West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, September 02, 2026
Ty's Take
Nobody wants to see a chase end the way this one did, but when it comes to what matters most in a small county, this week's real news is what's happening at Ozarks Medical Center and the justice center planning. You've got new hospitalists signing on for three years, women's healthcare getting expanded, and folks like Rachel Jabin stepping into leadership at United Way. That's the backbone of holding a place like this together, especially when the pool's closed and tax revenue's tight. The medical investments say someone still believes in West Plains as a regional hub worth betting on.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued September 2 at 12:36AM CDT until September 5 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with peak daily heat index values 103 to 109 degrees; actual maximum air temperatures will range from 95 to 101 degrees daily! * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Sat...
West Plains Daily Quill
West Plains Kiwanis Club supports CASA
The West Plains Kiwanis Club has announced its support for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), demonstrating the organization's commitment to serving local children and families in need.
Rachel Jabin named new United Way director
Rachel Jabin has taken over as executive director of Heart of the Ozarks United Way after relocating to West Plains from Southern California in 2021 with her husband Pete. Since beginning in March, Jabin has managed the UHONS program, which distributed nearly $20,000 to assist 84 individuals across...
Suspect dies after chase, shooting
William J. Warfel, 24, of Arnold, died at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield after exchanging gunfire with Howell County Sheriff Matt Roberts and deputies near West Plains early Friday morning. Warfel, who was out on bail following a high-speed chase near Willow Springs ten days earlier,...
West Plains R-7 board sets tax rate
The West Plains R-7 School Board voted to set the district's property tax rate at $3.7301 per $100 of assessed valuation, a slight increase of about 4 cents from the previous year's levy. Building improvements including fresh paint and carpet at West Plains Middle School, plus new state legislation...
Reminder: Registration still open for 'I Ran From the Cops' 5K
Registration remains open for the fourth annual "I Ran From the Cops" 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk scheduled for 8 a.m. on September 12 at Palenske Field in Willow Springs. The $30 registration fee supports the Willow Springs Police Department and Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce through local...
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Howell County News
TCMH signs three-year contract with full-time Hospitalist
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Ozarks Healthcare celebrates new chapter in Women’s Healthcare with ribbon cutting
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Lieutenant Eric F. Brown promoted
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Constitution Week proclaimed in West Plains
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Next step towards proposed justice center
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Medical emergency leads to crash into local restaurant
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Gould honored by VFW Post #3009
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Dollywood Foundation: Imagination Library to continue
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W.P. man caught taking upskirt video of tween
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Pool closure helps balance tax revenue dip
Unable to summarize. No article text provided.
Ozark Radio News
Join MDC for birding, fishing, and more throughout September in the Ozark Region
The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering outdoor activities throughout September in the Ozark Region, including a birding program from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on September 19 at Big Spring National Park in Van Buren.
Thursday West Plains Events Include Downtown Stroll, Artist Meet & Greet
West Plains is hosting multiple events this Thursday as part of festival season, including a downtown stroll and an artist meet and greet organized by the West Plains Arts Alliance and Explore West Plains.
Carter County Sheriff Continuing Law Enforcement Scholarship Fundraisers in 2026
Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell announced the continuation of fundraisers in Van Buren aimed at supporting law enforcement scholarships for local students. The program awarded two $5,000 scholarships to Carter County students last year.
Join MDC for birding, fishing, and more throughout September in the Ozark Region
The Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting activities throughout September in the Ozark Region near West Plains, including a virtual program on hummingbirds of Missouri from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, September 11.
Paws for Laws Fundraiser this Weekend in Caulfield, MO.
The second annual Paws for Laws Truck Pull Fundraiser is scheduled for September 5th in Caulfield to support the quality of life for active and retired K9 law enforcement dogs.
Two arrested after narcotics search in Ava
Two people were arrested in Ava following a narcotics search warrant executed by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team and Ava Police Department on August 29. Joseph A. Merriett, 50, and Dianne Marie Barnes Wycka, 48, were each charged after the search of a residence on Evans...
Driver Examination Stations Closed Labor Day
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds the public that driver examination stations statewide will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day, with normal operations resuming on Tuesday, September 8.
Two Daycare Employees Charged Following Children Wandering From Daycare
Two daycare employees were charged after Willow Springs police responded to a report of two young children walking unattended in the area of Center Street and Valley Street on August 27. Officers located the two boys, both approximately two years old, prompting the investigation.
Featured Pet of The Day- Hallie
Hallie, a 9-month-old Labrador-Retriever and Bloodhound mix, is available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas and enjoys exploring and interacting with people.
Howell Oregon Electric has Issued a Peak Alert
Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative has issued a peak alert due to extreme high temperatures and is asking members to reduce usage of major appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens and stoves until 7 p.m. to avoid costly demand surges.
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