life is one of the greatest rewards of being a teacher. I’ve been part of Branson Schools for 16 years now.

Branson Tri-Lakes News · Branson, MO

Nearby: Branson, MO

Kimberling Area Library receives grant

A new project to get families reading, moving and exploring together at the Kimberling Area Library (KAL) received funding from a grant.The StoryWalk + Move Project at the KAL recently was given a grant from the Skaggs Foundation. The project aims to take reading outside of the library.“Kimberling Area Library Association is excited to announce that it has received a grant from the Skaggs Foundation to support its new StoryWalk +Move Project, an initiative designed to bring literacy and physical activity together for children and families,” stated the library in a press release. “StoryWalk +Move will take reading beyond the library walls, giving families an opportunity to enjoy a children’s story while moving along an outdoor route.