West Plains Daily Digest Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Ty's Take
Monday's Road to Remember ceremony will draw folks who've made the hard walk to that wall, and this week Willow Springs is putting out the welcome mat with Music on Main and getting ready for their Fourth parade—the kind of summer rhythm that keeps these small towns stitched together when bigger things are pulling at us from every direction. We're also saying goodbye this week to some of our own, the names in the obits a reminder that community isn't something you build once and leave standing; it's something you tend to, season after season, by showing up when it matters. Jason Smith's piece on honoring the fallen runs deeper than most memorial pieces do, and it's worth your time. The news cycles will come and go, but the work of remembering—and of gathering together around a parade route or a ceremony—that's the real story this week in Howell County.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Northwestern beats North Carolina 14-11 for its 9th women's lacrosse national championship
Northwestern University claimed its ninth women's lacrosse national championship with a 14-11 victory over North Carolina. Freshman standout Gabriella McCollester led the charge with four goals, while teammates Taylor Lapointe and Aditi Foster each contributed hat tricks in the title game.
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Ozark Radio News
Road to Remember Ceremony on Monday
West Plains honored its veterans with a Road to Remember ceremony at the Civic Center, unveiling banners displayed throughout downtown. The project was completed as a Girl Scout Gold Award initiative by Cara Jacques to boost community awareness of local military service.
Music on Main in Downtown Willow Springs
The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce is launching a three-part summer concert series called Music on Main Street, featuring live performances and local food in downtown. The inaugural event kicks off the 2026 season with community partners including Pizza Americana.
Willow Springs 4th of July Parade Registration is Open
Willow Springs is accepting parade entries for its 2026 Fourth of July celebration honoring America's 250th birthday. Organizers aim to field 250 parade entries to make it one of the region's largest Independence Day events.
David DeWayne Hayes Sr., 54, of West Plains passed away and will be remembered at a celebration of life on Tuesday at the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. with the service following at 2 p.m.
Memorial services for Emily Jaycene McIntosh, 40, of West Plains will be held Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Barker Funeral Home is directing arrangements, with memorial donations requested for the church.
Connie Jean Allmer, 60, of Briggsdale, Colorado and Mammoth Springs, Arkansas will be laid to rest following a funeral service Tuesday at Thayer First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Terrell Cemetery in Peavine, Oklahoma.
Estella Lee Smith, 79, of Mountain View passed away and will be remembered at a funeral service Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Mountain View. Interment will follow at Bolin Cemetery in Hutton Valley.
Raymond Joy Haden, 89, of Ava passed away on May 21 and will be laid to rest following services Tuesday at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. with the service at 2 p.m.
Jason Smith: Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
Memorial Day is a time to pause from summer celebrations and honor military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, according to state legislator Jason Smith. He urges the community to remember the true meaning of the holiday.
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