West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, May 28, 2026
Ty's Take
You hear about that Norfork woman who nearly got taken by a scam, and you're glad the deputies caught it in time—that's the kind of thing that doesn't make the news until it's too late for somebody else. The con artists know this country, know that people out here still answer their phones and trust a voice on the line, and they count on that decency. Our sheriff's office did what it's supposed to do, but the real work is the harder kind: getting word out so your neighbor doesn't lose her life savings to somebody three states away who's betting she won't call anybody first. Takes a village to spot a lie before it sticks.
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West Plains Daily Quill
ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an 'alarming' rate, an AP investigation finds
An Associated Press investigation has documented an alarming surge in suicides among Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees, marking unprecedented rates in the agency's 20-year history. The findings point to systemic failures in mental health care and oversight within ICE detention...
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Ozark Radio News
West Plains Tattoo Expo Starts Friday
The West Plains Tattoo and Food Truck Expo returns this weekend, featuring over 100 tattoo artists from across the country alongside live entertainment and a variety of food vendors. The three-day event marks the second annual celebration of local and regional body art talent.
Chancellor’s List honorees announced for 2026 spring semester
Missouri State University-West Plains has recognized students who achieved perfect 4.0 grade point averages for the 2026 spring semester on its Chancellor's List. The honor requires students to complete at least 12 credit hours while maintaining flawless academic standing.
Vice Chancellor’s List honorees announced for 2026 spring semester
MSU-West Plains announced its Vice Chancellor's List honorees for spring 2026, recognizing students who maintained grade point averages between 3.5 and 3.99 while taking 12 or more credit hours. The distinction celebrates strong academic performance below the perfect 4.0 Chancellor's List threshold.
Deputies Save Norfork Woman from Being a Victim of a SCAM.
Quick thinking by a Baxter County sheriff's deputy prevented a Norfork woman from falling victim to an increasingly sophisticated scam in late May. Law enforcement officials warn that scammers operating overseas have refined their tactics, making it nearly impossible to recover stolen funds once...
Willis "Bill" Russell, 86, of Hardy, Arkansas, passed away and will be remembered through funeral services Thursday, May 28th at Tri-County Funeral Home in Highland. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m., with burial in Cherokee Village.
Dorothy Ann Goodson, 88, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on May 25th and will be honored at a memorial visitation Thursday morning at Barker Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Agnos Cemetery.
Joshua Levi Shelton, 41, of Mountain View, Missouri, passed away on May 23rd, leaving behind his spouse, children, and mother. Shelton was born in California in 1984 and is survived by his extended family.
DRS Lockout of IAM Union Workers Continues
The lockout of IAM Union workers at Leonardo DRS in West Plains continues as the labor dispute remains unresolved. The International Association of Machinists remains in a standoff with the defense contractor over contract negotiations.
Featured Pet of The Day- ButterScotch
Butterscotch, a playful 5-month-old Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Heeler mix, is available for adoption through the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. The energetic pup is eager to meet new people and explore the world around him.
MSHP Releases Statement on Officer Involved Shooting in Shannon County
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred May 25th in Shannon County at the request of local authorities. The preliminary investigation identified 36-year-old Levy I. Gray of Birch Tree as the suspect involved in the altercation with law...
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