West Plains Daily Digest Sunday, August 30, 2026
Ty's Take
Howell County just rolled back its general revenue property tax to zero, which sounds like a headline writers dream until you start asking the follow-up questions. The commission made the move based on fund balance, meaning they've got enough in reserves to cover operations without that particular tax for now. Good news for folks paying property bills, no question about it. But any county official worth his salt knows fund balance doesn't stay put, and reserves get spent fast when equipment breaks down, when the road system needs work, or when some crisis hits the budget sideways. This is the kind of decision that feels right in the moment but leaves questions about what comes next, and whether West Plains and the county around it are looking at this year or the next five years.
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West Plains Daily Quill
WP Bank and Trust named Blue Jean Ball Saloon Sponsor
West Plains Bank and Trust Company is sponsoring the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation's 13th annual Blue Jean Ball with a $7,500 contribution. The October 3 western-themed event at Silver Springs Ranch near West Plains will feature dinner, live music, dancing and a silent auction to support regional...
Howell Co. Commission rolls back general revenue property tax to 0%
The Howell County Commission voted to eliminate the general revenue property tax rate, rolling it back to 0 percent while keeping the Road and Bridge levy unchanged. Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs said the decision reflects the county's commitment to operating responsibly without burdening...
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Ozark Radio News
Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Beverage Business
The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on August 27 for The Place Drink Co., a new vintage-themed beverage business located at 113 West First Street. The drive-thru and walk-up coffee trailer opened on the site where the former Horton Hotel stood.
Cabool Man Injured in Saturday Accident
A Cabool man was injured Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 181 approximately three miles south of Cabool around 2:30 p.m., according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports. The crash involved a southbound 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder.
Douglas County man indicted on firearm and stealing charges
A Douglas County grand jury has indicted Philip Michael Paul Murphy on felony firearm and stealing charges related to an alleged July incident. The indictment, filed August 17 in Douglas County Circuit Court, includes class C felony unlawful possession of a firearm and class D felony charges.
State Representative Lisa Durnell shared reflections on the end of summer and upcoming community activities with constituents of District 154. Durnell highlighted the transition back to school, fall sports, and the changing season in her Capitol Report.
Mandatory Testing Brings Missouri School Drug Program Statewide
Missouri's school wastewater drug-testing program is expanding statewide after lawmakers approved legislation making participation mandatory instead of voluntary. The program, administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, is expected to begin sampling at school districts across the...
St. Charles Woman Seriously Injured in Side by Side Accident
A St. Charles woman sustained serious injuries Friday evening when a Kawasaki side-by-side rolled backward and overturned on a hill on County Road 442 in Reynolds County. The incident occurred on private property around 7 p.m., according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.
Licking Woman Injured After Striking Deer in the Roadway
A Licking woman suffered minor injuries early Friday when her 2017 Ford Explorer struck a deer on Highway BB approximately three miles west of U.S. 63. The eastbound collision happened around 5:50 a.m. on August 28 and caused moderate damage to the vehicle.
42nd Annual Antique and Classic Car Show Next Weekend in Mammoth Spring
The Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to the 42nd Annual Antique and Classic Car Show at Mammoth Spring State Park next weekend. The event will showcase over 60 award-winning vehicles and vendors, with a 6-foot-tall Best of Show Trophy as the grand prize.
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