West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, May 02, 2026
Ty's Take
Independence Drive's new overpass finally opened this week after decades of talk and planning, which is the kind of infrastructure win that doesn't make headlines in Kansas City but matters plenty in a county seat trying to move cattle, hay, and people through town more smoothly. Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office brought on a crisis intervention specialist—a move that says something about where rural policing has to go these days, away from just enforcement and toward de-escalation and real help. Both pieces fit the same picture: West Plains getting serious about moving forward, whether that's traffic flow or mental health response when a neighbor's in trouble. You notice the difference when you've been gone a while and come back.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach West Plains Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
West Plains Daily Quill
Decades in the making: Independence Drive overpass opens to traffic
West Plains celebrated the opening of the Independence Drive train overpass to traffic Friday morning, marking the completion of a project that took two decades of community effort. Mayor Mike Topliff praised the numerous contributors who made the infrastructure improvement possible.
37th CASA swears in 5 new volunteers
Five new Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers were sworn in for the 37th Judicial Circuit to represent children's interests in foster care cases involving abuse or neglect. Judge Steven Privette administered the oath to Christopher and Melissa Foster, Kaitlyn Johnson, Dan Chang, and Thomas...
WP man charged with sexual misconduct at Galloway
A West Plains man has been charged with sexual misconduct at Galloway. No further details were available at this time.
Willow Springs prepares for ‘Hannah Harper Day’ homecoming
Willow Springs is hosting a community-wide homecoming celebration Wednesday to honor American Idol Top 5 contestant Hannah Harper, featuring live music starting at 3 p.m., a patriotic parade at 5 p.m., and a free evening concert at 7 p.m. The festivities will include free food and entertainment...
A television sports schedule for the week of May 4-10 is available to subscribers. Please log in or contact the publication for full access to the complete listing.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach West Plains Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Ozark Radio News
Lt. Governor David Wasinger Launches Official Buy Missouri Route 66 Guide
Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger unveiled the Buy Missouri Route 66 Guide, a new resource designed to help travelers discover and support Missouri-made businesses along the historic Route 66 corridor. The guide was announced in Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66's name.
Howell County Sheriff’s Office Introduces New Crisis Intervention Specialist
The Howell County Sheriff's Office has hired Deputy Cody Voyles as a new Crisis Intervention Specialist to serve the community with professional and compassionate crisis response. The specialized position will focus on de-escalation and support for residents in crisis situations.
Don Ray McGee, born April 12, 1938, in Birch Tree, Missouri, passed away at an advanced age. He was the youngest of seven siblings in his family.
Funeral services for Thelma Pauline Briggs, 96, of Hartshorn will be held Monday, May 4 at The Bradford Funeral Home in Summersville, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and the service at 1 p.m.
Funeral services for Paul Dean Plake, 89, of Ava will be held Saturday, May 2 at The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Mt. Tabor Cemetery.
Stacey Arlene Barnard, 55, of Mansfield passed away April 29 after spending most of her life in the Ozark region. She was born in Illinois and is survived by her husband Scott and other family members.
Loreta "Pat" Dennis, 91, of Mansfield will be remembered at a funeral service Saturday, May 2 at The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mansfield at 10 a.m., with burial in Mansfield Cemetery. She was a longtime resident of the community.
Go Farm Farmers Market Vendor Spotlight: 109 Millworks
Josh Crownover of 109 Millworks was recently featured as a vendor spotlight with the Go Farm Farmers Market. He shared details about his business and offerings at the local market.
May, a 10-month-old domestic shorthair tabby mix, is available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. The curious and playful kitten is looking for a permanent home.
Mountain View First Friday Downtown Stroll Tonight
Mountain View's First Friday Downtown Stroll kicked off May 1 with participating shops and restaurants staying open late for shopping and dining. The event will continue the first Friday of each month to support downtown businesses.
Rural News Wire is a daily local news digest for West Plains and rural America. We aggregate and curate, original reporting belongs to the sources linked above. Support local journalism by visiting their sites.
Subscribe free to get this digest in your inbox every morning.