Howell's It Going, Feb. 12, 2025

8 minute listen

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Hello, and welcome to Howell’s it Going, the companion podcast to your locally owned independent newspaper, Howell County News. I’m Amanda Mendez, and this is your news.

Community Events & Fundraisers

Music, chocolate, and community support are taking center stage across the region this spring.

The 38th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Concert is set for Saturday, March 21, at the West Plains Civic Center. Doors open at five p.m., with a silent auction underway, followed by a live auction beginning at six‑thirty. The evening opens with a performance by Jessica’s Friends, a group of local musicians, before headliner Craig Morgan takes the stage.

Morgan, a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry and a U.S. Army veteran who continues to serve in the Army Reserves, is known for hits including “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” and “International Harvester.” Organizers say pairing Morgan with local talent promises a memorable night in support of cystic fibrosis programs.

Advance tickets are thirty‑five dollars for adults and five dollars for children twelve and under, with higher prices at the door. Tickets are available at multiple bank locations, local businesses, the civic center, and K‑Kountry 95.

Meanwhile, Christos House is preparing for its 21st Annual Chocolate Festival, coming up March 14. The family‑friendly event raises funds to support individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence.

Local chocolatiers will provide samples, along with live and silent auctions featuring chocolate‑themed items. Tasting tickets are ten dollars, spaghetti dinner tickets are also ten dollars, and children under ten are admitted free and eat free on festival night.

Christos House is also seeking event sponsors. For every one hundred dollars in sponsorship, donors receive fifteen tasting tickets redeemable at the First Methodist Church in West Plains.

Local Government & Legal News

A legal dispute is unfolding in Mountain View involving a former city employee.

Tyler “Ty” Lewis, the former superintendent of the city‑owned golf course, has filed a civil lawsuit in Howell County Courts. Lewis alleges he was terminated halfway through a five‑year employment contract without cause.

Court filings state the contract protected his employment through July of 2027 and specified that neither party could sever the agreement without cause. Lewis received notice of termination on September twelfth, 2024, about halfway through the contract, and the suit alleges no misconduct or contract violations were cited.

Lewis is seeking approximately two hundred thirteen thousand dollars in wages and benefits. Mountain View Mayor Charry McCann declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

Hometown Spotlight: Willow Springs on National TV

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen it—or at least heard about it. The Willow Springs water tower. The four‑way stop. And suddenly, a familiar name popping up on screens across the country.

Hannah Harper, a Willow Springs mom, recently appeared on American Idol, and her original song, “String Cheese,” has been climbing the charts—landing at number twenty‑one on Apple Music this week.

During her audition, Harper sang the song for the judges, and it didn’t take long for emotions to take over. The song, which centers on the struggles and heart of motherhood, moved judge—and former Idol winner—Carrie Underwood to tears.

Underwood described Harper’s sweet soprano as having “a little Dolly,” a nod to Dolly Parton, while others online have compared her voice to Lee Ann Womack. Pretty high praise for someone from Howell County.

Music has always been part of Harper’s life. She grew up traveling and performing with her family band before eventually settling in Willow Springs in 2016. Here, she became a stay‑at‑home mom of three—and for a while, she stepped away from performing altogether.

But as she tells it, the music itch came back.

Harper started writing songs at home and posting singing videos on TikTok—sometimes while filming cleaning videos. That’s when American Idol recruiters reached out.

She admits she thought it was a scam at first. After all, she had about a hundred followers.

Now, her audition video has passed forty‑five million views, and “String Cheese” has climbed all the way to number one on the Children’s chart on iTunes. On Apple Music’s children’s chart, it even landed just above CoComelon’s “Wheels on the Bus,” which Harper noted with some well‑earned pride.

She says the messages she’s received from other mothers have been especially meaningful, and she’s been open about her Christian faith throughout the Idol journey—something she wasn’t sure would make it to television.

As Harper moves forward in the competition, she says she’s carrying her Ozarks roots with her. She credits small‑town life for teaching her the value of deeper relationships and real community—even if that means spending more time loving on people than chasing fame.

Closer to home, Harper has already sold out multiple local shows this year, including performances in Willow Springs and Poplar Bluff. The closest remaining chance to see her perform nearby is set for June in Irondale.

For a town used to cheering on its own, it’s been exciting to watch a Willow Springs story take center stage.

Chamber of Commerce recognizes community unifiers

Several individuals and organizations were honored at the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet, held this year at Pine Meadows Venue.

The evening featured a friendly competition called “DIY Table Wars,” with the City of Willow Springs taking top honors for its “Rockin’ the 80s” display—complete with guitars, a boombox, and authentic memorabilia.

The Community Betterment Award was presented to Wendell Bailey, recognized for a lifetime of public service including roles as mayor, state representative, U.S. Congressman, and Missouri State Treasurer.

Educators of the Year honors went to Grant Talburt and Shiloh Walden, agriculture teachers and longtime FFA sponsors at Willow Springs High School.

The Youth of the Year Award was presented to Karis Cochran, recognized for leadership, discipline, and service. Her senior project included nine oil paintings based on Biblical themes.

Citizen of the Year honors went to Kim Rich, founder of Howell County News and a longtime community leader, journalist, and U.S. Army sergeant.

The Volunteers of the Year Award was presented to Dennis and Yvonne Asher, recognized for years of service through the Lions Club and other community efforts.

Business honors included Emerging Business of the Year for The Coffee Deck, and Business of the Year for Main Street Wellness Center, founded by Dr. Ann Hines.

Sports

We close today with an exciting win for West Plains athletics.

The West Plains Lady Zizzers Swim Team are once again Ozark Mountain Conference Champions, securing their fourth consecutive title.

The meet came down to the final race, where anchor swimmer Roslyn Fiorino delivered a dramatic finish to clinch the championship by just one point over Carl Junction.

Closing

That’s your roundup of local news—from concerts and chocolate festivals to courtroom developments, national‑stage performances, civic honors, and championship swims.

I'm Amanda Mendez, and this has been Howell's It Going.