West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Ty's Take

Good to see the sheriff's office picking up that Blue Shield designation—it's the kind of credential that doesn't make headlines in the way a big arrest does, but it matters more to the people living here. Standards for training, accountability, and community policing don't sound exciting until you're the one who needs to trust the badge, and in a county this size where everybody knows everybody, that trust is built on small, steady work. Meanwhile, down the road in Mountain View, the city's moving forward on some significant spending, and the co-op's holding its annual meeting—the kind of civic machinery that keeps this region turning. It's easy to miss in a week full of Fourth of July planning and campaign announcements, but these are the bones of how we function out here.


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West Plains Daily Quill

Ozark County Sheriff’s Office earns Missouri Blue Shield designation

The Ozark County Sheriff's Office has earned Missouri's Blue Shield designation for 2026, recognizing its commitment to community policing and public safety partnerships. The award qualifies the agency for specialized training and equipment grants, part of a statewide program that distributed over...

Former State Rep. Travis Smith launches campaign for 154th House District

Former State Representative Travis Smith launched his campaign Thursday for Missouri's 154th House District seat, emphasizing his legislative experience and focus on regional economic development. Smith, a West Plains native and former high school coach, will face incumbent Republican Lisa Durnell...

Mtn. View man killed in Saturday rollover

A 41-year-old Mountain View man died Saturday night when his van failed to navigate a curve on County Road 2900, struck a fence and overturned. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, marking the 10th traffic fatality this year in the nine-county state patrol area.

Explore West Plains to host 'Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration' for America 250

West Plains will host an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration July 4 on the Missouri State University-West Plains campus, featuring a non-motorized parade, live music and children's activities. The free family event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and encourages traditional, handmade parade entries...

Locked-out Leonardo DRS workers reject latest contract proposal; union appeals to Kehoe, Hawley

Union workers at Leonardo DRS rejected the company's latest contract offer Saturday, extending a workplace lockout that began in May affecting roughly 285 local employees. International union leaders have escalated the dispute by appealing directly to Governor Kehoe and Senator Hawley, arguing the...

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Howell County News

Hannah Harper Day costs discussed, water super. Named at meeting

No summary available—article text not provided.

Mural installed at Bailey Legacy Park

No summary available—article text not provided.

Pool’s closed for the summer

No summary available—article text not provided.

Main Street Wellness Center prepares for open house

No summary available—article text not provided.

City of Mountain View approves multiple big ticket items

No summary available—article text not provided.

Two juveniles arrested following shooting investigation

No summary available—article text not provided.

Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, Inc., 87th Annual Meeting of Membership

No summary available—article text not provided.

Howell County Rural Fire Departments receive equipment donation

No summary available—article text not provided.

Forest Service officials explain Secure Rural Schools Act

No summary available—article text not provided.

DAISY Award given and nurses honored During National Week

No summary available—article text not provided.

Ozark Radio News

Brewers 6, Cardinals 0

The Milwaukee Brewers shut out the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0 Tuesday night, extending their NL Central lead to three-and-a-half games. A five-run fifth inning highlighted by Garrett Mitchell's three-run homer sent Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy to the bench after four-plus innings.

Yankees 15, Royals 1

The New York Yankees dominated the Kansas City Royals 15-1 Tuesday, blasting six home runs and collecting 24 hits in the Bronx. Bobby Witt Jr. provided Kansas City's only run with a solo homer in the lopsided defeat.

Drinkwitz update on Ahmad Hardy

Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz reported that running back Ahmad Hardy, recovering from a gunshot wound suffered earlier this month, has returned to Columbia and is rehabbing daily at the team facility. Drinkwitz said Hardy is doing well physically, though no timeline has been set for his...

Packers Star Josh Jacobs Arrested, Facing Five Charges In Domestic Abuse Case

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was arrested in Wisconsin and faces five charges including domestic battery, disorderly conduct and felony strangulation following a reported domestic disturbance at his home Saturday morning. He also faces charges of criminal damage to property and...

Ava Man Faces Multiple Charges After a Domestic Call

An Ava man was arrested Friday after allegedly assaulting his pregnant wife at their home in Maple Lane Mobile Home Park, according to a Douglas County probable cause affidavit. The 43-year-old suspect, Reuben Curtis Ingram, was taken into custody following a domestic call.

Four People Injured in Accident Near Mountain View Tuesday

Four people were injured Tuesday morning in a rear-end collision on Highway 60 near Mountain View when a Toyota Corolla struck a Toyota Camry. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the 7:58 a.m. crash two miles east of town.

Summersville Wildcat Softball Skills & Development Camp Set for Friday June 5th

Summersville High School is hosting a softball skills and development camp Friday, June 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. for fifth through eighth graders at the high school softball field. The $20 camp fee includes a camp t-shirt.

Baxter Health Foundation Receives $270,000 Legacy Gift From the Trust of Peter Peitz to Support the Peitz Cancer Support House

Baxter Health Foundation announced receipt of a $270,000 legacy gift from the Peter Peitz Trust to support the Peitz Cancer Support House. The transformative planned gift will ensure the organization can continue providing comfort and care to individuals and families facing cancer.

Willow Springs Man Injured in Collision

A Willow Springs man suffered moderate injuries Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash involving his motorcycle and another vehicle on County Road 2070 near Pomona. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the 9 a.m. collision.

MSHP Memorial Day Weekend Reports

Eight people died and 99 were injured across 234 traffic crashes during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol preliminary statistics. The count covered the period from 6 p.m. Friday, May 22 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 25.


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