West Plains Daily Digest Friday, July 24, 2026
Ty's Take
There's a stretch of road near Lanton that's caught more than one driver off guard, and this week added another name to that list. Meanwhile, the community's doing what it does best, the kind of work that doesn't make headlines but holds things together: B.A.C.A. organizing their July event here in West Plains, school districts scrounging for dollars to bring good teachers into classrooms, and neighbors keeping watch in their own way. The death notices remind us this region's smaller than it was, but the ones still here are working to make sure the next generation has something worth staying for. There's a candidate forum set for Gainesville on the 30th if you're paying attention to county business. Most weeks in the Ozarks are quiet ones, and that's the way folks prefer them.
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Ozark Radio News
A Republic man sustained minor injuries in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday at the intersection of Missouri 17 and Missouri 142 in Lanton. According to the Highway Patrol, a westbound 2014 Ram 1500 driven by a 41-year-old Koshkonong resident failed to yield to a northbound 2015 Jeep Grand...
Registered Sex Offender Arrested in Baxter County
A registered sex offender was arrested July 23rd following an investigation by the Baxter County Sheriff's Office into allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material on his phone. The complaint was initially reported by a vehicle dealership in West Plains, Missouri.
B.A.C.A. Event Set for July 25 in West Plains
The SHOTO Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse will hold a community event Saturday, July 25, at Arby's on Southern Hills in West Plains from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Members will share information about their work supporting abused children across the region.
Ava R-1 seeks donations to welcome 14 new educators
Ava R-1 Schools is seeking donations from local businesses to assemble welcome bags for 14 new educators joining the district for the 2026-2027 school year. Businesses can contribute by donating 14 of the same item, such as branded merchandise, snacks, or gift cards.
Meet the Candidates July 30th in Gainesville
The Gainesville Senior Center will host a 'Meet the Candidates' event on July 30th at 6:30 p.m. All candidates are welcome to attend and meet with constituents over refreshments.
Remi, a 4-month-old black Labrador retriever mix, is available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. The sweet and curious pup has quickly learned to love human companionship.
Graveside services for Vernon Richard Reinmuth, 66, of Koshkonong, Missouri will be held Monday, July 27th at 10 a.m. in The Jolliff Cemetery in Rover, Missouri. The Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains is handling arrangements, with memorial contributions suggested for the Rover Volunteer...
Bobby Dean Bingham, 87, of West Plains, Missouri will be remembered in funeral services Saturday, July 25th at 2 p.m. at The Faith Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., with burial to follow at Howell Valley Cemetery in West Plains.
Memorial services for Lonnie Coyd Wolfe, 77, of Bucyrus, Missouri will be held Monday, July 27th at 11 a.m. at The Bradford Funeral Home in Summersville, Missouri. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., preceding the service for the longtime resident who passed away July 20, 2026.
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