West Plains Daily Digest Friday, May 08, 2026
Ty's Take
You see two tractor accidents in a week's worth of headlines from our corner of the country and you start wondering what we're missing—not the wrecks themselves, but the machinery that's been running since before daylight, the long hours that pile up when you've got cattle to feed and hay that won't wait for better weather. A woman from Gamaliel gone on a Tuesday. Two folks from Willow Springs hurt bad enough to make the news. This is the kind of week that reminds you why the older hands around here talk about pacing themselves, about knowing when to walk away from the work and come back tomorrow. The Ozarks don't forgive carelessness, and they don't forgive tired.
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West Plains Daily Quill
The West Plains Daily Quill is planning coverage across the Great Plains region over the next 24 hours, with details available to subscribers through their coverage plan.
The West Plains Daily Quill has upcoming stories planned for the next 12 hours, with comprehensive coverage details available to subscribers.
Wichita State abruptly shuts down men's and women's golf, citing financial strain
Wichita State University has immediately discontinued both its men's and women's golf programs, citing financial pressures on the athletic department.
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Ozark Radio News
Tuesday Crash Claims the Life of a Gamaliel Woman
A 67-year-old Gamaliel woman died Tuesday afternoon when her vehicle left State Highway 101 North and struck a tree during rainy conditions. The crash occurred around 4:10 p.m.
Two Willow Springs Residents Seriously Injured After Being Hit by Tractor
Two Willow Springs residents in their mid-80s were airlifted to Springfield after being struck by a runaway Ford tractor on County Road 2480 Wednesday. Both suffered serious injuries from the incident.
City of Mountain View Seeking Street Department Applicants
The City of Mountain View is accepting applications for a full-time Street Department position that includes road maintenance and equipment operation. Applicants must possess a commercial driver's license.
Mountain View to Host Sizable City Meeting Tuesday
Mountain View's Board of Aldermen will hold a city council meeting Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
City of West Plains Launches Utility Hawk
West Plains Utilities has launched UtilityHawk Alerting, a free service allowing residents to monitor their electric and water usage and receive consumption alerts. The tool helps customers manage their monthly bills more effectively.
Three People Arrested After Narcotics Search Warrant in Ava
Three people were arrested following a narcotics search warrant served by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and COMET Drug Task Force on Highway 76 in Ava. The arrests came after a several-month investigation.
Engineering Student From West Plains Finds Her Voice, and Her Path, at UCM
Kennedy Bergman, an engineering student from West Plains, will graduate this spring from the University of Central Missouri with a job already lined up. The UCM graduate developed greater confidence throughout her academic journey.
Dennis Gail Harper, 68, of Ava passed away May 5. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. at The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home.
Mary Evelyn Keathley, 89, of Gainesville passed away May 4 at her home. A celebration of life will be held Monday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m. at The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville.
Roy Lee McDaris, 79, of Hartville passed away and will be remembered in a funeral service Friday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m. at The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Coldwater Cemetery.
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