West Plains Daily Digest Sunday, May 17, 2026
Ty's Take
Eight hundred people showing up to a Howell County Extension meeting says something worth paying attention to—that's not a crowd chasing novelty, that's neighbors who still believe the information matters. The Farm & Home Show coming up in two weeks will draw the same kind of turnout, the same mix of cattle operators and hobby farmers and folks just trying to figure out what works better this year than last. That's the backbone of this region, the real economy, the conversations that happen in parking lots after the official business wraps up. Everything else we're reading about—the good news and the hard news both—happens in the margins around that steady core of people trying to make a living and raise their families right.
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Weather Alerts
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued May 16 at 11:42PM CDT until May 17 at 5:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...South winds 13 to 17 mph with gusts up to 25 mph expected on Lake Wappapello, Crab Orchard Lake, and Rend Lake. * WHERE...Crab Orchard and Rend Lake in Franklin, Jefferson, and Williamson County, Illinois and Lake Wappapello in Wayne County, MO. In Illinois, Franklin, Jefferson, and Willi...
West Plains Daily Quill
More than 800 attend 87th annual HOEC meeting
More than 800 members gathered at the West Plains Civic Center on May 1 for Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative's 87th annual meeting, which featured a family-friendly dinner, community resource booths, and live bluegrass music. New CEO Aaron Wheeler addressed the membership about upcoming...
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Two teens arrested in May 1 air gun shooting case
Two teenagers were arrested this week in connection with a May 1 shooting on Shuttee Street that left a victim with life-threatening injuries from an air gun. The 16 and 17-year-old suspects now face charges including first-degree assault and armed criminal action, with the investigation still...
Fundraiser, auction to benefit infant with heart defect
A benefit dinner and auction at Bakersfield School will support the family of infant Cooper James Brown, who requires multiple heart surgeries for a severe congenital condition. The event begins at 4 p.m. with a meal donation, followed by an auction at 5 p.m., with items donated by local businesses...
Mtn, View man facing 9 felony sexual assault charges
A Mountain View man has been charged with nine felonies, including multiple counts of sodomy, rape, and child molestation involving a victim who was approximately 8 years old when the alleged incidents occurred. Robert W. Long, 47, was arrested and released on $100,000 bond, with his case referred...
Ali Jaques hired as Campbell's women's basketball coach
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Ozark Radio News
West Plains Farm & Home Show Two Weeks Out
The West Plains Farm & Home Show is coming to East Towne Village on May 30, organized by Ford Estate Planning and Elder Law as a successor to previous home and garden shows in the area. The event will feature local businesses focused on farming and home services in the West Plains community.
Joanna Patillo Receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Joanna Patillo, a nursing instructor at Missouri State University-West Plains, has been honored with the 2026 Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award, presented in April at the university's Springfield campus, recognizes outstanding educators across the state.
Two Arrested in Shannon County After Shotgun Victim Investigation
Two Winona residents were arrested following an investigation into a shotgun victim treated for injuries sustained in April, with the probe also uncovering drug-related charges. The incident began when a victim arrived for treatment of wounds to the groin and wrist, leading authorities to identify...
Children’s Behavioral Services Donates $2000 to Willow Springs Charitable Events
Children's Behavioral Services in Willow Springs donated $2,000 to Willow Springs Charitable Events this week, with proceeds raised through their 2026 Autism Color Run and Walk event. The contribution will help support local families of children with special needs in the Willow Springs area.
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