Lifestyle

Members of the Missouri State University (MSU) Board of Governors today approved a new long-range plan for Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP). The plan, approved by members of the Missouri State University Board of Governors at their meeting today in West Plains, outlines the goals and objectives of MSU-WP for the next five years.

June 22 marked the launch of the High Five Rural Traffic Safety Project (High Five), a 12-month public safety initiative aimed at increasing seat belt use and decreasing overall serious crashes in five participating rural Arkansas counties: Calhoun County, Cross County, Fulton County, Monroe County and White County.

On Thursday, June 23, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX – the landmark civil rights law that has opened doors for generations of women and girls – the U.S. Department of Education released for public comment proposed changes to the regulations that help elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities implement this vital legislation. The proposed amendments will restore crucial protections for students who are victims of sexual harassment, assault, and sex-based discrimination – a critical safety net for survivors that was weakened under previous regulations. The proposed regulations will advance educational equity and opportunity for women and girls across the country to ensure that every student in America, from kindergarten through a doctorate degree, can achieve her dreams.

Oregon County Associate Circuit Judge Harvey Allen of Thayer announces his bid for re-election. Judge Allen graduated from Thayer High School in 1979.

Area residents interested in applying to the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) regular track program at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) have until Sept. 1 to submit their application.

The Mammoth Spring ABC Preschool is currently taking applications for this coming school year. Students must be three or four on or before Aug. 1. The center has two types of enrollment options, ABC free slots and tuition slots. ABC free slots have income guidelines, for example for a family of four the income would be $55,500. According to the director, Janet Smoot, most families qualify for ABC slots in part due to the higher income rate allowed for families. Families who wouldn’t qualify for a head start slot, usually qualify for ABC slots. For families who don’t meet the income qualification of the ABC free slots, they have the option of a tuition slot. The tuition slots cost $12 a day, and includes all meals, supplies, and events that the preschool attends. The preschool offers a full day program from 7:30-3 p.m., with bus transportation. The Mammoth Spring Preschool program provides free breakfast, lunch, and snacks, along with all learning materials at no cost to their family.

Officials with the University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) has joined forces with Tivity Health to provide pool and fitness center services to members of Tivity’s Prime Fitness and Silver Sneakers programs.

Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean’s list. For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the spring semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale).