West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, June 04, 2026
Ty's Take
That million-dollar gift to the Community Foundation for MSU-West Plains scholarships shows what happens when people who made it out remember where they came from—and what happens when a regional university does right by the kids who can't afford to leave. Scholarship money doesn't make headlines the way a wreck does, but it shapes futures in ways that stick around longer than most news cycles. Same week we're losing somebody on the road and watching a contract ratified down at the DRS plant, folks are getting a clearer path forward. That's the real arithmetic of a town like this.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Ava pedestrian killed in Monday collision
An 81-year-old Ava man died Monday afternoon after stepping into the path of a pickup truck on Highway 76 east of town. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the collision occurred at 3:05 p.m., with the driver, a 17-year-old from Norwood, uninjured in the incident. The fatality marks the 12th...
CFWP receives $1.1M gift for MSU-WP scholarships
The Community Foundation of West Plains has received a $1.1 million gift from the Robert L. Fant Trust to create permanent scholarships for local high school graduates attending Missouri State University-West Plains. The Robert L. Fant Memorial Scholarship Fund will support students from West...
Lincoln School Project announces three-day Juneteenth, centennial celebration
The Lincoln School Project will host a three-day Juneteenth and centennial celebration June 19-21 to mark the 100-year anniversary of the historic 1926 schoolhouse and honor African American heritage in the region. The weekend features food vendors and live music on opening day, downtown...
Locked-out union workers ratify new contract with Leonardo DRS
Union workers at Leonardo DRS have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement following a lockout. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2782, District 9, approved the contract with the military defense manufacturer.
Quill receives regional VFW Auxiliary media recognition
The West Plains Daily Quill received regional recognition from the VFW Auxiliary for media excellence. The award honors the publication's coverage and commitment to veteran-related community issues.
Oklahoma State holds on and UCLA stuns Texas in NCAA men's golf championship
Oklahoma State won the NCAA men's golf championship as Preston Stout defeated Florida's Matthew Kress in a tight final match. UCLA delivered an upset victory over Texas in the tournament held in Carlsbad, California.
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Ozark Radio News
Workshop on New Missouri Sales Tax Requirements June 11th
The Ozarks Small Business Incubator will host a workshop on June 11 to educate businesses about new Missouri sales tax requirements taking effect soon. The training aims to help area companies avoid costly penalties from the upcoming regulatory changes.
Community Foundation of West Plains Receives Large Donation
The Community Foundation of West Plains received a $1.1 million planned gift from the Robert L. Fant Trust to establish permanent scholarships for graduating seniors from area high schools attending Missouri State University-West Plains. The endowment will support students pursuing degrees in...
Springfield Truck Driver Injured in Ozark County Accident
A Springfield truck driver suffered serious injuries Wednesday morning when his Freightliner Cascadia ran off Highway J south of Gainesville and overturned. The single-vehicle crash occurred around 9 a.m. in Ozark County when the northbound truck drifted off the roadway and overcorrected.
West Plains Man Formally Arraigned From Alleged May 1st Incident Air Gun Shooting
A West Plains man faces multiple felony charges after police say a victim was critically injured in an air gun shooting on May 1 in the 600 block of Shuttee. The suspect was formally arraigned in Howell County Juvenile Division on charges stemming from the incident.
Mountain View Man Facing Charges After Traffic Stop
A Mountain View man was arrested on multiple felony charges early Wednesday following a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 60. His bond was set at $25,000 after the Howell County Sheriff's Office made the arrest during the 2 a.m. stop.
Ozarks Healthcare is Encouraging Community Members to Give Blood
Ozarks Healthcare is partnering with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to encourage summer blood donations. Donors giving blood during May and June will receive special rewards while supplies last, including a free three-quarter sleeve shirt.
Tractor Involved in an Accident on Highway 101 Wednesday
Two 80-year-old Caulfield men were injured Wednesday when a Dodge Ram pickup struck a John Deere tractor from behind on Highway 101 north of Bakersfield. The rear-end collision happened at 12:10 p.m. as both vehicles were traveling southbound.
Featured Pet of The Day- Jazzy
Jazzy, an eight-month-old mixed breed dog, is available at the Mountain Grove Animal Control shelter after being returned by a family with chickens. The dog gets along well with children and other dogs but is not compatible with poultry.
West Plains Police released their latest activity report documenting recent calls and incidents in the city. The report provides an overview of law enforcement responses and community safety updates.
Pearlena "Pearl" Hickman, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at Ozarks Healthcare following a brief illness. She was remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the compassionate impact she had on everyone she met.
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