West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, June 20, 2026
Ty's Take
A judge's ruling on abortion law in Missouri lands hard in a state that's been wound tight on the issue for years, but down here in Howell County the real news might be quieter and closer to home—Baxter Health earning back its Magnet designation says something about the nurses and staff who show up every shift at a regional medical center that serves all of us, from the Howell County line to deep into Arkansas hollows. That matters more than most people think until they're the ones needing a hospital bed. Meanwhile, the library's turning into a putt-putt course, Mountain View's giving away vacation prizes with blood donations, and the community's remembering Chaz Coats again come September—this is the fabric that holds a place together when the bigger arguments are raging somewhere else.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Missouri judge finds state laws restricting abortion violate voter-approved constitutional amendment
A Missouri judge this week blocked several abortion restrictions, ruling they conflicted with a constitutional amendment voters approved in 2024. The decision invalidates provisions that were already in effect under state law.
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Ozark Radio News
Baxter Health Earns Magnet Redesignation, Reaffirming Its Commitment to Nursing Excellence
Baxter Health in Mountain Home has earned redesignation through the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program, one of healthcare's highest honors for nursing excellence. The achievement comes after the health system completed a rigorous evaluation process that few institutions attain.
Blood Drive in Mtn View Offers Chance for $10,000 Vacation Prize
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is hosting a blood drive in Mountain View on July 10th with a chance to win a $10,000 vacation package. The annual summer promotion encourages donors to visit the Mountain View Community Center.
Man Charged with Trespassing in Mountain Grove Church
A Mountain Grove man was charged with burglary after authorities discovered him inside a church early Monday morning on June 16th. Wright County deputies responded to the trespassing report at the church on Outer Road around 3:30 a.m.
Library Transforms into Mini Golf Course for One-Day FUNdraiser
The Baxter County Library is turning its building into a mini golf course on July 9th to raise funds for the library foundation. The family-friendly daytime event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a separate adults-only evening fundraiser also planned.
Juneteenth Celebration Kicked off with Friday Car Show at Lincoln School
The Lincoln School Project's Juneteenth and Centennial celebration kicked off on June 19th with a car and truck show featuring about 30 vehicles. The event drew community members to the school location on Pony Thomas Drive for the festivities.
3rd Annual Chaz Coats Memorial Dice Run Slated For Saturday, September 26th
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater West Plains is hosting the third annual Chaz Coats Memorial Dice Run on September 26th to benefit the organization. The motorcycle ride will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
26th Annual Red, White & Blue Festival Returns June 26–27, 2026
The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the 26th annual Red, White & Blue Festival on June 26-27, 2026 at Arkansas State University–Mountain Home. The two-day summer tradition features patriotic celebration and family activities.
Featured Pet of The Day- Little Britches
Little Britches, an elderly Shih Tzu mix, is available for adoption through Ozarks Pet Rescue after a foster family arrangement didn't work out. The spayed and fully vaccinated dog is microchipped and ready for a new permanent home.
A Celebration of Life for Robert Charles Blackiston, 41, of West Plains will be held Saturday, June 20th at The Bridge Church. Blackiston passed away on June 10th, leaving behind his husband and children.
Funeral services for Kathy Strope, 82, of rural Mammoth Spring will be held Monday, June 22nd at Spring River Baptist Church north of Hardy. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., followed by the 11 a.m. service and burial in Bronough Cemetery.
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