West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, September 03, 2026
Ty's Take
Dry conditions have the Ozarks locked down tight, with burn bans now covering Oregon County and most of Arkansas, which means anybody thinking about clearing land or burning off brush needs to hold off for now. The fire danger this time of year sneaks up on people who figure September means the summer heat's behind us, but down here it doesn't work that way, and one careless afternoon can cost somebody everything. If you've got debris piling up, stack it and wait, or haul it to the landfill. The risk isn't worth the convenience, and your neighbors are counting on you to think before you strike that match.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued September 3 at 2:32AM CDT until September 5 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values 105 to 110. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and hi...
Ozark Radio News
Oregon County, MO., Most of Arkansas Now Under Burn Bans
Dry conditions across the Ozarks have prompted widespread burn bans, with nearly every county in Arkansas now under restrictions and Oregon County, Missouri recently added to the list. Residents are urged to check their local county regulations before conducting any outdoor burns.
Senior Resource Fair in West Plains September 11th
Heart of the Ozarks United Way is hosting the fourth annual Senior Resource Fair on Friday, September 11th in West Plains, offering free information and support services for seniors, families, and caregivers. The event connects attendees with resources to help ensure quality care for older adults.
Ozarks Healthcare and West Plains Chamber Host Community to Mix, Mingle and Meet the Robots
Ozarks Healthcare and the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce held a special member mixer where attendees got to see advanced robotic technology being used to improve patient care in the region. The event brought together local business leaders and community members to view innovations...
The Farmer’s Daughter Becomes Newest OzSBI Member
The Farmer's Daughter has joined the Ozarks Small Business Incubator as a Champion Member, expanding its network of local business support. The store, which opened in 2021, offers fresh meats, eggs, dairy, spices, household items, and prepared foods that aren't readily available elsewhere in the...
Richard Eugene Johnson, 83, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026. He was born March 10, 1943, in Adel, Iowa, and married Betty Lou Davidson in Delta, Colorado on September 17, 2021.
Funeral services for Kenneth Stotler Jr., 59, of Alton, Missouri will be held Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 at 1:00 PM at The Clary Funeral Home in Alton. Visitation begins at noon, with burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Mountain View, Missouri.
Wanda Gentry Murphy, 82, of Ava, Missouri will be remembered at a funeral service Saturday, September 5th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava. Visitation begins at 9:00 AM with burial following at Ava Cemetery.
Norma Renee' Bognuda, 60, of Seymour, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born February 2, 1966, in San Luis Obispo, California, and graduated from Green Forest High School in Arkansas.
Texas County Emergency Management Reports Landline Outages
Multiple Brightspeed service cuts across the state have left Texas County residents without working landlines, according to Texas County Emergency Management and 911 dispatchers. Those affected may get busy signals even when trying to dial 911.
West Plains Lions Club Meat and Freezer Raffle Underway
The West Plains Lions Club is conducting its Fall Meat and Freezer Raffle to support vision and eyeglass assistance programs as well as other charitable projects. Raffle tickets are $10 each for a chance to win a prize package valued at $550, which includes quality meats from Mason's Midwest Meats...
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