West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, August 13, 2026
Ty's Take
August heat's got everybody thinking the same way right now: how to stay cool and how to keep the grass from catching fire. The free pool day tomorrow and talk of burn bans down in Arkansas remind you that summer out here doesn't mess around, and neither do the folks who live through it. Meanwhile, the region's moving forward on other fronts, from new hires in our schools and healthcare system to the Apple Festival coming in September, which feels like the first real sign that fall's actually on the horizon. It's the kind of week where you see the ordinary machinery of a rural county doing what it always does: taking care of its own while keeping an eye on the season. The heat will break eventually. It always does.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 13 at 2:46AM CDT until August 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 115. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high ...
Ozark Radio News
Mountain View Community Meal August 18th
The Mountain View Community Betterment Association will serve its monthly free community meal on August 18th at the Mountain View Community Center starting at 4:30 p.m. The menu features meatloaf and all the fixings, and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
Ozarks Healthcare Promotes Megan Thompson to Administrative Director of Ambulatory Operations
Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains has promoted Megan Thompson to Administrative Director of Ambulatory Operations. Thompson has advanced through increasing leadership roles during her tenure with the organization, reflecting her commitment to providing quality healthcare.
High Heat Drives Reappearance of Burn Bans in Arkansas
High temperatures and dry conditions across the Ozarks have prompted several Arkansas counties to reinstate burn bans. Counties currently under burn restrictions include Fulton, Sharp, and Stone Counties.
54th Annual Apple Festival Taking Place in September
Seymour will host its 54th Annual Apple Festival on September 10th through 12th, featuring over 300 vendors and live music throughout the event. The festival will also include a parade, corndog eating contests, and an apple recipe bake-off.
Mountain View/Birch Tree School District Welcomes New Bus Driver for Upcoming School Year
The Mountain View/Birch Tree School District has hired Briana Parcell as a new bus driver for the upcoming school year. Parcell brings ten years of bus driving experience from her previous position in Billings, Missouri.
Beat the Heat this Friday with a Free Pool Day in West Plains Tomorrow
West Plains residents can cool off for free on Friday at the West Plains Aquatic Center thanks to a free pool day sponsored by the West Plains Elks Lodge #2418. The event offers anyone in the area a chance to escape the heat.
Body of Salem Arkansas Man Found in Hoxie ASP Investigating
Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the death of a Salem man whose body was discovered in Hoxie on August 11th. The investigation was initiated at the request of the Hoxie Police Department.
Man Faces Charges of Hindering Prosecution
A West Plains man faces charges of hindering prosecution after the Howell County Sheriff's Office says he provided false information to deputies searching for a fugitive earlier this month. The probable cause statement was filed by Lieutenant Seth Smith.
A Talk to Remember: Light a Flame for Suicide Prevention September 11th
The Howell County Suicide Prevention Network will hold its fourth annual "A Talk to Remember: Light a Flame for Suicide Prevention" event on September 11th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. The gathering aims to build community awareness and support around suicide prevention.
Lawrence Joseph Pope, a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 9, 1957, and left behind cherished memories for all who knew him.
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