West Plains Daily Digest Friday, June 12, 2026
Ty's Take
Mid-week around Howell County reads like it always does—some trouble on the roads, a couple of folks tangled up with the law, life moving along with its regular mix of accident and intent. But there's something worth holding onto in the noise: seven kids from area high schools earning DAR Good Citizen certificates, and the Rotary Club still doing the work of keeping this place stitched together with fundraisers and service. That's the Ozarks most folks don't talk about when they're counting wrecks and arrests—the steady people who show up to meetings and raise their kids right and believe tomorrow matters. The "Freedom" exhibit celebrating 250 years is running somewhere in the region too, which seems like decent timing when you're sitting in a place where people still argue about what freedom actually means and keep arguing anyway. That's worth more than the headlines suggest.
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“FREEDOM” Multi-Media Exhibit Celebrating America’s 250 Years in the Ozarks
The West Plains Council on the Arts will present a multi-media exhibition called "Freedom" celebrating America's 250th anniversary at the West Plains Civic Center from June 8 through July 17, 2026. An artist reception is scheduled for June 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Civic Center Lobby.
Man Arrested After Altercation Near Ava
Douglas County Sheriff's deputies responded to a physical altercation between two men near Ava on June 9, 2026, and discovered the homeowner was experiencing a possible heart attack. One man was arrested following the incident.
OZARK SPRING, NSDAR AWARDS SEVEN AREA HIGH SCHOOLS STUDENTS WITH THE DAR GOOD CITIZEN CERTIFICATE
Seven high school students from across the Ozark region received the DAR Good Citizen Award from the Ozark Spring chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. One recipient also won the chapter's essay contest and earned a $500 scholarship.
Lebanon Teen Injured Near Grovespring
A 16-year-old Lebanon girl was hospitalized after her vehicle rolled over on Robertson Road near Grovespring on Wednesday afternoon. The crash occurred when the driver was traveling too fast while using a mobile phone.
Ava Woman Injured in Wednesday Afternoon Crash
A 20-year-old Ava woman sustained injuries in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 76 and Highway U northeast of Ava on Wednesday afternoon. The accident happened when one driver failed to stop at a stop sign.
West Plains Noon Rotary to Host Fundraising Online Auction
The West Plains Noon Rotary is conducting an online auction featuring a "Grill & Chill" package worth $865 to raise funds for weekend food assistance and scholarships for area youth. The package includes a high-end pellet smoker and accessories donated by local businesses.
Seymour woman remanded to custody after Douglas County court appearance
A 65-year-old Seymour woman was ordered held in custody after testing positive for methamphetamine and ecstasy during a May 26 Douglas County court appearance. She was arrested in January on a grand jury indictment for drug possession charges.
Funeral services for Chesley Robert "Chet" Tilley, 75, of Summersville will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at Bradford Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. with services at 3 p.m., followed by burial in Summersville City Cemetery.
Shirley Marie Gayer, 79, of Houston will be laid to rest at Arthurs Creek Cemetery following services Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Souls Harbor Church. Visitation begins at noon with the service at 2 p.m.
Featured Pet of The Day- Candy
Candy, a Maine Coon mix rescued along with her newborn kittens from an abandoned truck in West Plains, is now available for adoption through Ozarks Pet Rescue. The affectionate mother cat is ready to find a permanent home after her difficult start.
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