West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, August 20, 2026
Ty's Take
When you lose someone from the community, you're losing more than a name in the paper. Rhonda Sanders, Nelva Sue McIlwain, and Barbara Ann Vincent were woven into the fabric of this place the way most of us are, through decades of showing up, raising kids, being there when neighbors needed them. We don't always think about it that way when we're caught up in the daily push of work and weather, but a slow week like this one reminds you. Meanwhile, Dianna Locke is settling into her role at the public library, which means someone new is learning where everything goes, who the regulars are, and what this town reads. That's how a place keeps going. The old work and the new work, side by side.
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Ozark Radio News
Grizzly Preview – MSU-West Plains Grizzly Cheer Team Seeks New Members for Upcoming Season
The MSU-West Plains Grizzly cheer team is recruiting new members for the upcoming season under the direction of new head coach Mackenzie Smith. No previous cheerleading experience is necessary to join the squad, which continues rebuilding after the pandemic.
City of Alton Awarded $110,000 Community Improvement Grant
The City of Alton has received a $110,000 grant from Alton Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines through the Member Impact Fund. The funds will support community development projects focused on housing, business growth, and addressing local economic needs.
Patrol Launches ‘Show-Me Shield’ Suspicious Activity Reporting Site
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Public Safety have launched Show-Me Shield, a new online platform for reporting suspicious activity across the state. The tool replaces the former Missouri SafeNation app and is available at www.showmeshield.mo.gov.
High‑Speed Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Arnold Man; Drugs and Firearm Recovered
A 49-year-old Arnold man was arrested in Howell County on August 18 following a high-speed chase that began on U.S. 60 and ended in Willow Springs. State Highway Patrol troopers recovered drugs and a firearm during the pursuit.
Make Reservations Sept. 1-18 for MDC Managed Waterfowl Hunts
Missouri Department of Conservation hunters must make reservations between September 1 and 18 for managed waterfowl hunts taking place this fall. Additional details are available at mdc.mo.gov or in the 2026-27 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest.
Ohio Man Sentenced in Assault and Kidnapping Charges in Wright County
An Ohio man who held residents hostage in Mountain Grove on July 3 has been sentenced in Wright County to concurrent six-year terms for kidnapping and first-degree assault. Daniel S. Mack entered an Alford plea and was armed with a revolver during the violent incident.
Meet the New Manager of the West Plains Public Library: Dianna Locke
Dianna Locke has been named the new Manager of the West Plains Public Library. The library community is invited to meet her as she begins her new position.
Memorial services for Rhonda L. Sanders, 56, of West Plains will be held Sunday, August 23rd at 3:00 PM at Genesis Church in West Plains. Memorial contributions may be made to Genesis Church.
Nelva Sue McIlwain, 89, of West Plains passed away Friday, August 14 at West Vue Nursing Center. She was born December 16, 1936, in West Plains to Guy and Lois Summers Lyons.
Graveside memorial services for Barbara Ann Vincent, 83, of West Plains will be held Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 AM at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. The Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains is handling arrangements.
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