West Plains Daily Digest Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Ty's Take
Two of our neighbors made the trip to Indianapolis and came home with some hardware from the National Beta Club competition—the kind of thing that doesn't make the national news but means everything in a house where somebody's kid stayed up late studying for it. Meanwhile, the roads around us are getting work done, the lakes are running high enough that the county had to close the swim beaches, and we got confirmation of a small tornado down in Shannon County that could've been worse. In a region where one week you're talking about highway construction and the next you're burying good people, it's the steady stuff—the kids who work hard, the clinic getting another good provider, the city councils asking for input on what comes next—that keeps the machinery running. That's West Plains being West Plains.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Authorities arrest 2 more suspects in planned attack on Trump's UFC show
Federal authorities have arrested two additional suspects in Missouri and Washington state connected to a foiled plot against President Trump's UFC event at the White House earlier this month. The investigation continues as law enforcement works to identify all parties involved in the planned...
North Carolina going for 1st national title in baseball in CWS finals against surging Sooners
North Carolina's baseball team faces Oklahoma in the College World Series finals in Omaha, Nebraska, seeking the program's first-ever national championship. The Tar Heels will square off against the surging Sooners in the championship matchup.
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Ozark Radio News
City of Thayer Announces Two Upcoming Meetings; Asks for Community Input
The City of Thayer will hold two public meetings in July to gather community feedback on key municipal issues. The first meeting on July 9th at 6 p.m. will focus on the city's five-year comprehensive plan and help establish community priorities for future grant applications.
Route 32 In Texas County To Begin Resurfacing Next Week
The Missouri Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing more than 46 miles of Route 32 starting Monday, with work spanning from Texas County to Iron County through early September. Construction crews will work weekdays to improve the roadway between U.S. Route 63 near Licking and Route KK.
Two West Plains Students Shine on the National Beta Stage
Two West Plains High School students earned national honors at the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville last week. Macey Lambe performed as a Premier Performer during the opening ceremony and competed with her contemporary solo, while Maren Thompson placed fourth nationally in her competition...
Baxter Health Welcomes Debra Schulte, APRN, to the Market Street Family Clinic
Baxter Health has welcomed advanced practice registered nurse Debra Schulte to its Market Street Family Clinic. Schulte began seeing patients June 15th and joins a medical team that includes Dr. John Baltz and Dr. Benjamin Stevens.
Four Area Lake Swim Beaches Closed Due to High Waters
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed four swim beaches at area lakes due to high water levels from recent rainfall. Three beaches at Bull Shoals Lake—Lakeview, Oakland, and Theodosia Parks—and Robinson Beach at Lake Norfork have been shut down.
Featured Pet of The Day- Lilly
Lilly, a one-year-old shepherd mix, is available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. The curious pup is still adjusting to shelter life and learning about her surroundings.
EF0 Tornado Confirmed by NWS in Shannon County
An EF0 tornado touched down in Shannon County near Eminence last night without warning, traveling 2.7 miles before dissipating around 8 p.m. The National Weather Service confirmed the brief tornado that formed during a passing storm front.
Robert Russell Hodgson Sr., 63, of Mansfield will be celebrated at a service on Saturday, June 27th at Robertson Drago Funeral Home in West Plains from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Sherry Louise Cox, 63, of Caulfield passed away peacefully on June 16th after being born in Quincy, Illinois in 1962. She is remembered by family and friends for her warmth, kindness, and love of life's simple pleasures.
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