West Plains Daily Digest Sunday, July 12, 2026
Ty's Take
Three people dead on our roads in recent weeks, a murder charge upgraded to first degree down in Carter County, and a death at South Central—the kind of stretch that reminds you why the sheriff's office logged 339 calls in Izard County alone last month, and why those numbers don't tell you anything about the weight they carry. Meanwhile, somebody won fifty grand on a scratchers ticket, West Plains Sounds is coming back downtown Thursday night, and a local author's got a new book about faith and family that might be worth picking up for the grandkids. It's the way life moves through a place like this—the terrible and the ordinary running parallel, both real, both asking something of us. The music and the scratchers don't erase the crashes, but they're part of the same town, the same week, the same people trying to get through it.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Norwood pair, Licking woman killed in recent crashes
Two Norwood residents died Thursday morning when their pickup truck rapidly accelerated, jumped a curb and struck a building on East Rolla Street in Hartville; neither was wearing a seat belt. The crash marks the third fatal traffic accident in the region this week, following a rollover death...
Local author shares debut children’s book on faith, family and the outdoors
Local author Tara Shahan has released her first children's picture book under the pen name B. Eleanor Angle, titled "Baylor's Big Adventures: Papa and Baylor Go Fishing," which explores themes of faith, family and outdoor activities.
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Ozark Radio News
West Plains Sounds Downtown Returning this Thursday
West Plains Sounds Downtown, a free outdoor concert series, returns Thursday with performer Kayla Ray taking the stage from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. downtown, with food trucks on hand for the community event.
Izard County Sheriff’s Office reports 339 calls for service in June
The Izard County Sheriff's Office handled 339 calls for service in June, with deputies filing 80 incident reports and 13 motor vehicle accident reports throughout the month.
Izard County sheriff releases weekly arrest report
The Izard County Sheriff's Office released its weekly incarceration report, which includes arrests made during the reporting period in the county.
OzSBI is Seeking Input From Small Business Owners
OzSBI is surveying small business owners across its seven-county service region to gather input on challenges, support gaps, and priorities for its next strategic five-year plan.
Charges Upgraded to First Degree Murder in Carter County Case
Charges have been elevated to first-degree murder in a Carter County case involving a young victim, leaving the community and the victim's family grieving a tragic loss.
RESIDENT DEATH AT SOUTH CENTRAL CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Robert Collins, a 65-year-old inmate serving a life sentence at South Central Correctional Center in Licking, was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon at the facility.
Rollover Crash Injures West Plains Resident
A 33-year-old West Plains man sustained moderate injuries Friday afternoon when his SUV ran off Highway BB north of town and overturned; he was transported for medical treatment.
$50,000 Scratchers Prize Won in West Plains
A West Plains woman won a $50,000 prize on a Missouri Lottery Scratchers ticket purchased at a local convenience store, discovering the jackpot while uncovering matching symbols on the ticket.
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