Community

Graduation still slated for June 19 Waynesville High School announced Monday that it has canceled its 2020 prom and that it has converted Honors Night to a virtual format amid ongoing COVID-19 precautions and safety measures. The school's graduation ceremony remains on track for June 19. “These have not been easy decisions to make,” WHS Principal Randy Luebbert said. “I understand that our … [Read more...] about WHS cancels prom, converts Honors Night to virtual format

Capt. Jesslyn Clark, a 2012 Waynesville High School graduate, has been selected to pilot a Blackhawk helicopter that will fly over graduation ceremonies at West Point, where a record number of former Waynesville High School students are scheduled to graduate. “Our Tigers will be on the field and in the air representing Waynesville High School in unprecedented numbers at a single West Point … [Read more...] about WHS grad to fly over West Point graduation where five former WHS students are graduating June 13

MWR, senior leaders continue to assess COVID-19 risks At this time of year, families are usually gearing up for summer, including plans to swim or lounge by their local community swimming pool. However, in many locations across the country in the age of COVID-19, questions have arisen over when swimming pools will open this year – or if they will open at all. On military installations like … [Read more...] about Will pools reopen this year? It depends

Beginning Saturday, select in-person religious services for permanent party service members on Fort Leonard Wood will resume while adhering to social-distancing protocols. According to the Religious Support Office, families may sit together at the services and every other pew will be sectioned off to ensure a six-foot separation between those in attendance. Consolidated Initial Entry Training … [Read more...] about Select in-person religious services to resume on Fort Leonard Wood with precautions

The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Pulaski County Health Center and Home Health Agency, Pulaski County, the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership and the cities of St. Robert and Waynesville to install a new initiative aimed at protecting consumers and employees while businesses attempt to safely reopen. The Safe and Smart Pledge is a voluntary gesture, according to the … [Read more...] about Chamber, health department develop business pledge for reopening Pulaski County

The Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department overcame social-distancing limitations to organize a tour of Fire Station 1 for Cub Scout Pack 149 Tuesday via video conference. Pack 149’s Wolf Den, which meets weekly through virtual means, took the tour as part of a Hometown Heroes elective program, said Maj. Valerie Hauer, the pack’s committee chair. Cub scouts need to “visit a community agency where … [Read more...] about Fort Leonard Wood cub scouts take virtual tour of fire station

By Amanda Sullivan Memorial Day has been celebrated in some capacity for over 150 years. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday was established in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War. Decoration Day provided a time for the nation to pause and remember the service men and women who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms Americans experience. Over the years, celebratory … [Read more...] about In their own words: Fort Leonard Wood community members explain the significance of Memorial Day

As summer approaches, many may feel the urge to dust off that bicycle on the rack in the garage and take it for a spin. While biking can be both fun and healthy, it’s important to remember to stay aware and stay safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 857 bicyclists were killed as a result of traffic collisions in 2018; and despite 70 to 80 percent of all fatal … [Read more...] about Staying safe behind the handlebars

By Capt. Michael Geneser Jogging serves as an excellent conduit to release the excess energy accumulated while staying at home. However, running outside carries its own bevy of risks that must be mitigated. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reported that in 2018 6,283 pedestrians were fatally struck by a vehicle, accounting for approximately 18 percent of all traffic … [Read more...] about Jogging safety: Protect yourself on the road

By Heather Kline and Sam Campbell The Fort Leonard Wood United Services Organization and Blue Star Families held a special drive-through celebration for military-dependent, graduating Waynesville High School seniors May 9. In the interest of public health, the graduating class of 2020 has had to adjust expectations for their final year of school; heavily anticipated traditional rites of … [Read more...] about USO, Blue Star Families celebrate graduating seniors with drive-through ceremony

The Bruce C. Clarke Library may be temporarily closed, but that doesn’t mean the staff’s love of reading is stifled. They have adapted some of their normally scheduled programs, and one of the results is Story Time online. Their Virtual Story Time videos are posted every Thursday through the Fort Leonard Wood Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facebook page – … [Read more...] about Library continues children’s Story Time virtually

Gyms have new safety rules, cleaning times, limits on numbers of patrons Nearly two months after being closed, Davidson Fitness Center and Specker Gym will reopen to patrons on May 14, Col. Eric Towns, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander, announced May 13. "I'm very happy to announce that tomorrow morning, our gyms on Fort Leonard Wood will reopen," Towns said during the … [Read more...] about DFC, Specker to reopen May 14

By Capt. Michael Geneser May marks both the unofficial start of summer and National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As the weather heats up, an increasing number of people will dust off their bikes and hit the road. With the influx of two-wheeled motorists, and the fact that motor vehicle accidents are the leading non-combat cause of death among service members it is imperative that all … [Read more...] about May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

By Amanda Sullivan Teleworking has changed the way many of Fort Leonard Wood’s Soldiers and civilians communicate, plan and execute the mission here. With social distancing and stay-at-home orders affecting every facet of life in and around the installation, the usual hustle and bustle of the morning commute has been replaced by e-mail traffic and weekly meetings are now conducted via video or … [Read more...] about Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers, civilians describe their telework experience

Taking advantage of Missouri’s numerous, beautiful nature trails can be a healthy getaway, but hikers should take note of this poisonous plant if they hope to go home without a problem. Toxicodendron radicans – more commonly known as poison ivy – is found all over Missouri and can grow as a shrub or vine. Not to be confused with poison oak or poison sumac, the Missouri Department of … [Read more...] about Poison ivy – stay aware, stay away