West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, August 01, 2026
Ty's Take
Money from somewhere else is flooding into the 154th District race, and if you've been watching the mailbox or your screen, you already know it. Outside groups are dropping real dollars on attack ads while locals are trying to figure out who's actually behind the messaging, and that's the kind of thing that tends to wear on people who just want to know where their representatives stand without needing a forensic accountant to trace it back. The benefit tournament that brought in over thirty grand for that eleven-year-old, though, that's the other side of the coin, the kind of thing that reminds you why this place holds together when everything else feels like it's pulling apart.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach West Plains Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
West Plains Daily Quill
SPECIAL INTERESTS, LOCAL VOTES: OUTSIDE INFLUENCES IN THE 154TH PRIMARY
Editor’s Note: This report concludes a three-part Quill investigation into outside political action committee (PAC) spending in local August primary races. The Quill does not endorse candidates; all findings are based on Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) filings, legislative journals and...
Benefit tournament raises $31,512 for 11-year-old fighting rare illness
The community showed up, as nearly 50 teams from West Plains and the surrounding area gathered for a a three-on-three benefit basketball tournament July 25 at Howell Valley School, raising $31,512 to assist 11-year-old Ava Perkins as she continues treatment for a rare, severe autoimmune disease....
Tracing the outside cash fueling local attack ads
Late last week, political flyers appeared in mailboxes across Howell County—the vast majority of which comprises Missouri’s 154th House District—targeting sitting Rep. Lisa Durnell and calling into question her voting record. The timing of the mailers coincides with the Aug. 4 primary election, now...
Missouri State, Arkansas State volleyball teams earn AVCA honors
The Missouri State University and Arkansas State University volleyball programs both earned the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, the organization announced Thursday. To qualify, teams must maintain a yearlong cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale....
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach West Plains Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Ozark Radio News
Arkansas State Police Notes Drop in Traffic Fatalities Halfway Through 2026
(The following is a release from the Arkansas State Police.) Arkansas roadway fatalities are down significantly compared to recent years, according to year-to-date data. As of July 29, 2026, preliminary reports indicate there have been 245 traffic fatalities statewide, compared to 292 at the same...
Benefit Concert Planned for the Yellow House in West Plains
West Plains, MO. – The Yellow House, a local arts community hub in West Plains, will be holding a fundraiser concert next Friday. The performing artist featured in this next chapter in the House Concert series will be Colin Elmore, a Willow Springs resident who currently plays in Nashville, TN....
Drowning at Spring River in Arkansas Announced
Salem, AR. – The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a drowning has occurred on the Spring River midway through last month. The announcement can be read below. On July 17, 2026 a 911 call was made to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. The caller stated that a person was drowning in...
Avenue Theatre Seeking Auditions for Upcoming Stage Performance “By the Grace of God”
West Plains, MO. – Coming up soon, August 2nd and 3rd, a set of auditions will be occuring for a new production at the Avenue Theatre. According to Joanne Hall board member with Arts on the Avenue, this production will be “By the Grace of God”, directed by Rhonda Norman. This production will...
TCMH Completes More Than $550,000 in Patient Care Investments
(The following is a press release from Texas County Memorial Hospital.) Houston, MO— Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH) recently completed more than $550,000 in grant-funded capital investments, board members heard at their monthly meeting on Tuesday. Bill Bridges, TCMH chief executive officer,...
Funeral Services for Robert “Bob” Eugene Simers, Age 93 of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at The Mammoth Spring Church of Christ, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31st, 2026 at The Carter Funeral Home,...
Graveside Services for Eleanor Lee Holtz, Age 84 of Licking, Missouri will be held on Monday, August 3rd, 2026 in The Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, IL. Arrangements under the direction of The Fox Funeral Home, Licking, Missouri Eleanor was born in Greenwood, MS in the front bedroom of her home on...
FEATURED PET OF THE DAY- Meet Cher! A 2-year old Black Labrador Retriever & Bloodhound Mix who is available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. Cher is a friendly girl who loves her fellow canine friends and humans. Two years into her life, she feels so content and...
Funeral Services for Donald “Don” Roy Logdson, Age 75 of West Plains, Missouri will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at The Moko Church of Christ, Salem, Arkansas, beginning at 11:00 AM. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Arrangements under the direction of Doty Family...
Graveside Services for Beverly Jo Johnson, Age 79 of Ava, Missouri will be held on Monday, August 3rd, 2026 in The Bethel Cemetery, Ava, Missouri, beginning at 10:00 AM. Arrangements under the direction of The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Missouri. Beverly Jo Johnson, 79 years, 4 months, 23...
Rural News Wire is a daily local news digest for West Plains and rural America. We aggregate and curate, original reporting belongs to the sources linked above. Support local journalism by visiting their sites.
Subscribe free to get this digest in your inbox every morning.