West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Ty's Take
Primary day is coming up fast, and voters are going to have their hands full sorting through candidates and those ballot measures everybody's been talking about. The Shield Maidens are asking hard questions about what some of those initiatives actually do, and meanwhile there's a Capitol PAC throwing money at rural lawmakers in ways that deserve a closer look. Between the judge's race and everything else on the August ballot, this is one of those elections where it pays to show up knowing what you're voting for, not just voting against somebody. Do yourself a favor and grab a sample ballot before you head to the polls.
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West Plains Daily Quill
From ballot measures to the bench, primary candidates face voters
Local officials and legislative candidates debated Missouri's proposed ballot amendments at a July 22 panel at the West Plains Civic Center, with county leaders unanimously opposing Amendments 4 and 5. Sheriff Matt Roberts, Assessor Daniel Franks, Commissioner Ralph Riggs and Collector Janet Crow...
Kiwanis Club donates toward Glenwood playground
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Shield Maidens question ballot initiatives
The Shield Maidens of Missouri, introduced by 154th District State Rep. Lisa Durnell, presented concerns about proposed state ballot measures at a June 22 event, with speakers Stacy Shore and Lisa Pannett warning that Amendment 5 would repeal a voter-approved ban on new service taxes and suspend...
Why is a Capitol PAC targeting rural lawmakers?
A $300,000 contribution from St. Louis donor Rex Sinquefield to the We the People Priorities PAC has funded attack mailers against 154th District Rep. Lisa Durnell and other rural lawmakers who voted against Amendment 5. The PAC's targets, including Durnell, 59th District Rep. Rudy Veit, and Camden...
St. Charles man drowns following medical emergency
A 75-year-old St. Charles man drowned Saturday afternoon on the North Fork of the White River near Dora in Ozark County after suffering a medical emergency that caused his kayak to capsize. The man lost consciousness following the medical event, and despite first aid rendered at the scene, he was...
Registration opens for I Ran From the Cops 5K
Registration is open for the 2026 I Ran From the Cops 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk scheduled for Sept. 12 at Palenske Field in Willow Springs, with the race beginning at 8 a.m. The $30 event entry fee increases to $40 for participants requesting an official T-shirt, with shirt guarantees available only...
A-State Football 2026 single-game tickets on sale now
Arkansas State Athletics announced single-game tickets are now on sale for the Red Wolves' 2026 football season, which includes home games against West Georgia and Kennesaw State in non-conference play. Fans can purchase tickets through the A-State Ticket Office, by phone at 870-972-2401, or online...
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Howell County News
TCMH earns statewide recognition for advancing maternal care through quality improvement efforts
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Local VFW take home state awards
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West Plains Kiwanis awards 3 grants to support local youth
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Candidates make cases for judge seat
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A local focus on proposed Amendments
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JHSAR reading of Declaration of Independence
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Jester graduates from MBA Banking Leadership Missouri Program
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Jasper Engines and Transmissions included in TIME America’s Best Private Companies 2026 list
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Ozark Radio News
Wright County Inmate Now Faces Additional Charges
A Wright County jail inmate is facing additional charges after deputies report he refused orders and attempted to leave his cell on July 17, prompting staff to use a Taser device. Deputy Mike Foreman responded to the incident at the Wright County Jail after being called by staff to manage the...
Sample Ballots for August 4th Primary
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Three Year Anniversary Celebration of Lincoln School this Saturday
The Lincoln School Project in West Plains will celebrate its three-year anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 1, with a public viewing and discussion of The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman at the historic Lincoln School building on Pony Thomas Street from 10 a.m. to noon.
Lanton Fire Department Looking for Volunteers
The Lanton Volunteer Fire Department is recruiting new members and welcomes residents of the Lanton community to join regardless of prior firefighting experience. The department provides training and equipment for volunteers interested in firefighting, emergency response, or general community...
Be Alert for MoDOT Mowing Crews
The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to exercise caution around mowing crews operating along roadway shoulders and interstates during the growing season. MoDOT's mowing efforts focus on maintaining visibility and safety along Missouri's highways as spring rains and warm...
Dance Hall Explosion 100th Anniversary Coming Up, Preparations Are Underway to Commemorate the Event
A community planning committee has begun preparations to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Bond Dance Hall Explosion, which will occur on April 13, 2028, in West Plains. The committee includes representatives from local organizations and descendants of families directly impacted by the...
Fatal Motorcycle Crash Tuesday Afternoon
A 41-year-old West Plains man died Tuesday afternoon in a head-on collision on US 160 near county road 1120, three miles east of West Plains, when his 2001 Honda Shadow crossed the centerline and struck a 2002 Ford F-150. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the motorcycle operator was...
West Plains Woman Arrested for Burglary in Thayer
A West Plains woman faces multiple felony charges after she was apprehended during an active burglary in Thayer on Sunday evening, July 26. According to an Oregon County probable cause statement, officers responded around 8:17 p.m. after the homeowner's father reported he was holding a female...
Featured Pet of The Day- Queso
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Major to Extreme Heat Risk Remains in the Ozarks Today
The National Weather Service in Springfield warns of major to extreme heat risk continuing throughout the Ozarks region, with the most severe heat concerns centered in Ozark and Oregon Counties in Missouri. Residents are advised to take precautions as dangerously high temperatures persist in the...
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