West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Ty's Take
You see a lot in a week like this—the university board thinking five years ahead, folks signing up for weather radios because they've learned what flash water can do, a kid from Willow Springs making VP at Coca-Cola, families gathering at reunions, a school district somewhere in the county that won't have to tell a single parent their child's supplies didn't make the list. The Ozarks aren't one story, they're a hundred of them running at once, and most weeks the real news isn't what breaks—it's what holds. The summer arts camp. The new pilots. The imagination library keeping its doors open. That's the county working.
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West Plains Daily Quill
MSU Board of Governors approves 5-year strategic plan at West Plains meeting
Missouri State University's Board of Governors approved a five-year strategic plan during their annual meeting in West Plains last week, with discussions centered on campus improvements and program expansion. The board heard updates on renovations to Drago Hall, which will house a new veterinary...
Howell County Emergency Management offers free weather radios to high-need residents
Howell County Emergency Management is distributing free NOAA weather alert radios to vulnerable residents and those in areas with poor cell or television coverage through a temporary grant-funded assistance program. The radios will provide early warning capabilities to help county residents stay...
Mo. Supreme. Court upholds Douglas Co. murder conviction
The Missouri Supreme Court has unanimously upheld a 2020 murder conviction of a Douglas County woman who appealed her case on grounds of mental incompetence. The court's decision stands firm despite her appeal arguments.
Kehoe praises emergency response to historic south-central Missouri flash flooding
Gov. Mike Kehoe praised the coordinated emergency response to historic flash flooding that struck south-central Missouri late last week, with rescuers pulling hundreds of people from dangerous waters, vehicles, and rooftops. The 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event dumped over 12 inches of rain in...
70th annual ICMGA convention starts Thursday in WP
More than 100 country gospel musicians will converge on West Plains this week for the International Country Gospel Music Association's 70th annual convention and award show, running Thursday through Saturday at The Bridge Church. The free public event features daytime showcases and evening...
Ozarks Heritage Fest set for October, Smith donates
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Howell County News
Howell County Restaurant Inspections
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Summer Arts Camp held in Willow Springs
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Scenes from the Mtn. View Fourth of July Parade
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WSHS alum promoted to VP position for The Coca-Cola Company
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The Losh/Worley Annual Family Reunion
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Local EAA Chapter 1218 celebrates newest private pilots
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27 participate in watermelon eating contest
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Willow vets acknowledged by nonprofit
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library stays on track in Willow Springs
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Ozark Radio News
Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey Welcomes New Deputy
The Texas County Sheriff's Office has sworn in a new deputy, Spencer Walls, a Cabool resident who recently graduated from the Drury University law enforcement academy. Walls officially began his patrol duties on Monday, July 13th.
Missouri State University-West Plains is hosting the fourth installment of its "Celebrating 250 years of America in the Ozarks" conversation series, focusing on the role of World Wars in Ozark history. The free public event begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23rd at the university.
FREE WEATHER RADIOS AVAILABLE THROUGH HOWELL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Howell County Emergency Management has received grant funding to purchase and distribute NOAA weather alert radios to residents unable to receive warnings through traditional means. According to Emergency Management Director Mike Coldiron, the radios will provide early warning capabilities to...
A dog named Lucy, abandoned and left to fend for herself, is now thriving after being found by a compassionate person who began her puppy vaccinations and provided the care she desperately needed. Despite efforts to locate her original owner, no one came forward to claim her.
Stuck Semi Creates Temporary Traffic Trouble in Mountain View
Traffic was temporarily disrupted in Mountain View when a Convoy of Hope semi truck became stuck after turning too sharply into a parking lot near Drake Street and Highway 60. Mountain View Police directed drivers to use alternate routes while the vehicle was being extracted.
Mountain Grove Man Injured in Accident Avoiding a Deer
A Mountain Grove man was injured early Tuesday when his vehicle swerved to avoid a deer on U.S. 60 near Fordland and ran off the roadway. The 3:10 a.m. crash in the 2024 Nissan Kicks sent the vehicle into the ditch after the driver's evasive maneuver.
Howell County Sheriff’s Office Issues Scam Warning
The Howell County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a scam in which callers impersonate deputies and spoof the agency's phone number, falsely claiming victims have outstanding warrants or missed court dates and demanding immediate payment. Residents are urged to hang up and call the...
Koshkonong School Announces All School Supplies for Their Students Have Been Fully Funded
Koshkonong School District students will start the new school year with all school supplies fully funded thanks to the combined efforts of the PTO and community donors. The only item families need to provide is a backpack for students in Pre-K through 12th grade.
SINGO BINGO FUNDRAISER IN MOUNTAIN VIEW
A Singo Bingo fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at the Mountain View VFW Hall to support the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District Angel Tree Project, which provides Christmas gifts for local children in need. The community event begins at noon and welcomes donations of new,...
West Plains Arts Alliance Update Features Three Events
The West Plains Arts Alliance is hosting three upcoming events for residents, including a presentation at the Garnett Library covering the history of the Great Wooldridge Fire. The alliance continues to offer various cultural activities and educational opportunities throughout the community.
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