West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, August 08, 2026
Ty's Take
Howell County voters made themselves heard last week, turning down the sales tax increase but also sending a clear message about who they want running the county going forward. Meanwhile, the county commission is working through the harder part: what happens next with that aging sheriff's office and jail facility. It's easy enough to say no to new taxes. Figuring out how to keep running essential services on what you've already got, or finding another way to pay for what's broken, that's where the real decisions live. This is the kind of week that separates talk from the actual work of governing a rural county.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Southern Bank donates $10K to Boys & Girls Club
Southern Bank has made a $10,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club, supporting the organization's youth programs and community initiatives.
Headliners announced for 32nd annual Ozark Heritage Festival
The 32nd annual Ozark Heritage Festival will take place October 16 and 17 in downtown West Plains, featuring free admission and live music celebrating Missouri Ozark traditions. The Lacewings will headline Friday night while Little Jones takes the main stage Saturday evening, with performances...
County explores options for new sheriff's office and jail facility
The Howell County Commission has completed interviews with architectural firms to assess the county's needs for a new sheriff's office and jail facility. Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs emphasized the commission will announce its firm selection soon while maintaining transparency and public...
West Plains voters reject 1% sales tax; Durnell, Hardman claim primary victories
West Plains voters decisively rejected a proposed 1% sales tax increase with 83% voting against the measure that would have funded a $14 million to $15 million indoor sports complex. In the Republican primary for the 154th District State House seat, Rep. Lisa Durnell defeated challenger Travis...
Summer update: 22 Missouri State baseball alumni playing professionally
Missouri State University in Springfield currently has 22 baseball alumni playing professionally, including five on Major League Baseball rosters led by Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year. Nine additional former Bears are competing in affiliated...
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Ozark Radio News
City of Mountain Grove Announces Road Work Scheduled Next Week
The City of Mountain Grove announced road work beginning Monday on 13th Street from Highway 95 to Hovis Street, with lane closures and construction equipment affecting traffic in the area.
City of Ava recognizes Breastfeeding Awareness Month
The City of Ava proclaimed August 2026 as Breastfeeding Awareness Month to recognize the benefits of breastfeeding and highlight the importance of maternal health with support from the Douglas County Health Department.
The article contains only a headline and lists emergency service calls for Ozark County from August 3-7, 2026, without additional narrative content to summarize.
Ozarks Healthcare Foundation Sponsors Belt Buckle Awards at Heart of the Ozarks Fair
The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation sponsored championship belt buckle awards at the Heart of the Ozarks Fair in West Plains, recognizing youth exhibitors for their achievements and dedication in livestock competitions.
Ethel Mae Lang Plachy, 89, of Caulfield, Missouri, passed away on July 28, 2026, following a life that included a childhood in Judsonia, Arkansas, and high school years where she played basketball.
Opal June Schutz, 70, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 2, 2026, at West Vue Nursing Center in West Plains, Missouri, leaving behind memories of outdoor adventures and time with friends.
Suzanne 'Sue' May Herman, known affectionately as 'Sassy Sue,' passed away peacefully, reuniting her with parents Dolores and Jerome and sister Rosanne in passing.
William 'Riley' Prince, 47, of West Plains, Missouri, will be remembered at funeral services on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, at The Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri, with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Couch, Missouri.
John Boyd Knowling, a devoted husband and father, passed away on July 29, 2026, at his home in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, at age 88, concluding a career spent largely in the insurance business.
Rita Kay Perry, 77, of Mountain View, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, and will be remembered at graveside services on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, in Greenlawn Cemetery in Mountain View, Missouri.
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