West Plains Daily Digest Friday, September 04, 2026
Ty's Take
The burn ban's here, which means the dry spell isn't something we're just talking about anymore, it's something we're living inside of. Howell County's been added to the restriction list while Izard County down in Arkansas has hit "disaster" status, and that's the kind of creep you watch carefully when you live in cattle country. These conditions don't just affect what you do on your property or how you manage a brush pile, they affect water tables, hay supplies, the whole chain that runs from here down through the stockyards. The fall usually brings relief, but we're not there yet, and anyone who's worked livestock through a dry stretch knows you plan ahead.
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Warning
Extreme Heat Warning issued September 4 at 12:42AM 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...
West Plains Daily Quill
Lady Zizzers rally around new tennis coach, new roster
West Plains girls tennis welcomes new head coach Jordan Letterman and a nearly completely rebuilt varsity roster following the graduation of seven seniors. Key returners Promise Russell and June Sanderson are expected to lead the Zizzers, while Letterman emphasizes consistency and aggressive play...
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Ozark Radio News
The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas will host its monthly pet fair at Petco in The Hometown Commons Shopping Center in Mountain Home on Saturday, September 5th. The event supports Petco Love's mission to help shelter pets find loving families.
Howell County Added to Burn Ban List; Izard County Given “Disaster” Status Amid Drought
Howell County has been added to the burn ban list by the County Emergency Management Agency due to ongoing drought conditions. Izard County has also been designated as having Disaster status in response to rapid onset drought affecting the region.
The Isaacs Perform in a Free Mountain Grove Concert
The City of Mountain Grove will host a free public concert featuring the Isaacs on September 12th at 2 p.m. Concessions will be available at the event.
MU Extension agronomy specialist to visit Ava Growers Market
Joshua Dunn, a field specialist in agronomy with University of Missouri Extension, will offer free advice to gardeners and farmers at the Ava Growers Market this fall from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Attendees can ask questions about gardens, pastures, hay fields, and weeds.
Book Launch, Discussion and Signing with Dr. Gary Kremer October 3 at Lincoln School
The Lincoln School Project will host historian Dr. Gary Kremer on October 3rd for a book launch and signing celebrating the release of Missouri's Black Heritage, Third Edition. The event will take place in the historic 1953 classroom featured on the book's cover.
Mountain View Woman Arrested After Allegedly Assaulting Her Daughter
A Mountain View woman, Leah Billingsley, faces multiple felony charges after the Howell County Sheriff's Office says she assaulted her 13-year-old daughter and pointed a loaded handgun at her during an argument on August 27th.
A Talk to Remember: Light a Flame for Suicide Prevention September 11th
The Howell County Suicide Prevention Network will hold its fourth annual "A Talk to Remember: Light a Flame for Suicide Prevention" event on September 11th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. The community gathering aims to raise awareness and build connections around suicide...
MDC continues Public Engagement on CWD and Deer Management
The Missouri Department of Conservation will meet with landowners this fall to develop a pilot program in eight CWD Core Areas across the state to address chronic wasting disease and manage deer populations. The disease is a contagious and deadly brain condition affecting white-tailed deer.
Lesterville Man Injured in Tuesday Crash
A 43-year-old Lesterville man suffered moderate injuries early Tuesday when his 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee ran off the right side of US 60 two miles west of Ellsinore, struck a fence, and then hit another vehicle. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the crash.
Funeral services for Roger Dale Walls, 58, of Mountain View will be held Saturday, September 5th at 11 a.m. at The Yarber Mortuary in Mountain View, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at New Salem Cemetery in Mountain View.
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