Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
Marshfield Mail · Marshfield, MO
Nearby: Marshfield, MOMarshfield 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.
Marshfield Mail · Mansfield, MO
Nearby: Mansfield, MOMore 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 · Point Lookout, MO
Nearby: Point Lookout, MOCollege of the Ozarks honored Veterans and their families during a week of ceremonies Nov. 5–12, highlighted by the dedication of a new POW/MIA Memorial, a Veterans Day sunrise service and a tribute to Missouri service members killed during the Vietnam War. The observances at the Point Lookout campus brought together Veterans, students and community members to recognize military service and sacrifice. One of the week’s highlights came Nov. 5 with the dedication of the college’s new POW/MIA Memorial at Patriots Park. The memorial honored American prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. The ceremony included unveiling the memorial, lighting an eternal flame, placing a wreath, and playing “Taps.” A public reception followed at The Keeter Center. The following morning, the POW/MIA Network hosted a remembrance service at The Keeter Center, recognizing those who endured captivity and remembering the American service members who never returned home.
Buffalo Reflex · Stockton, MO
Nearby: Stockton, MOStockton, Missouri – Recent weeks of above-normal temperatures, plus the lack of rain, is affecting one traditional fall activity – picking up wild Black Walnuts. The annual Black Walnut Harvest across the Midwest has been slow as most nuts stayed on the trees, according to Brian Hammons, CEO of Hammons Products in Stockton, Missouri. “Now, with shorter days and cooler air, the wild Black Walnuts are finally falling and local people have ‘money on the ground’ – literally,” according to Hammons. The company announced that its network of hullers will continue buying well into November, with most going through Monday, November 30. Plus, the buying price has increased to $16 per 100 pounds (after hulling) to individuals or groups who bring their freshly fallen Black Walnuts to one of about 170 hulling sites in 12 states. There is no minimum amount – hullers will take nuts in one bucket, three sacks, or a trailer load.
Cedar County Republican · Stockton, MO
Nearby: Stockton, MOStockton, MO – Recent weeks of above-normal temperatures, plus the lack of rain, is affecting one traditional fall activity – picking up wild Black Walnuts. The annual Black Walnut Harvest across the Midwest has been slow as most nuts stayed on the trees, according to Brian Hammons, CEO of Hammons Products in Stockton, Missouri. “Now, with shorter days and cooler air, the wild Black Walnuts are finally falling and local people have ‘money on the ground’ – literally” according to Hammons. The company announced that its network of hullers will continue buying well into November, with most going through Monday, November 30. Plus, the buying price has increased to $16 per 100 pounds (after hulling) to individuals or groups who bring their freshly fallen Black Walnuts to one of about 170 hulling sites in 12 states. There is no minimum amount – hullers will take nuts in one bucket, three sacks, or a trailer load.
