West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Ty's Take
Jack Pahlmann spent his years as West Plains mayor figuring out how to move the needle on a small-town budget, which is mostly about knowing who needs help, when, and how to ask without bruising anybody's pride—the kind of work that doesn't make the statewide news but keeps a place like this holding together. You see his fingerprints in the housing resolution council just passed, in the way the hospital foundation keeps finding ways to slip a safety bed to families who need one, in the Zizzers kids competing at nationals because somebody believed in them. He made it to 85, which means he saw West Plains through the lean years and the hopeful ones, and that's a life that counted. The town's smaller without him.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Zizzers excel at National Beta Convention
Two West Plains High School students earned prestigious honors at the 2026 National Senior Beta Convention in Nashville. Senior Maren Thompson placed fourth nationally in pottery, marking her fourth consecutive top-four finish, while sophomore Macey Lambe performed as a Premier Performer in the...
Combs inducted into Missouri Bankers Association 50 Year Club
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Former WP Mayor Jack Pahlmann dies at 85
Jack Pahlmann, former West Plains mayor, passed away Monday at age 85. Pahlmann served as mayor from 2012 to 2021 and previously spent 12 years on the city council beginning in 2000.
Arctos Sports, RVX and Magellan Partner to Launch National Sports-Anchored Development Platform
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Howell County News
ABC Ready Mix coming to Willow Springs
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Sunflower Award given at hospital
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Persistence Pays Off: TCMH team helps patient overcome insurance barriers to receive needed surgery
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Ozarks Healthcare Foundation gifts Safety Sleeper Bed to local family
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DAR and SAR presents MSU Veterans Scholarship
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Citations for Hannah Harper Day
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Durnell, Smith debate at Republican party event
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W.S. compared to 'Old Mexico' at council meeting
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West Plains approves resolution to stimulate housing projects
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Ozark Radio News
Howell Rural Fire Department Looking for Junior Firefighters
Howell Rural Fire Department is recruiting high school juniors and seniors ages 16 to 18 for a new junior firefighter program. Applicants must have reliable transportation, vehicle insurance, and a valid Missouri driver's license.
DDCC Warns Of A Scam Utilizing The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Name/Image
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control is warning residents about a growing financial fraud scam using the agency's name and image. Victims across the state and nation have suffered significant financial losses.
Willow Springs Airport Closed for Maintenance
Willow Springs Municipal Airport will close June 24-26 for runway maintenance and marking work. NOTAMs have been posted for pilots.
Featured Pet of The Day-Princess
Princess, a 2-year-old cat, is available for adoption through Ozarks Pet Rescue. The spayed and fully vaccinated feline came to the rescue as an owner surrender and is now ready for a permanent home.
Attorney General Hanaway Charges Dozens Of Medicaid Fraudsters For Over $613,000 In Stolen Funds
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced charges against 24 defendants for over $613,000 in alleged Medicaid fraud statewide. The charges are part of the office's ongoing effort to combat fraud and protect taxpayer money.
Howell County Special Olympics With Two Fundraisers this Weekend
Howell County Special Olympics will host two fundraisers Saturday morning to support the program. A car wash begins at 10 a.m. at O'Reilly Auto Parts on Porter Wagner, and a bake sale starts at Hirsch Feed.
Ozarks Healthcare Continues to Grow Women’s Health Services with New Clinic Location
Ozarks Healthcare's Women's Health Clinic has relocated to 1115 Alaska Avenue in West Plains as of June 22. The move expands access to women's health services across the region.
Expectations for Excessive Rainfall Continue Through this Week
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Cabool Man Facing Several Sexual Related Charges
A 26-year-old Cabool man faces child molestation and sexual abuse charges after police say he admitted to inappropriate contact with a 16-year-old girl. Nathan Harrison is charged with fourth-degree child molestation, first-degree sexual abuse, and two counts of second-degree sodomy.
Gene Bess, legendary former Three Rivers basketball coach, passed away at 91. The only junior college coach inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, Bess led the Raiders to national championships in 1979 and 1992 during his 50-year tenure.
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