West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, June 27, 2026
Ty's Take
Marshall Ray Miller, Logan Dwain-Day Tarleton, William "Bill" Flood, Delberta Williams, Kieth Reese—five names in the obits this week, which is how you measure a stretch of time out here, the folks who knew the roads and the seasons and which neighbor would help pull you out. Same week the American Legion is marshaling the parade down in Willow Springs and young people are signing up for softball camps and somebody's getting crowned queen at Cedarhurst. Life keeps cycling through, the way it does in a county seat, which is maybe why we still gather for coffee with the cops and show up to hear candidates talk about what comes next—because we know these people, all of them, the ones we're losing and the ones we're counting on.
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Weather Alerts
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued June 26 at 11:23PM CDT until June 28 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be 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, W...
West Plains Daily Quill
Briscoe crowned Ms. Cedarhurst Queen
Ginger Briscoe was crowned the 2026 Ms. Cedarhurst Queen during the annual pageant held at Cedarhurst of West Plains. The celebration brought together 15 residents and their families for an afternoon of recognition and community spirit.
American Legion Post 384 named grand marshal for Willow Springs July 4 parade
American Legion Post 384 will serve as grand marshal for Willow Springs' Fourth of July Parade on July 4, selected to honor the nation's 250th anniversary and recognize veterans' service. The chamber is urging families to keep children safely on sidewalks during the parade and never chase candy...
Voters presented options at legislative, judicial candidate forum
Four candidates seeking Howell County's Associate Circuit Judge position outlined their qualifications at a Republican forum in Mountain View, with the primary election scheduled for August 4. The judicial seat manages a diverse caseload including criminal, civil, family, and traffic matters across...
Community breaks bread with local law enforcement at 'Coffee with the Cops'
West Plains law enforcement and community members gathered for "Coffee with the Cops," a casual forum sponsored by Wood & Huston Bank to strengthen relationships between residents and first responders. Sheriff Matt Roberts and Police Chief Todd Stovall both emphasized the value of direct...
Area youth invited to Grizzly Softball camps
Missouri State University-West Plains head softball coach Brie Brooks is offering summer softball camps for area youth, with the first camp beginning next week. Registration details are available through the university's athletics program.
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Ozark Radio News
Izard County Sheriff’s Office warns residents of phone scam
The Izard County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a phone scam in which callers impersonate Federal Trade Commission agents to solicit personal information. Officials urge residents to hang up and report suspicious calls to law enforcement.
Woman arrested after theft, trespassing call in Ozark County
Katherine Watson was arrested following a theft and trespassing report in Ozark County on April 25, with deputies locating her during the investigation. The arrest was documented by the Ozark County Sheriff's Office on June 11.
Two Couch Residents Injured in Rollover Crash
Two Couch residents were injured Friday morning when a 2018 Lincoln Navigator hydroplaned and overturned east of Missouri Route A in Oregon County. The crash occurred at 8:50 a.m. and resulted in the vehicle being totaled.
A Friday Morning Rollover Crash Injures Two from Willow Springs
Two Willow Springs residents sustained injuries early Friday when their 2018 Nissan Murano hydroplaned and overturned on U.S. 60 near Cabool. The crash happened at 7:25 a.m. and caused extensive damage to the SUV.
Melbourne businesses to celebrate grand openings with Saturday event on the square
Melbourne area businesses are hosting a community celebration Saturday, June 27, on the town square, featuring grand openings and a ribbon cutting for The Manna House's newly remodeled facility at noon. The event will showcase several newly opened businesses in the community.
Marshall Ray Miller, 81, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 27, at The Clary Funeral Home in Thayer.
Logan Dwain Day-Tarlton, 21, of the area passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love for others. He was born October 1, 2004.
Morgan William "Bill" Flood, Sr., 92, of Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away June 20, 2026, at his home. He was born in Mountain View in 1933 and was married to Geneva Colbert for many decades.
Delberta Williams, 80, of Grovespring, Missouri, passed away and will be laid to rest following funeral services Monday, June 29, at The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Hartville. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
Kieth Reese, 77, of Vanzant, Missouri, passed away and will be remembered at funeral services Saturday, June 27, at Cold Creek Cowboy Church in Ava. Visitation will begin two hours before the service at 9:00 a.m.
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