Houston Daily Digest Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Ty's Take
Couple of our neighbors didn't make it to see August roll around, and Jack Salisbury and Tammy Branstetter leave holes that won't fill quick in a county this size. But there's also the small bright spot that the dental clinic's back up and running at MOCH here in Houston—that matters more than people outside these hills might figure, when you're looking at a drive to Springfield or nowhere at all. The blood drive coming up at Roby, the road work in Summersville, the sales tax weekend—these are the things that keep a rural county moving forward. And yeah, the police logs show we've had our share of trouble this week like any other week, but that's how it goes. We bury our dead, we fix our roads, we take care of each other's health when we can, and we keep on.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 3:26AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Springfield MO
* WHAT...Heat index values of 100 to 110 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Kansas and central, east central, south central, southwest, and west central Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses....
Houston Herald
Sales tax-free weekend starts Aug. 7
Shoppers will have a chance to save on back-to-school supplies during a tax-free shopping weekend beginning August 7. The promotion allows families to purchase qualifying items without paying sales tax during the designated period.
Dental care returns to MOCH clinic in Houston
Dental services have resumed at the MOCH clinic in Houston, bringing needed healthcare options back to the community. Residents can now access dental care through the clinic's renewed offerings.
Roby Blood drive scheduled for July 27
The community is invited to donate blood at a blood drive scheduled for July 27 in Roby. The drive provides an opportunity for residents to help address local blood supply needs.
Deputy’s report: Man trying to fight people arrested at river access
A man was arrested after authorities responded to reports of aggressive behavior at a local river access area. The incident resulted in law enforcement intervention to restore order and ensure public safety.
Woman arrested on drug charge following traffic stop
A woman faces drug charges following a traffic stop by local police. Officers discovered controlled substances during the roadside interaction, leading to her arrest.
Houston Police: Several assault charges
Houston police have filed multiple assault charges against individuals involved in separate incidents. The charges stem from investigations into violent confrontations in the community.
Jack D. Salisbury, 88, of Yukon, Oklahoma, died peacefully on July 16 after a long life spent building successful equipment service businesses and raising his family. A visitation is planned for Friday, July 24, with the family requesting memorial donations to Pets & People in lieu of flowers.
Summersville street work begins
Street improvements are underway in Summersville as part of a community infrastructure project. Residents should expect construction activity as work progresses on the designated routes.
OBITUARY: Tammy Jane Branstetter
Tammy Jane Branstetter, 65, of Raymondville, passed away on July 18 surrounded by her family after a life devoted to service and faith. A longtime insurance agent and active church member, she is remembered for her generosity and deep love for her grandchildren and community.
Cabool police: Officers handle 44 traffic stops
Cabool police officers conducted 44 traffic stops during a recent enforcement period. The stops represent ongoing traffic safety efforts by the department to maintain road safety in the area.
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