West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, June 25, 2026
Ty's Take
When a sheriff gets a letter asking for money to investigate a case, it's worth asking hard questions about how we fund law enforcement in county seats like ours—and whether the people running those operations are doing right by the badge they wear. The Izard County situation across the line is a reminder that small-town policing depends on trust, and trust gets burned quick when money and investigations start mixing in ways that don't add up. Out here we know our sheriffs by name and face, which cuts both ways: it makes the job harder when something smells wrong, because everybody notices.
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Weather Alerts
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued June 25 at 1:36AM CDT until June 27 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, including the following areas, Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry IL, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne IL, White an...
Ozark Radio News
Izard County Sheriff Responds to Letter Seeking Money for Investigation
Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton is warning residents to be cautious of solicitation letters circulating in the area that reference the sheriff's office and claims about violent illegal aliens. The sheriff's department is urging people to carefully review any such mailings before responding.
City of Thayer Accepting Applications for a Utility Worker
The City of Thayer is hiring for a full-time utility worker position that includes benefits and reporting duties to city leadership. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications to the city.
OHRC will host a presentation about the 2022 wildfire that burned half of Wooldridge, Missouri
The Ozarks Heritage Research Center at MSU-West Plains will host a public presentation on the devastating 2022 wildfire that destroyed half of Wooldridge on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. in West Plains. The event will examine the history and impact of the fire on the community.
The West Plains Public Library Recieves Grant From AARP
West Plains Public Library has been selected as one of 750 recipients of a community challenge grant from AARP's Liveable Communities initiative. The library now joins over 2,500 grantees nationwide working to improve their communities.
Howell County Health Department To Host Arts & Crafts Event For Senior Citizens; Thursday, July 16th
The Howell County Health Department is hosting an arts and crafts event called "Artfully Aging" for residents 50 and older on Thursday, July 16 from 2-5 p.m. at the West Plains Senior Center. Participants will have the chance to create crafts and connect with neighbors.
Patricia Norene Hays, 80, of Willow Springs passed away and will be remembered during funeral services on Saturday, June 27 at St. Joseph Mission Church in Pomona. Visitation is scheduled for Friday evening at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Michael Raczynski, 62, of Theodosia died on June 22 in Mountain Home, Arkansas after a career as a master electrician. He was born in Chicago in 1964 and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.
Randel Butler, 85, of Mountain Home, Arkansas passed away peacefully on June 21 surrounded by family. A native of West Plains, he graduated from Christian Brothers College and served his country with pride.
Dale Adrian, 77, of Alton passed away on June 16 and will be remembered at a celebration of life on Friday, June 26 at Country Meadows Event Center in Rover. Clary Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Linda Elizabeth Smith, 79, of Thayer passed away on June 22 at Ozarks Healthcare Center in West Plains. She is survived by a sister in Alabama, close friends, and numerous family members.
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