West Plains Daily Digest Monday, September 07, 2026
Ty's Take
When you're reading down a list like this, you notice what the week is really about: people getting hurt and communities showing up anyway. A moped wreck, a side-by-side accident that pulled a 10-year-old girl into a helicopter ride nobody wants, and somewhere in Thayer an arrest that'll ripple through somebody's family. But meanwhile Mountain Grove's planning cleanup day, the Squires fire department is calling a meeting, and there's a ribbon cutting and a gospel quartet coming through West Plains. That's how it works out here. The hard stuff and the good stuff run on parallel tracks, and both of them matter. This country keeps moving because people decide they're going to show up, whether it's with a rake or a casserole or just by being present when neighbors need it most.
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Ozark Radio News
Mountain Grove Schedules City-Wide Cleanup in October
Mountain Grove is opening a city-wide cleanup event in October to help residents dispose of large amounts of trash accumulated over the summer months. The program gives homeowners an opportunity to clear out their properties during the designated cleanup period.
Gainesville Gears Up for Hootin an Hollarin
Gainesville will host its annual Hootin an Hollarin festival September 17 through 19 on the town square, featuring traditional Ozarks music, demonstrations, contests, and food. The three-day celebration is one of Ozark County's longest running community traditions.
Squires Fire Department Invites Public to Annual Meeting
The Squires Volunteer Fire Department invites the public to its annual meeting on Thursday, September 17 at 7 p.m. at the fire station near the intersection of Highway 14 and Highway (location cut off in source), where residents can meet firefighters and learn about the department's activities.
The Back Lot Celebrates Opening with Ribbon Cutting and Concert
The Back Lot celebrated its opening in West Plains with a ribbon cutting ceremony and performances by local bands Broken Knuckle and Ha Ha Tonka on Saturday night. The West Plains Revitalization District and West Plains Bank were among those thanking the community for attending the event.
Mountain Home Woman Arrested on Drug Charges Friday in Thayer
A Mountain Home woman was arrested Friday afternoon in Thayer on multiple drug and driving charges after authorities stopped her in Oregon County. Julie A. Sandoval, 58, faces felony drug possession, paraphernalia possession, driving while intoxicated, and other related charges.
West Plains Man Airlifter after a Moped Accident
A West Plains man was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital late Saturday after his moped overturned on Highway 63 about three miles south of town. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 9:10 p.m. involving a 67-year-old rider on a 2025 Fengyuan Sunny moped.
10-Year-Old Ellington Girl Airlifted After Side by Side Accident
A 10-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital Saturday night after a utility vehicle crash north of Ellington along Highway 21. The accident involving a 2016 Polaris Razor 900 driven by a 26-year-old Belleview man occurred around 9:30 p.m. on September 5, about one mile north of town.
Howell Family & Four Corners Quartet to Perform in West Plains
The First Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains will host a free concert on September 19 at 6 p.m. featuring the Howell Family and Four Corners Quartet at 1814 County Road 6460. Admission is free with a donation option available for those who wish to contribute.
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