West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, July 02, 2026
Ty's Take
Looks like somebody around here finally decided to take housing seriously. West Plains pushing through that resolution to stimulate new projects, paired with concrete moves—a ready-mix plant headed to Willow Springs, infrastructure money flowing in for weather radar and water crossings—suggests the county's leadership understands what the rest of us already know: you can't keep a region alive on yesterday's economy. The hospital's doing its part too, quietly moving heaven and earth to get people the surgery they need, the foundation buying safety equipment for families who need it. None of this makes the news feel like a boom, but in Howell County that's not how things work—it's steady money, steady hands, and people who show up. That's how you keep a place together.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 3:33AM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values from 105 to 112 degrees will continue. * WHERE...all of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly d...
Howell County News
ABC Ready Mix coming to Willow Springs
ABC Ready Mix is opening a new location in Willow Springs, bringing concrete supply services to the area.
Sunflower Award given at hospital
A hospital employee was recognized with the Sunflower Award for outstanding service to patients and the community.
Persistence Pays Off: TCMH team helps patient overcome insurance barriers to receive needed surgery
A TCMH medical team worked through insurance obstacles to help a patient access necessary surgery they needed.
Ozarks Healthcare Foundation gifts Safety Sleeper Bed to local family
The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation donated a specialized Safety Sleeper Bed to assist a local family in need.
DAR and SAR presents MSU Veterans Scholarship
The Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution presented a scholarship to a veteran attending Missouri State University.
Citations for Hannah Harper Day
Hannah Harper Day was commemorated with official citations from local government.
Durnell, Smith debate at Republican party event
Republican candidates Durnell and Smith faced off in a debate at a party event in the area.
W.S. compared to 'Old Mexico' at council meeting
A Willow Springs council meeting featured comments comparing the town's condition to conditions in Mexico.
West Plains approves resolution to stimulate housing projects
West Plains city leaders passed a resolution aimed at encouraging new residential development projects throughout the community.
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Ozark Radio News
Join MDC and NDA July 28 for Hunting for Venison webinar
The Missouri Department of Conservation and National Deer Association are hosting a free online webinar July 28 about managing deer and venison donation programs for landowners.
West Plains Fire and Rescue Urging Everyone to Celebrate Safely
West Plains Fire and Rescue is reminding residents to follow fireworks safety guidelines this Independence Day, including keeping water nearby and supervising children. Officials also ask the public to keep 911 lines available for emergencies.
Planned Power Outage Tuesday in Willow Springs
Willow Springs residents should expect a planned power outage Tuesday, July 7 beginning at 9pm as utility crews perform a pole transfer that will last approximately 6-8 hours.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Offers Two Special Managed Deer Hunts
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is accepting applications through July 31 for two special managed deer hunts at Big Spring this fall, with opportunities reserved for youth hunters and mobility-impaired veterans.
State Representative Keith Elliott announced that Governor Mike Kehoe approved funding for installation and enhancement of weather radar towers serving the 153rd House District.
Update on Oregon County FEMA Low Water Crossing Project
Oregon County will receive $669,194.52 in FEMA funding to rebuild damaged low water crossings in the northern district, with bid information coming next week.
Doniphan Police Department Announce Emergency Repair Leads to Street Closure
An emergency water main repair has closed Walnut Street at its intersection with Young Street in Doniphan, though officials expect work to be completed quickly.
Featured Pets of The Day- Daizy & Luke
Daizy and Luke, a pair of 3.5-month-old hound mix puppies, are available for adoption through Ozarks Pet Rescue and are fully vetted and ready for their forever homes.
Rosa May Thomas, 90, of West Plains passed away and will be laid to rest Thursday, July 2 following services at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mary Francis Collins, 86, of Ozark County passed away peacefully and will be remembered in graveside services Thursday, July 2 at Elijah Cemetery in Caulfield.
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