West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, May 23, 2026
Ty's Take
You see a city council willing to ask voters to fund themselves a little better, a nonprofit landing real money to do the work that keeps this county stitched together, and somewhere in the same news cycle, a locked-out workforce at Leonardo DRS heading into week four with no end in sight. West Plains knows how to pull together when it matters—that's the story the grant and the ballot question tell—but it also knows what it feels like when the machinery breaks down and nobody's talking. Both things are true this week, and both deserve attention.
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West Plains Daily Quill
New Rock Picking Awards to recognize Ozarks cultural preservation
Ozarks Alive has launched the Rock Picking Awards to honor individuals and organizations preserving the region's history and culture. Named after the labor-intensive task of clearing stones from Ozark fields, the awards recognize often-overlooked work in historical preservation, creative arts,...
Ozark Action receives $25,000 regional resiliency grant
Ozark Action received a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to help remove financial barriers to job training. The funding will support low-income individuals across the organization's six-county service region in pursuing meaningful careers and economic independence.
West Plains Council approves 1% sales tax ballot question
West Plains voters will decide on a 1% sales tax increase during the August 4 election, which could generate about $4 million annually. The city plans to use the revenue primarily to build a new multi-use indoor sports facility to replace the capacity-strained Jimmie Carroll Sports Complex, with...
Texas Co. couple indicted for 2nd-degree murder after child’s remains ID’d
A Texas County couple has been indicted on second-degree murder charges after skeletal remains discovered on their property were identified as a child they previously reported missing. Authorities also found five other children at the home suffering severe abuse and neglect, leading to multiple...
Leonardo DRS lockout enters fourth week
About 285 Leonardo DRS workers remain in a lockout entering its fourth week after rejecting a contract proposal they say lacked fair wage increases and imposed unsustainable healthcare costs. Union officials argue the aerospace manufacturer is not providing its skilled workforce the compensation...
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Legal fight could delay a proposed $7B settlement for lawsuits in Roundup cancer claims
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Former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell withdraws from NBA draft, will play at Duke next season
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Ozark Radio News
Honor Walk in Mountain Home Scheduled
The Peitz Cancer Support House will host its Annual Honor Walk and Community Celebration on June 6 at the ASU–Mountain Home campus. The event brings the community together to celebrate cancer survivors, honor loved ones, and raise awareness for National Cancer Survivors Day.
Mark White retires from MSU-WP
Mark White, who served 15 years as director of veteran services at Missouri State University–West Plains, will retire June 1. White joined the university in 2011 and has worked to support veterans attending the campus.
Willow Springs Man Charged with Drug Trafficking
A Willow Springs man faces felony drug-trafficking charges after police discovered more than 100 grams of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop on May 20. The 34-year-old driver was arrested following the discovery.
Pomona Man Arrested for Sex Offenses Involving a Child
The Howell County Sheriff's Office arrested a Pomona man in connection with a reported sexual offense involving a child. An investigation by the sheriff's office led to the arrest on May 21.
Featured Pet of The Day- Butters
Butters, a 2-year-old domestic shorthair and tabby mix, is available for adoption through the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. The shy but curious cat is seeking a home where he can receive affection and explore.
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7 Brew Customers Had a Surprise Server on Friday
American Idol winner Hannah Harper worked as a server at the West Plains 7 Brew location Friday, drawing heavy customer traffic as fans came to meet her. Harper served drinks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
West Plains fell to Willard 3-2 in the Class 5 District 6 baseball semifinals, finishing the season with a 17-17 record. Local golfer Dalton Harper recorded a hole-in-one on the ninth hole at North Terra Golf Course.
Men’s Basketball Signs Jordan Crawford
Mizzou men's basketball added South Dakota All-Summit League honoree Jordan Crawford to its roster. Crawford averaged 14.4 points per game last season and led his team with 77 three-pointers as a junior.
The St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-2 at home, dropping to third place in the NL Central. Ivan Herrera homered for St. Louis as the team falls to 28-21 on the season.
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