West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, August 29, 2026
Ty's Take
Some weeks the news comes at you all at once, and this is one of them. We've got officers involved in shootings, privacy charges against locals, a disbarred attorney we all knew, and enough courthouse trouble to keep the talk going down at the coffee shop through October. But buried in there is something worth paying attention to: Missouri sheriffs are pushing back on how license plate readers get used, wanting real limits and real penalties when somebody misuses that data. That's the kind of thing that doesn't make headlines until it matters, and then it matters a lot. Meanwhile, the Zizzers are out there playing football, the fair's coming up in Thomasville, and life keeps moving. That's how it works around here. The heavy stuff sits alongside the regular stuff, and both are true.
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West Plains Daily Quill
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Felony privacy charge filed against WP man
A West Plains man faces felony invasion of privacy charges after police say he used his cell phone to record a 12-year-old girl at a local Walmart store, with investigators later discovering additional inappropriate videos from the same day at other locations. David A. Brawley, 39, was arrested and...
Former WP attorney Wiles disbarred
Former West Plains attorney John "Jay" N. Wiles II has been disbarred by the Missouri Supreme Court following an investigation that found he failed to appear for dozens of court cases across Missouri while representing clients without adequate resources. Wiles, who began practicing in West Plains...
Driver critically injured after officer-involved shooting
A driver was critically injured early Friday after a West Plains police officer fired at the vehicle during a traffic stop on northbound U.S. 63 near County Road 1820, prompting a pursuit that ended with the suspect's arrest. The Howell County Sheriff's Office took over the chase, and authorities...
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Ozark Radio News
Wright County Woman Charged With Stalking, Assault, Resisting Arrest
A Wright County woman is facing multiple charges including first degree stalking, domestic assault, and resisting arrest stemming from a roadside confrontation on June 29. Amanda Marcel Keller is in custody as the case proceeds through the justice system.
Fall Craft Fair and Vendor Market Set for Sept. 19 in Thomasville
The Thomasville Community Center will host a fall craft fair and vendor market on September 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. as part of the town's Autumn Days celebration, featuring local vendors and family entertainment.
Governor Kehoe Announces Kurt Schaefer as Commissioner of Missouri Office of Administration
Governor Mike Kehoe has appointed Kurt U. Schaefer as commissioner of the Missouri Office of Administration, a move announced in Jefferson City. Schaefer previously served as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Missouri Sheriffs Back Data Limits, Misuse Penalties for License Plate Reader Cameras
Missouri sheriffs are supporting additional safeguards for license plate reader systems to prevent misuse of the Flock cameras being used across the state. The Missouri Sheriffs' Association backs measures to limit potential abuse and impose penalties for violations.
Marilyn Kay Bell, 66, of West Plains, passed away, with funeral services scheduled for Saturday, August 29th at The Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. Burial will follow at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona.
John "Rhett" Carter, 24, of Glencoe, Arkansas, passed away on August 25 at UAMS in Little Rock, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and community.
Bears Drop Season Opener To Pirates
The Willow Springs Bears fell to the Ash Grove Pirates in their season opener, scoring 7 points in the first quarter but unable to overcome the young Pirates' strong play. Willow Springs trailed at halftime despite tight defensive effort.
Video: Zizzer Football vs Miller
Video highlights are available from the Zizzer football game against Miller.
Featured Pet of The Day- Carmella
Carmella is featured as the pet of the day, looking for a home where she can find her place among other pets.
Cabool Police Department Follow Up on Early Morning Officer-Involved Shooting
The Cabool Police Department is investigating an early morning officer-involved shooting that occurred during a pursuit across Howell and Texas Counties. The Christian County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, and authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect.
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