Houston Daily Digest Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Ty's Take
When your fire department and emergency crews run a drill and find out what works and what doesn't before the real thing happens, that's the kind of Sunday afternoon that pays dividends on a Wednesday. Texas County's volunteer responders did exactly that this week, and you can bet the folks running those simulations were taking notes on every gap, every delay, every radio call that didn't get through clean. In a county this size spread across this much ground, with towns like Licking anchoring the east side and communities scattered through timber and pasture, those volunteer crews are the margin between bad luck and tragedy. They run on coffee and muscle memory most days—might as well make sure the muscle memory is sharp.
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Houston Herald
Simulated emergency reveals strengths, weaknesses of volunteer response group
A volunteer emergency response group in the area recently participated in a simulated disaster exercise that identified both effective practices and areas needing improvement. The drill provided valuable insights into how the group handles coordinated emergency situations.
The calendar continues to fill up with special observances and commemorative days throughout the coming weeks. Local residents will have multiple occasions to mark noteworthy celebrations in the community.
Man charged following crash at Licking
A man has been charged following a vehicle crash that occurred at Licking. Details about the incident and charges are available in the full article.
Owners of City Limits Flea Market remember decades gone by
The longtime owners of City Limits Flea Market reflect on the many years they've operated the beloved local business. Their recollections offer a glimpse into decades of community commerce and change.
Cooling centers open in Texas County to beat the heat
Texas County is opening several cooling centers to help residents escape dangerous heat during the summer months. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm facility hours before visiting.
OBITUARY: Ricky Joe “Rick” Gunter
Ricky Joe "Rick" Gunter, 67, of Houston, Missouri, passed away on July 17 following a battle with cancer. An accomplished historian and author devoted to preserving Ozarks heritage through his writing and popular Facebook history groups, Rick is survived by his wife Debra, two adult children, and...
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