West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, July 09, 2026
Ty's Take
When a week's worth of headlines sits somewhere between a centennial school celebration and charges that belong in a courtroom, you're looking at the real texture of a small county—the part nobody puts on the chamber brochure. Lincoln School honoring its own and kids learning defense on the hardwood matters, same as the sales tax question in August and whatever work's being done to keep the CFO moving forward. But it's the darker items that remind you why towns like ours need steady law enforcement and why the state's new impaired driving rules aren't just bureaucracy—they're probably somebody's neighbor, somebody's kid, somebody you know. This is what August will ask of Howell County: vote on your future while you're still sorting out what kind of present you're living in.
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Weather Alerts
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 9 at 3:32AM CDT until July 12 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...All of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and western Kentucky. * WHEN...From 1 PM CDT /2 PM EDT/ this afternoon through late Saturday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flood...
West Plains Daily Quill
Lincoln School Project honors distinguished alumni, local family at centennial celebration
West Plains honored three distinguished Lincoln School alumni and the Forbes family during the school's centennial celebration, recognizing their efforts to preserve the historic segregation-era institution's legacy. Shirley Ann Oaks Thompson, Crockett W. Oaks Jr., and Edna Hooper Fisher received...
Basketball campers develop defensive fundamentals
This article was not available for summarization due to subscriber-only access restrictions on the original source.
CFO renovations draw local aid
West Plains donors Dr. Charles Morgan and Robin Morgan are helping fund an $8 million renovation of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks headquarters in Springfield, with the project having raised $4.5 million toward its goal. The "Front Door for Philanthropy" initiative will expand the first...
Willow Springs man indicted on first-degree rape charge
A Willow Springs man faces first-degree rape and statutory rape charges following a Howell County grand jury indictment alleging he sexually assaulted a child younger than 14 in April 2019. Gary A. Burk, 44, is being held in the Howell County Jail on a $100,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty....
Red, white and boom: Howell County rings in America 250
This article contained no substantive content for summarization.
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Ozark Radio News
Voters Will Vote on a Sales Tax Measure in West Plains August 4th.
West Plains residents will vote on a sales tax measure during a special election scheduled for August 4, 2026, with polling places open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Willow Springs Arts Council Announces Summer Arts Camp
The Willow Springs Arts Council's Summer Arts Camp welcomed a strong turnout of local children eager to explore creative projects through various art activities. This year's camp saw registration fill quickly, demonstrating community enthusiasm for arts education programs.
Panda, a playful 9-week-old Labrador Retriever mix, is available for adoption through the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. The energetic puppy loves to play and is ready to find his forever home.
Mountain Grove Man Charged with Four Counts of Sexual Conduct with an Animal
A Mountain Grove man faces four misdemeanor charges following a search warrant executed by Wright County deputies at a Thornhill Drive residence on July 6, 2026.
Mountain Grove Man Arrested After Fleeing Police; Meth Recovered at Scene
A Mountain Grove man was arrested Monday night after fleeing from police during a burglary response and discarding suspected methamphetamine while running. Officers recovered the drug at the scene following the incident on East 17th Street.
Missouri Enacts Landmark Impaired Driving Reforms to Protect Families and Prevent Future Tragedies
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed two landmark impaired driving bills into law, strengthening prevention efforts, increasing accountability for offenders, and providing support for victims' families. The legislation, backed by MADD, aims to reduce impaired driving tragedies across the state.
High school football jamborees will take place across the region on Friday, August 21st, with West Plains competing in Rolla, Mountain Grove hosting Willow Springs and Thayer, and other local teams scattered at various jamboree locations. The preseason matchups set the stage for the upcoming...
Mizzou Announces 2026 Football Game Themes
Mizzou Football announced game themes and colors for the 2026 season, which opens September 3 at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Fans can purchase discounted four-ticket packages for $80 to the season opener while supplies last.
Cardinals get swept by Brewers
The St. Louis Cardinals suffered a rough day, losing both games of a doubleheader to the Milwaukee Brewers. The second loss came late when a reliever gave up a leadoff home run and additional hits before being pulled.
The Kansas City Royals defeated the New York Mets 16-12 in a high-scoring game marred by early defensive struggles. The Mets jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning before multiple errant throws allowed the Royals to chip away.
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