West Plains Daily Digest Sunday, June 07, 2026
Ty's Take
We've lost four good women this week—Virginia Adams, Betty Jean Riley, Janet Marie Moritz, and Sylvia Atkisson—and that's the kind of toll that reminds you how these hills hold their people close and tight. Meanwhile, the roads around us keep claiming metal and bone the way they do most summers, and there's not much comfort in saying it's the season except that it is, and we keep driving them anyway. Up in Thayer they're still scraping together what they need for the Fourth of July show, and out at the Extension they're trying to get folks to think about what happens to the land and cattle when they're not here to tend it anymore. That's the work—the living and the planning and the burying—that happens in a place like this while the world watches women in Texas play ball.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Texas women beat Texas Tech 4-1 to claim back-to-back NCAA softball championships
The University of Texas women's softball team claimed back-to-back NCAA championships with a 4-1 victory over Texas Tech in Oklahoma City. Strong pitching performances from Citlaly Gutierrez and Teagan Kavan, combined with a home run from Kayden Henry, secured the Longhorns' dominant title run.
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Ozark Radio News
A 15-year-old driver from Ava and four juvenile passengers were injured Friday when their southbound Nissan Armada ran off Highway 5 near Squires and hit an embankment. The Highway Patrol is investigating the single-vehicle crash that occurred while the driver was attempting to turn onto a private...
Thayer Chamber of Commerce Seeking Donations for Upcoming July 4th Show
Thayer's Chamber of Commerce is asking the community for donations to help offset rising costs for the town's annual July 4th celebration. The popular event brings economic benefits to Thayer but requires increased financial support to continue.
Howell County MU Extension to Host Farm & Ranch Estate Planning Workshop
The Howell County MU Extension Office will host a free farm and ranch estate planning workshop on June 13th in West Plains. Presented by Ford Estate Planning and Elder Law, the session will cover wills, trusts, and other planning strategies for agricultural property owners.
Rollover Crash in Shannon County
An 85-year-old Eminence man was moderately injured Friday when his pickup truck rolled over on Highway E west of town. The Highway Patrol reports the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was transported by ambulance for medical care.
Missouri representatives Jason Smith and Mark Alford, along with Senator Eric Schmitt, introduced federal legislation this week to strengthen missing-person alert systems for adults with disabilities. The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act would also mandate specialized...
Mountain View City Council to Meet June 9th
Mountain View's City Council will convene on June 9th at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 120 N. Oak Street to discuss city business. The public is invited to attend the meeting.
Virginia "Ginny" Adams, 88, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, passed away Monday and will be remembered during memorial services Sunday, June 7th at The Assembly of God Church. Services are being directed by Doty Family Memorial Services in Salem.
Betty Jean Riley, 81, a longtime seamstress and Licking High School graduate, passed away May 29th in Tuscumbia. She was born in St. Louis in 1944 and was a lifelong resident of the Licking area.
Janet Marie Moritz, 87, of Cabool, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home June 2nd surrounded by family. Born in California in 1938, she was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother who treasured her large family.
Sylvia Evelena Atkisson, 88, of Texas County will be remembered at memorial services Monday, June 8th at Evans Funeral Home in Houston. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, with services and interment at Mahan Cemetery in Raymondville to follow.
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