West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ty's Take
You look at a slow summer week in a small county and you see the backbone of what holds a place together: folks stepping up to fund a camp for kids, a library getting steady leadership, teachers getting welcomed proper instead of just showing up to an empty desk. That matters more than people outside this country understand. But you also see the cases that remind you why we need those institutions in the first place, why we need adults paying attention and looking out. West Plains sits at the center of all of it, the place where real work gets done and real trouble surfaces, where a grant to Hammond Mill Camp and a charge against someone in Eminence belong in the same week's reckoning.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 14 at 11:05PM CDT until August 16 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with daily heat indices in the triple digits up to around 110 degrees; localized higher heat indices are possible. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Sunday. * IMPA...
West Plains Daily Quill
Community First presents $10K grant to Hammond Mill Camp
Community First has awarded a $10,000 grant to Hammond Mill Camp to support its operations and programming.
Annual Blue Jean Ball fundraiser set for Oct. 3
The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation will host its 13th annual Blue Jean Ball on October 3 at Silver Springs Ranch southwest of West Plains, featuring dinner, live music, dancing and a silent auction to benefit local healthcare services. Advance tickets are $75, with proceeds supporting patient...
Dianna Locke has been named manager of the West Plains Public Library after joining the staff in May 2024 as a collections development specialist and bringing over 30 years of experience in education and library services. Locke replaces former director Greg Carter, who accepted a position with...
Ozark Action seeks local landlords as regional housing demand grows
Ozark Action Inc. received a $12,000 grant to support housing vouchers across the region, but officials say finding safe, affordable rental units remains a critical challenge as the regional housing supply has shrunk. The agency is seeking local landlords to participate in its Housing Choice...
Luncheon welcomes new teachers
A luncheon was held to welcome new teachers to the local school district and introduce them to community members.
Eminence man charged with statutory rape of 12-year-old
An Eminence man, Jarron I. Dickens (age 21), faces two felony counts of first-degree statutory rape following an investigation into alleged assault of a 12-year-old girl. Dickens is being held in the Shannon County Jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond while the case proceeds through court.
Teenager reported as missing and endangered
The West Plains Police Department is searching for 15-year-old Mya McClung, who has been missing since Monday night from 3592 west U.S. 160 near South Fork and is considered endangered. McClung, who is without prescription mental health medications, was last seen entering a wooded area near the...
Summer update: 22 Missouri State baseball alumni playing professionally
Missouri State University in Springfield 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 alumni are playing in affiliated Minor League...
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Ozark Radio News
Mansfield Man Charged with Neglect and Assault
A Wright County man is facing multiple charges of neglect and assault after deputies discovered four young children walking alone toward a creek and heard allegations that he threatened to kill them and forced them from their home.
West Plains Teen Charged with Auto Theft
West Plains authorities are seeking multiple felony charges against Maksim Alan Protzman in connection with the theft of a 2017 Audi Q7 and a subsequent crash that caused over $1,000 in damage on Tuesday night.
Experience a Beautiful Garden, a Yosakoi Performance, and More at the 2026 Japanese Fall Festival
The Japanese Fall Festival will return to Springfield on September 11 through 13, offering residents a cultural experience featuring gardens, Yosakoi performances and other Japanese traditions through the Springfield Sister Cities Program partnership with Isesaki, Japan.
SHERIFF’S FOUNDATION PROVIDES FUNDING FOR SEVERAL IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
The Baxter County Sheriff's Foundation has funded several improvements and equipment purchases to enhance public service and law enforcement capabilities through community donations and support.
Steve V. Wagner, 67, of Willow Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at his home with family present.
Leo, a feisty and affectionate cat pending adoption through Ozarks Pet Rescue, is full of spunk and loves to play with other cats.
William W. (Buster) Young Jr., 77, of Greenwood, Mississippi, passed away on August 10, 2026, after graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in accounting.
Graveside services for Marylene Wade Romans, age 91 of West Plains, will be held on Monday, August 17 at Union Grove Cemetery in Dora.
Wanda Elaine Ehrhart Roop, age 99 of Caulfield, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, with graveside services scheduled for Monday, August 17 at Fowler Cemetery in Caulfield.
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