West Plains Daily Digest Monday, June 15, 2026
Ty's Take
A skydiving operation out of a Missouri airfield came down hard yesterday, killing all twelve people aboard—the kind of tragedy that stops a place cold, even one used to loss. We don't know yet what went wrong or where exactly it happened, but somewhere a dozen families woke up to news no one should have to hear, and this whole region feels it. The Ozarks has seen plenty of hard luck over the years, but a thing like that reminds you that danger doesn't announce itself, and that the people doing the work we see as routine—pilots, jump masters, the folks running small operations out of rural airstrips—they're taking real risks every time they go up. Our thoughts are with those families and the communities they came from, whatever answers the investigation turns up.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Plane carrying passengers hoping to skydive crashes in Missouri, killing 12
A skydiving plane crashed in Missouri, killing all 12 people aboard, according to authorities responding to the scene. The Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted Butler Police Department with the investigation into the fatal accident.
The plane that crashed in Missouri, killing all 12 aboard, was carrying skydivers, authorities say
Twelve skydivers and crew members perished when their aircraft went down in Missouri, authorities confirmed. All occupants on the plane were killed in the crash.
All 12 occupants dead in Missouri plane crash, state highway patrol says
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that a plane crash claimed the lives of all 12 people on board. The accident marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the region.
Cord Rager stymies Alabama and Sooners' offense keeps rolling in 9-0 College World Series victory
Oklahoma dominated Alabama in the College World Series with a 9-0 victory behind strong pitching from freshman Cord Rager and timely hitting in Omaha. The Sooners' offense remained hot despite injuries to key players like Deiten Lachance.
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Ozark Radio News
Two Taken into Custody After Fleeing in Douglas County
Two suspects with active warrants fled into the woods when Douglas County Sheriff's deputies attempted to serve papers, but were apprehended after a K-9 unit tracked them down. The arrests occurred on N Highway following the brief pursuit.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrests
Missouri State Highway Patrol made several arrests over the weekend, including a Florida driver charged with DWI-drugs and hit-and-run in Howell County. Additional arrests were also made on felony endangering charges.
Arkansas National Guard Celebrating America 250 With Flyovers
The Arkansas National Guard will conduct military flyovers on July 1st across several towns to commemorate America's 250th birthday. Residents in Mammoth Spring, Salem, Mountain Home, and Ash Flat can expect to see aircraft overhead, though specific times have not yet been announced.
Body of Missing Marshfield Man Recovered in Bull Shoals Lake
The body of 25-year-old Caleb Blair, a missing Marshfield man, was recovered from Bull Shoals Lake on Sunday afternoon. Marion County Sheriff's office discovered the remains in the Camp Galilee Cove area.
Early Morning Accident Injures Koshkonong Driver
A Koshkonong driver suffered moderate injuries when his Jeep flipped after crossing the centerline on Missouri 99 near Shannon County early Sunday morning. The unbelted driver hit a culvert and overturned while traveling south around 2:40 a.m.
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