Eminence Daily Digest Sunday, May 24, 2026
Ty's Take
Eight years is a long time to wait for answers, and longer still to carry the weight of what happened to Tory Sanders through a community this size. Three people charged now, and former law enforcement facing their own reckoning—that's the kind of news that doesn't settle easy in Shannon County, where everybody knows everybody and the river keeps flowing the same regardless of what happens on the banks. The investigation that wouldn't close, the questions that wouldn't die, they've finally moved from rumor into the courthouse, and whatever comes next will say something about who we are and whether institutions here can actually deliver the kind of accountability folks stopped believing in years ago. Cold comfort to Sanders' family, probably, but at least the waiting's over.
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Weather Alerts
Dense Fog Advisory
Dense Fog Advisory issued May 24 at 12:49AM CDT until May 24 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, southwest, and west central Missouri. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CDT this morning. * IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous....
West Plains Daily Quill - Shannon County
Three charged with murder 8 years after Shannon Co. death
Three men have been charged with second-degree murder nearly eight years after a 20-year-old's body was found in the Jacks Fork River in Eminence, initially ruled an accidental drowning. Austin Womack, Ronald Brawley III, and Zachary Watson face charges after witnesses alleged the suspects...
Charges mount against former Shannon Co. law enforcement staff
Two additional former Shannon County Sheriff's Office employees face felony charges, bringing the total to five former staffers charged since November. The full details of the charges are available to subscribers of the West Plains Daily Quill.
Ozarks Healthcare sets heart health events for February
Ozarks Healthcare is hosting free heart screenings and educational dinners throughout February to address cardiovascular health concerns identified in the region. Residents can schedule complimentary screenings—including blood pressure, lipid panels, and glucose tests—at seven locations from...
Arctic blast to bring sub-zero chills; snow totals uncertain
An Arctic cold front is expected to plunge into the region by this weekend, bringing dangerously low wind chills below zero and potential snowfall ranging from a dusting to 12 inches. The National Weather Service warns residents to prepare for a 70-90 percent chance of winter weather impacts, with...
VFW Auxiliary launches military banner program
The VFW Auxiliary Post 3009 is launching the Military Tribute Banner Program in Mountain View to honor local veterans and active service members with full-color 24-by-48-inch banners. The banners will line Elm, Fifth, and First streets from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, celebrating those who...
Local students named to State Tech dean’s list
Five local students earned recognition on State Tech's fall 2025 dean's list by maintaining grade point averages between 3.5 and 4.0. The honorees include Carter Cutbirth of Ava, Daniel Eastman of Cabool, Wilson Masters of Dora, Sierra Green of Eminence, and Roan Brown of West Plains.
Summersville Branch Library launches a new book club meeting monthly, alongside ongoing programs including story time, a crochet club, and a Lego club for community members of all ages. The library is seeking new members for its Friends of the Library group and has expanded its collection with...
Current River Callers to host NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet Jan. 18
The Current River Callers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host its annual Hunting Heritage Banquet on January 18 at the Winona R-3 multipurpose building, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Youth ages 17 and younger receive free NWTF membership with meal ticket...
Birch Tree woman dies in Christmas Day crash
A 70-year-old Birch Tree woman was killed in a collision Christmas morning when her Pontiac Sunfire crossed into the path of a Ford F350 on U.S. 60 east of Mountain View. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in the truck was transported to...
MSHP trooper charged with rape; cases proceed against Shannon Co. deputies
A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper and three Shannon County deputies face serious felony charges including rape, sexual abuse, and misconduct related to their official duties. Trooper Ethan Minge is charged with second-degree rape for an incident in July, while deputies Thomas Manning, Michael...
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