West Plains Daily Digest Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Ty's Take
The animal shelter opening on Saturday is one of those small-town victories that doesn't make much noise but matters plenty when you're standing in it. For years, folks around here have been driving to Springfield or further when they needed help with a stray or wanted to adopt, and that's a long haul when you've got animals that need care now. Having that resource right here in West Plains means the strays won't fall through the cracks, and it means families looking for a dog or cat won't have to make it a day trip. Meanwhile, the university's new director of student support over at MSU-West Plains is another sign that the campus is taking seriously what we all know: young people need more than just classes and a campus to thrive. Both moves point to a county that's trying to build the kind of place people want to stay in.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 11 at 12:53AM CDT until August 13 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Maximum daily heat index values up to near 110 degrees. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONA...
Ozark Radio News
Willis Named Director of Student Support For Missouri State University West Plains-ASCEND
Lauren Willis has been appointed Director of Student Support Services for the ASCEND Program at Missouri State University-West Plains. Willis has worked at the university since 2021 and played a key role in developing the campus counseling program.
Dora man faces multiple felony allegations after deputies find him at unoccupied residence
A 40-year-old Dora man was arrested on August 2 after Douglas County deputies found him living illegally in an unoccupied residence. Authorities discovered suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a shotgun during the search, leading to multiple felony charges against Justin Taylor Veits.
West Plains Reigonal Animal Shelter Grand Opening, Set for Saturday, August 22nd
The West Plains Regional Animal Shelter will celebrate its new facility with a grand opening on Saturday, August 22nd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new building is located near the existing shelter at 1488 State Route BB in West Plains.
Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Public health officials are warning residents to watch for signs of heat exhaustion as temperatures remain dangerously high across the region. Federal agencies have released guidance highlighting the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, noting that recognizing symptoms early can be...
Featured Pets of The Day-Puppies plus Mom & Dad Available for Adoption
Ozarks Pet Rescue currently has three litters of puppies available for adoption along with their parents. The puppies range in age from 3 months to 10 months old and represent a mix of two breeds.
Wesley Eugene Hicks, a veteran born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, passed away on August 5, 2026, at Cox South in Springfield. He was married to Donna Lawrence at West Plains on June 22, 1968.
Funeral services for Kluck Dewayne Barymon, 68, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas will be held on Wednesday, August 12th at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Graveside services for Roye Huston Scribner, 87, of Salem, Arkansas will be held on Saturday, August 15th at Fairview Cemetery in Salem. Visitation will take place at Barker Funeral Home in Salem beginning at 10 a.m., with graveside services at 11:30 a.m.
Delilah Jean Zaborac, 79, of Couch, Missouri passed away on August 7, 2026, at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer. She was born in Fairmont, West Virginia and is survived by her husband Robert, one son, and two granddaughters.
Sharon Joan Scoggins, 62, passed away on August 7, 2026, in Mountain View, Missouri. Born in Fort Madison, Iowa, she was married to Tim Scoggins on December 29, 1990.
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