West Plains Daily Digest Friday, August 07, 2026
Ty's Take
County's been moving slow on that Justice Center study for a while now, and today's the day they're finally narrowing down which firms get a real look at what we actually need. Meanwhile, two more folks got sentenced during Circuit Law Day, the weather service is flagging a slight severe risk for tonight, and out toward Licking there was a four-vehicle collision that left people hurt. The Heritage Festival's got its lineup set, two new teachers are coming to West Plains schools, and we lost Elaine Moody and Harvey Everett Sullins this week. It's the kind of Tuesday that reminds you this region keeps turning, keeps working, keeps losing good people and bringing new ones in to fill the gaps. Keep your eyes on the sky tonight and your foot steady on the road.
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Ozark Radio News
Four Injured in a Crash Near Licking
A collision on Missouri Highway 32 three miles east of Licking on Thursday afternoon left four people injured when a Lenox woman's 2021 Chevrolet Equinox was struck by a 1996 Dodge Neon driven by a Salem man. The Salem man sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Two defendants sentenced during Circuit Law Day
Two men were sentenced to the Missouri Department of Corrections during Circuit Law Day on July 31 in Douglas County Circuit Court. Joseph W. Newell, 39, of Marshfield, received 30 years in prison for delivery of a controlled substance.
Headliners Announced for the Ozark Heritage Festival
The 32nd annual Ozark Heritage Festival will take place October 16 and 17, 2026, in downtown West Plains, Missouri, celebrating Ozarks music and culture with free admission. Festival hours run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day with music performances scheduled throughout.
Howell County Evaluates Top Firms for Justice Center Needs Assessment
The Howell County Commission recently completed interviews with four architectural firms responding to a request for qualifications to conduct a needs assessment for a new Sheriff's Office, Jail, or Justice Center. The commission will use these evaluations to determine the best firm for the project.
Mountain Grove Man Facing First degree Assault Charge
A Mountain Grove man has been charged with first-degree domestic assault in Wright County after surveillance video showed a woman being slammed to the ground during an argument. Officers responded to the incident around 7:31 p.m. on August 5.
Zeus, a dog left behind at a property after his owner was arrested by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, is now available for adoption through local rescue services. The dog is looking for a safe home after his owner was not an approved resident of the property.
Elaine Moody, 79, of Evening Shade, Arkansas, passed away on August 3, 2026, with funeral services scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, at The Tri County Funeral Home Chapel in Highland, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by services at noon.
Harvey Everett Sullins, 87, of Licking, Missouri, will be laid to rest following funeral services on Friday, August 7, 2026, at The Fox Funeral Home Chapel in Licking, with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. Internment will take place at Long Hollow Cemetery in Evening Shade, Missouri.
West Plains Welcomes Two New Educators for 2026-27 School Year
The West Plains School District announced two new elementary teachers joining the district for the 2026-2027 school year: Serah Davis as a 3rd grade teacher and Linda Smith as a 1st grade teacher. School officials praised the new educators for their qualifications.
Slight Risk of Severe Weather Tonight, NWS Says
The National Weather Service reports a slight risk of severe weather across the Ozarks tonight and into tomorrow, with potential quarter-sized hail and wind speeds between 60-70 mph. Residents should monitor conditions closely and prepare for possible severe storms.
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