Eminence Daily Digest Tuesday, June 09, 2026
Ty's Take
Eight years is a long time to wait for answers, long enough that people move away, memories fog up, and faith in the system gets real thin. The charges filed this week in the Tory Sanders case and the related allegations against former law enforcement—that's the kind of reckoning that doesn't come easy in a county this size, where everybody knows everybody and the badge used to mean something without question. What matters now is whether these charges stick, whether the investigation holds up, and whether Shannon County can finally put some closure on a case that's haunted this place since 2018. The coming weeks will tell you a lot about who we are and what we're willing to ask of ourselves.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued June 9 at 5:21AM CDT until June 10 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 100 to 105 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, east central, south central, southwest, and west central Missouri. * WHEN...From noon today to 7 AM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses....
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 in connection with a 2018 death in Shannon County that was originally ruled accidental. Austin Womack, Ronald Brawley III, and Zachary Watson face charges stemming from the drowning death of 20-year-old Robbie Crites, following years of advocacy...
Charges mount against former Shannon Co. law enforcement staff
Two more former Shannon County Sheriff's Office employees have been charged with felonies, bringing the total number of former law enforcement staff facing criminal charges since November to five. The charges underscore a troubling pattern of misconduct within the sheriff's office.
Ozarks Healthcare sets heart health events for February
Ozarks Healthcare is hosting free heart health screenings and educational dinners throughout February to address cardiovascular disease in the region. The initiative includes free risk assessments at seven area locations and two community dinners featuring cardiologists, with reservations available...
Arctic blast to bring sub-zero chills; snow totals uncertain
An Arctic cold front will bring dangerous sub-zero wind chills to the area by Saturday, with snowfall predictions ranging from a dusting to 12 inches depending on storm track. Residents should prepare for the cold weather advisory and take precautions to protect pipes, pets, and vulnerable...
VFW Auxiliary launches military banner program
The VFW Auxiliary is launching a Military Tribute Banner Program in Mountain View to honor local veterans and active-duty service members with 24-by-48-inch banners displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The deadline to order banners is February 18.
Local students named to State Tech dean’s list
Five local students earned spots on State Tech's fall 2025 dean's list by achieving grade point averages between 3.5 and 4.0. The honorees are Carter Cutbirth, Daniel Eastman, Wilson Masters, Sierra Green, and Roan Brown.
Summersville Branch Library is launching a new monthly book club and hosting book sales to support the library system while offering patrons new fiction titles and expanded digital collections. The library welcomes new members to its Friends group and continues regular programming including story...
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 to fund conservation projects and youth programs. Young hunters receive free memberships with meal ticket purchases, and...
Birch Tree woman dies in Christmas Day crash
A 70-year-old Birch Tree woman died in a Christmas morning crash on U.S. 60 east of Mountain View when her Pontiac entered the path of a pickup truck. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, and the death marks the 36th traffic fatality in Troop G's nine-county area this year.
MSHP trooper charged with rape; cases proceed against Shannon Co. deputies
A newly graduated Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper has been charged with second-degree rape, joining multiple area law enforcement officers recently charged with felonies. Separately, three Shannon County deputies face charges including sexual misconduct and forgery stemming from...
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