Farm Talk · Strafford, MO
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.
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.
The Nevada Independent · Springfield, MO
Nearby: Springfield, MODespite 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, MOFounded 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.
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.
Branson Tri-Lakes News · Branson, MO
Nearby: Branson, MOBranson 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, MOA 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.
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.
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.