West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, July 18, 2026
Ty's Take
When a neighboring county's audit comes back stamped "poor" because of illegal debt and misconduct in the sheriff's office, it's a reminder that the machinery of local government only runs clean when people are paying attention—and when the people running it know somebody's watching. Howell County's had its own reckoning moments over the years, and we've come through them because folks here care enough to ask hard questions and demand better. Over in Wright County they're going to have to do the same work now, and it won't be pleasant. But it's necessary.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Heat index values between 100 to 105 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon today to 7 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Higher humidity...
West Plains Daily Quill
‘Artfully Aging’ with music and crafts
A local community program is combining music and crafts to help seniors stay active and engaged. The initiative, called 'Artfully Aging,' offers creative outlets designed specifically for older adults.
Stolen gun, Trump threat leads to Secret Service call
A Thornfield woman faces felony charges after allegedly stealing a 9mm pistol and sending threatening text messages about harming President Trump while at a St. Louis bus station in January. The Secret Service was notified, and the firearm was recovered in Columbia before the suspect could carry...
HCSO achieves milestone sex offender registry compliance
The Howell County Sheriff's Office has achieved perfect compliance with state sex offender registry requirements for the first time, with all 163 registered offenders maintaining current information. Jailer Emma Roberts was credited with the milestone, managing the registry through rigorous...
State audit hits Wright Co. with 'poor' rating, citing illegal debt, sheriff's office misconduct
Missouri's state auditor issued Wright County a 'poor' rating after uncovering illegal debt agreements, unauthorized bank accounts within the sheriff's office, and missing firearms. The county settled a jail expansion lawsuit for $625,000, creating an illegal loan that will cost taxpayers an extra...
Hollister man charged with DWI in Ozark Co. crash
A Hollister man is jailed on felony DWI charges after a pickup truck he was driving struck a utility pole, seriously injuring a passenger riding in the truck bed. David Frazier's breath test showed a blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit, and he had a suspended license from prior...
Gov. Kehoe signs bill establishing care requirements for infants surviving abortive procedures
Governor Kehoe signed legislation requiring healthcare providers to deliver standard medical care to infants born alive after abortion procedures, establishing legal penalties including potential murder charges for providers who fail to comply. The bill removes existing exemptions in state law and...
A-State Football Places League-High Seven Selections on Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team
Arkansas State University's football program earned a conference-leading seven selections to the 2026 Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team. The honor reflects strong performance expectations heading into the upcoming season.
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Ozark Radio News
Missouri Healthcare Law Expands Doula Services, Tracks Tick-Borne Illness
Governor Kehoe signed a healthcare bill expanding Medicaid coverage for doula services to support low-income pregnant women and requiring Missouri to track cases of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a tick-borne illness causing allergies to mammal products.
Summer Reading Program to Host Donuts with Debbie July 31st
West Plains Public Library is rewarding children who completed its summer reading program with a special donut celebration on July 31. Miss Debbie will host the free drop-in event as a thank-you for young readers' participation.
Douglas County Community Foundation opens fall grant round
The Douglas County Community Foundation is accepting grant applications for fall 2026, with individual awards up to $2,000 available. The deadline for submissions is September 30.
Sixth annual Seymour Jeep Show and Shine set for this Afternoon
Seymour is hosting its sixth annual Jeep Show and Shine on the town square, featuring free swag bags for the first 50 registered participants and prizes in 16 categories. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. with registration beginning at 3 p.m.
Eight arrested in Izard County last week
Eight people were arrested in Izard County last week on charges including DWI, drug offenses, and firearms violations, according to Sheriff Charley Melton. The arrests represent ongoing law enforcement efforts to maintain public safety in the county.
Vanetta Carroll, 88, of West Plains passed away on July 15, survived by two sons Sherman and Kirk Carroll. She was born in Arkansas in 1938 and spent her final years in Missouri.
A celebration of life service for Lori Ann Floyd, 57, of Houston will be held July 18 at Raymondville Community Church. The family requests memorial donations to the Lori Floyd Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers.
Joan M. Wake, 82, of Cabool will be laid to rest following services on Tuesday, July 21, at Elliot-Gentry Carder Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. with burial to follow in Cabool Cemetery.
Marjorie M. Daughterity, 97, of Bucyrus will be remembered at a service Friday, July 24, at Faith Fellowship Church in Houston. Interment will follow in Pine Lawn Cemetery.
Irvin Sheldon Reynolds, 87, of Ava will be honored with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield on Wednesday, July 22. Cremation services are being arranged through Clinkingbeard Funeral Home.
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