West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, May 30, 2026
Ty's Take
Anybody who's watched West Plains grow over the last decade knows it runs on people showing up and doing the work—the school folks, the civic groups, the ones who see something needs doing and step in. This week's got that feeling all over it. You've got Pendergrass heading to nationals, Patillo getting recognized by Jeff City, Kuszak putting one over the fence when it counted, and the fair getting ready to roll again Monday like it does every year. Meanwhile the Agape House is asking for help, the Moose Lodge is feeding people, transportation got a new director, and the track at Zizzer Stadium's getting fixed so the team can keep competing. It's not flashy—it's the kind of week that doesn't make anybody rich or famous, but it's the backbone of how a county seat stays a county seat.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Pendergrass to represent Missouri in national contest
A local resident has been selected to compete at the national level, representing Missouri in an upcoming contest.
Patillo receives governor’s award
Joanna Patillo, a nursing instructor at Missouri State University-West Plains, has earned the 2026 Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, recognizing her innovation in the classroom and commitment to student success. Beyond her teaching duties, Patillo leads study abroad programs to Jamaica...
Annual Kiwanis golf tournament is Friday
The West Plains Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual golf tournament Friday at noon, with a new Toyota Tacoma serving as the hole-in-one prize. The two-person scramble costs $250 per team and supports local youth programs, with registration available by calling 417-256-7196.
Heart of the Ozarks Fair kicks off Monday
The Heart of the Ozarks Fair opens Monday, bringing carnival rides, exhibits, and entertainment to the region.
Sodomy charge against former WS man dismissed
A statutory sodomy charge against a former Willow Springs man has been dismissed after prosecutors declined to pursue the case in December 2021, more than two years after the 2019 allegations were filed.
Kuszak hits walk-off homer in 10th, Frahm goes distance as Nebraska holds off Arkansas 5-3 at WCWS
Nebraska defeated Arkansas 5-3 in a 10-inning thriller at the Women's College World Series, with Ava Kuszak hitting a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the tenth inning.
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Ozark Radio News
Mountain View Agape House Seeking Donations During Tight Year
The Mountain View branch of Agape House, which serves domestic abuse survivors, is running low on supplies and operating near capacity due to budget cuts and is urgently seeking donations.
Cabool School District Welcomes Donnie Wells as New Director of Transportation
The Cabool R-IV School District has hired longtime local resident Donnie Wells as its new Director of Transportation for the 2026-2027 school year.
Moose Lodge Announces Fish and Shrimp Dinner in Mountain Home
Mountain Home Moose Lodge #1953 is hosting its monthly fried fish and shrimp dinner Friday, June 5th from 4:30 to 6 p.m., featuring combination plates with sides and dessert.
Man Arrested in Wright County on Drug and Sex Offender Charges
A Kansas City man faces drug and sex offender charges after Wright County deputies discovered methamphetamine during a traffic stop on State Highway C on May 27th.
Wright County Man Accused of Receiving Stolen Goods
A Wright County man has been accused of receiving stolen property after a camper was taken from a Webster County gun store and recovered by deputies.
Zizzer Stadium to be Closed to the Public for Track Resurfacing
Zizzer Stadium will close to the public beginning June 1st for track resurfacing work, with updates expected through social media channels.
Tractor Trailer Overturns near Mountain Home this Morning
A tractor-trailer overturned near Mountain Home, Arkansas early this morning at the intersection of State Highway 5 and 342, blocking the roadway after the vehicle struck trees and signage.
David Nels Scheschi, 80, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, passed away May 24th at White River Medical Center with a Celebration of Life Mass scheduled for Monday, June 1st.
Emma Sue Baumann, 75, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, passed away May 23rd; she was a lifelong member of her community known for her warm personality and open heart.
Featured Pet of The Day – Garfield
Garfield, a friendly 3-year-old tabby mix, is available for adoption through the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas and enjoys cuddles, naps, and exploring his surroundings.
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