West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Ty's Take
Dianna Locke taking over as manager of the West Plains Public Library comes at a time when this town's doing something right with its public spaces, and that matters more than folks probably realize. The downtown revitalization work, the property tax rate holding steady, the Kiwanis still writing checks to our schools, the commission moving forward on architectural plans, the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation investing in equipment that changes people's lives, the swimming clubs and band camps and kids heading to D.C. conferences, the Harlin Museum keeping local history on the wall, and yes, even the Ozark Heritage Festival headliners getting announced. It all adds up to a community that's still investing in itself, still showing up, still believing there's reason to build something here. A good librarian knows that civic energy when she sees it, and Locke's timing puts her at the center of it.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 12 at 12:43AM CDT until August 14 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Very hot with peak heat index values up to near 110 degrees. * WHERE...All of southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, southeast Missouri, and southern Illinois excepting Perry County IL, where a Warning is in effect. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures an...
West Plains Daily Quill
West Plains property tax rate remains lower than most of past decade
West Plains city council approved the first reading of the annual property tax rate ordinance during a Monday special session, with the rate increasing 0.9% based on a less than 1% rise in assessed valuations. The tax rate remains lower than most years in the past decade despite the increase, and...
Kiwanis donate $2,000 to Richards School
The Kiwanis Club donated $2,000 to Richards School to support local education.
West Plains Downtown Revitalization highlights rapid progress
West Plains Downtown Revitalization has reduced vacant buildings from 32 in 2023 to just eight today, with new businesses including The Bookshop, Thunder Lizard pet shop, Asher and Co. boutique, Salon Golden, and Shenanigans music venue opening recently. Downtown West Plains features 1,265 free...
Ozarks Healthcare urges families to prioritize health before back-to-school
Ozarks Healthcare is encouraging families to schedule routine healthcare appointments before school begins on August 24, including annual checkups, sports physicals, vaccinations, and behavioral health services. The health system offers pediatric care, sports physicals at the Zizzer Clinic, and...
Several hundred community members and musicians gathered Friday evening at Hatch Auditorium in Springfield to honor the life and music of Marideth Sisco, a Missouri musician, storyteller and longtime Quill reporter who died May 18. Performances included songs by Blackberry Winter bandmates and...
WPPD: Man charged after allegedly choking pregnant woman
West Plains police charged Michael L. Roberts, 43, with felony second-degree domestic assault after he allegedly choked a pregnant woman, struck her in the head, and threatened to kill her during a July 8 incident near an apartment complex parking lot. According to court documents, officers found...
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Howell County News
The West Plains Waves Club and swim communities from Seymour and Houston raised funds to benefit the Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center.
Now that’s how you end band camp!
A local band camp concluded with a notable final event.
Miller completes CCEM Chamber Management Academy
Miller completed the CCEM Chamber Management Academy.
Revolutionary War mess kit on display at the Harlin Museum
The Harlin Museum is displaying a Revolutionary War mess kit.
Area youths attend Washington D.C. conference
Area youth attended a conference in Washington D.C.
Headliners announced for Ozark Heritage Festival
Headliners have been announced for the Ozark Heritage Festival.
A hometown singer drew a crowd at a recent performance.
It’s time to beautify Willow Springs
Willow Springs is undertaking beautification efforts.
Commission picks architectural firm Thursday
A commission selected an architectural firm on Thursday.
Election results have been reported.
Ozark Radio News
Ozarks Healthcare Foundation Provides Cooling Vest to Help Patient
The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation provided a cooling vest to Quincy Riley, an Ozarks Healthcare Therapies patient in West Plains, helping him safely enjoy outdoor activities during hot summer weather.
City of West Plains names Dianna Locke manager of the West Plains Public Library
Dianna Locke was promoted to West Plains Public Library Manager, bringing over 30 years of experience in education and library services to the position after joining the library in May 2024.
West Plains police are searching for juvenile Mya McClung, last seen on August 10 around 9:20 p.m. on JJ Highway south of West Plains, who was wearing a light blue tie dye shirt and gray sweatpants and had a skateboard with her.
APPLICATIONS BEING SOUGHT FOR RESERVE/AUXILIARY DEPUTY SHERIFF POSITIONS
The Baxter County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for volunteer reserve and auxiliary deputy sheriff positions that meet minimum state qualifications.
HOWELL COUNTY PHA RECEIVES GRANT FROM GREAT SOUTHERN BANK, FHLB
The Howell County Public Housing Authority received a $12,000 grant from Great Southern Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank in Des Moines to support the regional Housing Choice Voucher program in West Plains.
Featured Pet of The Day- Poppy
Poppy, a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix, is available for adoption through the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas and enjoys gentle interaction with visitors.
Howell Oregon Electric has Issued a Peak Alert
Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative issued a peak alert due to extreme high temperatures and asked members to stagger use of major appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens until 7 p.m. to prevent costly electrical demand charges.
Accident Near Mansfield Tuesday Morning Injures Ava Woman
A two-vehicle crash west of Mansfield early Tuesday morning injured an Ava woman when a westbound Chevrolet Cruze attempting to pass struck a Volvo SUV, leaving both vehicles heavily damaged.
Special Council Meeting Held Monday Evening in West Plains
West Plains city council held a special meeting Monday evening on the first reading of an ordinance for levying and collecting taxes for the city's general revenue fund for 2026.
The West Plains Zizzer Soccer team is hosting a hydration scrimmage on Saturday, August 15 at 8 p.m. at Zizzer Stadium with admission of a case of water or sports drink, while the Willow Springs Thomas F Benyo Greens Keeper Revenge Tournament is scheduled for September 19.
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