West Plains Daily Digest Tuesday, June 02, 2026
Ty's Take
Mike Leach never coached a down in Missouri, but he'd have understood this country—the kind of man who built something unconventional out of nothing much, talked straight, and didn't apologize for it. That the Hall of Fame ballot has him on it now, two years after he passed, says something about leaving a mark that outlasts you, which is what folks around here understand about work and legacy. Meanwhile, down at the courthouse, another week of sentencing and pleas reminds us that the machinery of justice keeps grinding whether we're paying attention or not, and that every name in the docket is somebody's story—some of them ending different than they hoped.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Offensive mastermind Mike Leach, who died in 2022, heads ballot for College Football Hall of Fame
Mike Leach, the innovative football coach who transformed offensive strategy during his 21-year career, has been nominated for the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame. Leach, who passed away in 2022, led teams that set numerous scoring and passing records throughout his coaching tenure.
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Ozark Radio News
Douglas County Circuit Law Day sees prison sentences, felony pleas
Douglas County Circuit Court sentenced multiple defendants on May 26, 2026, including Darin G. Sisco of Ozark to six years in state prison for drug possession charges as a repeat offender. The sentencings concluded Law Day proceedings before Judge Craig Carter.
Ozark County Sheriff’s Office Reports Caulfield Warrant Arrest
Joseph Waugh of Caulfield was arrested in April on an active felony warrant during a service by Ozark County Sheriff's deputies at his residence. The Ozark County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest on May 27.
Two Mountain View Residents Injured in Greene County Crash
A 17-year-old Mountain View driver and a 45-year-old passenger were injured Sunday when their 2001 Ford Expedition left the roadway and struck an embankment on Missouri 174 west of Republic. The Highway Patrol determined the young driver attempted to pass another vehicle before losing control of...
Featured Pet of The Day- Goldie
Goldie, a resilient rescue dog who survived years on the streets and motherhood, is seeking her permanent home after multiple adoptions fell through. The featured pet has overcome significant hardships and now awaits a family ready to give her a lasting second chance.
Barbara Zoe Kesner, 90, of West Plains will be laid to rest Friday, June 5th, with services at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home on Langston Street. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., with burial to follow at Udall Cemetery in Ozark County.
Donald Wayne Marsh, 82, of West Plains will be remembered in funeral services Tuesday, June 2nd, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, June 1st, from 6 to 8 p.m., with the service to follow the next day at 2 p.m.
David Lee Pendergrass, 79, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away Friday, May 29th, after a long career with BSI Waste and service in the U.S. Army. He was born in Minneapolis in 1946 to the late Elbert and Harriet Pendergrass.
Donald H. Luerssen, 91, of Cabool will be honored with funeral services Saturday, June 6th, at St. Paul Lutheran Church beginning at 11 a.m. Memorial visitations are scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday morning at Elliot Gentry Carder Funeral Home.
Dorothy Mae Grueter, 92, of Willow Springs passed away and will be remembered in services Monday, June 8th, at Elliot-Gentry Carder Funeral Home in Cabool. She will be laid to rest at Willow Springs City Cemetery.
Mike Williams, 72, of Mountain Grove will be remembered in services Wednesday, June 3rd, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Home, Arkansas, with visitation at 11 a.m. and services beginning at noon. The family requests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers.
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