West Plains Daily Digest Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Ty's Take
When the heat index climbs past 110, you start seeing the real backbone of this county—the folks who have to keep working anyway. Cattle don't stop needing water because it's dangerous out there, and neither do the crews at the stockyards or the medical center staff who just picked up two new deputies to help manage what summer always brings. We lost some good people this week, the way we always do, and Baxter Health's new geriatric accreditation over in Arkansas says something about how serious they're taking the aging population that's been moving back to this country for twenty years now. But today, the thing that sticks is the sweat and the stubbornness—folks registering kids for fall volleyball even as we're still wringing out our shirts, deputies stepping into the job, a community that doesn't pause for the heat.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 11:24PM CDT until July 21 at 11:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values of 100 to 106. For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 110 to 116. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 11 AM CDT Tuesday...
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 20 at 11:24PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values of 100 to 106. For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 110 to 116. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 11 AM CDT Tuesday...
Ozark Radio News
West Plains Parks & Recreation Youth Volleyball Registration-NOW OPEN
West Plains Parks & Recreation is now accepting sign-ups for its fall youth volleyball league, with games scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The program serves players in grades 3-8, with a team fee of $250 for a six-game season.
Baxter Health's Cline Emergency Center in Mountain Home has become the first and only Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department in Arkansas, earning the highest accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. The achievement recognizes the facility's specialized care for elderly...
Willow Springs Monthly Council Meeting Minutes
The Willow Springs city council met this month to conduct regular municipal business and review meeting minutes from the session.
Heat Advisory Continues as Heat Index Could Reach 110+
A heat advisory remains in effect across the region as dangerous heat index values are expected to climb above 110 degrees. The National Weather Service continues to warn residents about the hazardous conditions.
Finn, a dog available for adoption through Ozarks Pet Rescue, is looking for his forever home after spending months in the shelter system. The formerly named Michael is hoping his third chance will be the charm.
Walter Wendell Lunsford Jr., 69, of Pottersville passed away at his home on July 15. A retired Air Force veteran, he worked in security before his passing and is survived by family members.
Larry Bruce Drollinger, 75, of Tecumseh died on July 9, leaving behind a legacy of service as a Vietnam veteran in the U.S. Army. He was known in his community for his skill and quiet strength.
Memorial services for Charlotte Jane Oakes, 80, of Thayer will be held Sunday, July 26th at The Thayer Church of Christ. Oakes was born in St. Louis and lived a full life in the Ozarks region.
Two New Deputies Join the Howell County Sheriff’s Department Patrol Division
The Howell County Sheriff's Office sworn in two new patrol deputies this week: Emma Roberts, who transitions from a jailer position, and Deputy First Class Michael Lewis. Both took their oaths before Circuit Judge Steven Privette on July 20.
Funeral services for Anna Marie Hughes Baker, 95, of Sharp County, Arkansas are set for Tuesday, July 21st in Highland. The family requests memorial donations be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital and Children's Home in her honor.
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