West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, June 13, 2026
Ty's Take
The library's dinosaur summer reading program and the city council's Monday night session on animal control and zoning might seem like separate stories, but they're really the same conversation—what does West Plains look like five, ten years from now? On one side, we're investing in the kids and the institutions that keep them here. On the other, we're wrestling with the practical stuff that makes a town work: who can keep what animals where, how the land gets used, where the growing pains show up first. Neither one makes headlines in the state capital, but both matter to anyone trying to raise a family or run a business in this county. Good thing we've got people showing up Monday night who actually care which way the needle moves.
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Weather Alerts
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 13 at 5:10AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Calm winds, clear skies, and lingering lower level moisture will combine to produce patchy dense fog across portions of western Kentucky, southeast Missouri, and far southern Illinois. Visibility may drop to 1/4 mile or less. Conditions will improve by 8 AM or shortly thereafter. Use caution if trav...
West Plains Daily Quill
West Plains Public Library kicks off dinosaur-themed summer reading lineup
West Plains Public Library launches its dinosaur-themed summer reading program with free entertainment for all ages, including performances by musicians, magicians, and science educators at the civic center. The library offers weekly story times, teen activities like origami and crafts, and adult...
Howell County Republicans to host legislative debate, judicial forum
The Howell County Republican Central Committee will host a candidate debate and judicial forum Thursday evening at Mountain View Community Center, featuring a contest between State Rep. Lisa Durnell and challenger Travis Smith for the 154th House District seat. The event will also include a forum...
West Plains City Council to weigh animal control changes, zoning updates Monday
West Plains City Council will consider dissolving the Galloway Creek Advisory Board and overhauling animal control regulations to address shelter overcrowding by eliminating owner relinquishments at Monday's 5:30 p.m. meeting. The council will also review proposed changes to property maintenance...
Clemson receiver Tristan Smith granted temporary injunction for 5th season by South Carolina judge
Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith received a temporary injunction from a South Carolina judge Friday that protects his eligibility for a fifth season while preventing the NCAA from ruling him ineligible for the 2026 season.
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Ozark Radio News
Shannon County Files Injunction, Sheriff Responds
Shannon County filed a court petition seeking an emergency injunction against Sheriff Steven Hogan, alleging he exceeded his $301,000 law enforcement budget and hired more deputies than authorized for 2026.
West Plains City Council to Meet Monday Night
West Plains City Council will hold its regular meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, with a tentative agenda including approval of minutes, private fireworks permits, and other municipal business.
American Pride Roofing Celebrated One Year in Business
American Pride Roofing marked its first anniversary in business with a Customer Appreciation Day celebration featuring a classic car show, live radio broadcast, free food, and community activities.
Demolition Begins, New Recreation Amenities Planned for People’s Park
Construction has begun on new recreational amenities at West Plains' People's Park, with demolition starting Friday in the parking lot adjacent to the Aquatic Center to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.
The 2026 Heart of the Ozarks Fair concluded with record-breaking attendance, marking the most successful year in recent history for the event, with organizers planning additional major events for the remainder of the year.
Lena Bernice (Baldridge) Smith
Lena Bernice Smith, 90, of Hardy, Arkansas, passed away recently; graveside services will be held Tuesday at Perry Cemetery in Hardy, with visitation Monday at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
Glendola Marie McAfee, 87, of Van Buren, Missouri, passed away June 9 at Riverways Manor after a life spent in the Ozarks region with her husband and four children.
Hannah Marie Boyle, 24, of Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away recently; funeral services will be held Tuesday at Willow Funeral Home with visitation Monday.
Karen Rene Reed, 66, of Dora, Missouri, will be remembered at a celebration of life Thursday at Union Grove General Baptist Church under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
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