West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, April 30, 2026
Ty's Take
You can read a lot about a community in what it chooses to build and how it pays for it. West Plains is pushing forward on a sports complex with a one-cent sales tax, the justice center's going to need new revenue too, and somewhere in the middle of all that talk about infrastructure and public safety, the Chaos Closet picked up a $12,500 grant to help kids in the foster system. That's the real backbone of this place—we argue about how to pay for the roads and the courthouses, sure, but we don't forget about the children who've already had a rough start. Between the Boys & Girls Club working a fundraiser and the community groups stepping up, somebody's keeping their eye on what matters most.
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West Plains Daily Quill
The Chaos Closet awarded $12,500 grant to support foster youth
The Chaos Closet has received a $12,500 grant to help restock essential supplies for foster children in the area. The funding will support the nonprofit's mission to provide critical items for youth in the local foster care system.
Ozarks Summit, Convoy of Hope partner for regional distribution
Ozarks Summit, a West Plains nonprofit providing faith-based youth and family services, has partnered with Convoy of Hope to expand their regional distribution efforts. The collaboration pairs local expertise with a nationally recognized organization to broaden their community impact.
Cabool man charged after allegedly ramming vehicle
A Cabool man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly using his pickup truck to intentionally ram a vehicle carrying his ex-partner and another passenger. The incident resulted in serious criminal allegations against the suspect.
Inaugural West Plains Prom Parade invokes moments to remember
West Plains held its inaugural prom parade, creating memorable moments for the community. The new event celebration brought together students and residents for a special evening.
Boys & Girls Club opens bidding for ‘Masked Singer’ fundraiser
The Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area has opened bidding for its 2026 Masked Singer charity auction with a $40,000 fundraising goal. The hybrid campaign will support programming for local youth.
Hail storm kills emu at Missouri zoo, cancels flights and damages hundreds of vehicles
A severe hail storm swept through Missouri, killing an emu at the Springfield zoo and causing widespread damage across the region. The storm damaged hundreds of vehicles, knocked out power to thousands, and forced flight cancellations.
Correspondents dinner shooter case raises concerns about security on trains
Police arrested a man acting suspiciously on a Chicago-bound train after a rail worker reported his erratic behavior. Officers discovered weapons and materials related to crowd control in his carry-on bag, raising new concerns about train security.
Push for raw milk intensifies across the US, despite illness outbreaks and scientists' warnings
Raw milk advocates are pushing to expand availability of the unpasteurized product despite multiple illness outbreaks reported across the country in recent months. Health experts continue to warn about potential dangers associated with consuming raw milk.
Do you prefer to pay income taxes or sales taxes? Missouri voters will get to choose
Missouri voters will decide whether to eliminate the state's individual income tax in an upcoming election. The ballot measure represents a rare opportunity for residents to choose between income tax and sales tax as the primary revenue source.
OzSBI announces PitchFest finalists for EPIC event
The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has selected four finalists for the PitchFest competition during its EPIC event. The entrepreneurial showcase will highlight growing businesses in the region.
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Howell County News
Council defers request for staff increase for WSPD
The West Plains City Council has postponed action on a request to increase staffing levels for the West Plains Police Department. The decision delays consideration of the personnel expansion proposal.
Historic building renovation to support 200 jobs
A renovation project for a historic building in the area is expected to create approximately 200 jobs during construction and ongoing operations. The preservation effort will breathe new life into the structure while boosting local employment.
Accused murderer skips court date
A man accused of murder failed to appear at his scheduled court date. Law enforcement is seeking the suspect who did not show for the hearing.
HCN founder honored by council
The Howell County News founder was recognized and honored by the city council for contributions to local journalism and community service. The tribute acknowledged the individual's role in keeping the area informed.
City of Mountain View's new sludge truck arrives
Mountain View has taken delivery of a new sludge truck to enhance wastewater treatment operations. The equipment will improve the city's infrastructure capabilities.
BIGGEST MOREL MUSHROOM CONTEST
A competition is underway to find the region's biggest morel mushroom. Participants are invited to enter their prized finds in the springtime contest.
Justice center will require new taxes to build, maintain
A proposed justice center facility would require new tax revenues to cover both construction and ongoing maintenance costs. Officials are working to determine the financial plan for the project.
Hannah Harper Day to feature parade, free concert
Hannah Harper Day will feature a parade and free concert for the community. The celebration is planned to bring residents together for an afternoon of entertainment and festivities.
West Plains moving forward with 1 cent sales tax for new sports complex
West Plains is moving forward with a 1-cent sales tax increase to fund construction of a new sports complex. The project aims to enhance recreational facilities for residents.
Willow school board reorganizes under new president
The Willow school board has reorganized under new leadership with the election of a new board president. The change marks a transition in school governance.
Ozark Radio News
HOEC Member Meeting Tomorrow Registration Information
The Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative will hold its 87th annual membership meeting on Friday at the West Plains Civic Center. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. for members to attend the cooperative's gathering.
Multiple dogs at West Plains Animal Care & Control are urgently seeking homes before their placement deadline approaches. The facility is looking for adoptive families for animals that have been waiting for over a year.
Harlin Museum Reception Took Place Last Saturday
The Harlin Museum concluded its annual art show celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary with a reception and awards ceremony last Saturday. Community members gathered to honor the artists and view works inspired by America's semiquincentennial.
Thayer Man Arrested on 1st Degree Property Damage Charge
A Thayer man has been arrested on a felony property damage charge after allegedly breaking into a vehicle and keying its exterior. The incident occurred at the end of March and was documented on surveillance footage.
MoMo Wins F2 Title in Tulsa Oklahoma
MoMo, an 188-pound Irish Wolfhound from West Plains, has won the F2 title in the 100-yard dash for his breed at a competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The dog, owned by All Pet and Equine Supply manager Phyllis Kupfer, is a champion sprinter.
MDC encourages motorists to give turtles a brake!
The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging drivers to slow down and help turtles safely cross roadways during spring. Warmer weather and seasonal rains prompt turtles to emerge and search for food and mates.
Ozark Radio News – 7AM News, Sports, Weather Broadcast – 04.30.26
This is a regularly scheduled broadcast summary.
Arrest Made in Baxter County Following Child Exploitation and Explosives Investigation
A Gamaliel, Arkansas man has been arrested following a joint investigation into child exploitation and explosives offenses by Arkansas State Police and local sheriff's offices. The arrest involved coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies.
MU Extension: Tai Chi Classes are being offered May 11 through July 27
MU Extension is offering Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention classes at its West Plains location from May 11 through July 27. The program is designed to improve health and mobility through gentle, easy-to-learn exercise techniques.
Melbourne Man Injured in Construction Zone Crash Near Lanton
A Melbourne, Arkansas man suffered serious injuries Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 17 north of Lanton. The roadway has since reopened following the accident in a construction zone.
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