West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, September 09, 2026
Ty's Take
When a House candidate gets arrested for trying to plant cocaine on his opponent, you're looking at the kind of story that makes you wonder what happened to the old rules of engagement. Politics has always been rough in these parts, but framing somebody with felony drugs crosses a line that used to mean something. The rest of the news keeps rolling along, though—the Zizzers heading into homecoming season, the school district staying financially solid, a new venue downtown drawing crowds—and that's the thing about small towns. The serious stuff gets your attention for a day, but the work of keeping things running, keeping kids in school and businesses open, that's what actually matters come Monday morning.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 9 at 3:14AM CDT until September 9 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109 degrees are expected. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 11 AM CDT /noon EDT/ this morning to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause...
West Plains Daily Quill
Joplin GOP House candidate charged with plot to plant cocaine on opponent
A Joplin Republican House candidate faces federal drug conspiracy charges after allegedly attempting to frame his primary opponent by planting cocaine and Adderall on her. Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, won the August primary for House District 161 before being charged with conspiracy to distribute a...
The Back Lot grand opening draws 400 to new downtown venue
About 400 people attended the grand opening of The Back Lot, a new outdoor entertainment venue at 3 Luster Arcade on Court Square in West Plains, featuring a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting and a free concert headlined by Ha Ha Tonka. Local food vendors and Shenanigans provided food and...
Gunshot injury leads to drug, weapon charges
A West Plains man faces multiple felony charges after a woman with a gunshot wound arrived at Ozarks Healthcare on Aug. 27, prompting a Howell County Sheriff's Office investigation. Scotty D. Niederklopfer, 33, was charged with drug possession, unlawful firearm possession, and unlawful use of a...
Lincoln School Project launches mascot WOO, Wise Old Owl
The Lincoln School Project officially introduced WOO, the Wise Old Owl mascot, during a launch program at His Place Christian Academy in West Plains to promote messages of kindness, respect and education. The nonverbal character will represent the educational legacy of Lincoln School, the historic...
Zizzer Community Homecoming set for Sept. 26
Zizzer alumni and community members are invited to Zizzer Community Homecoming on Sept. 26 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St., with tickets costing 50 dollars per person to support Innovative Classroom Grants. The West Plains Education Foundation event will feature food, music and...
2026 West Plains Zizzers Cross Country Roster
The 2026 West Plains Zizzers cross country team includes seniors Bryon Davis, Wyatt Milliman, Joseph Roberson, Chaska Shearin and Hunter Stanley; juniors Blake Romans and Dylan Wade; sophomores Kaebrynn Gunter, Libby Hart and Abigail Mongillo; and freshmen Neal Laughary, Weldon Perkins, Flint...
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Howell County News
‘Financially healthy’ school district raises tax levy
No summary available.
Toddlers who wandered from daycare unharmed, charges expected for daycare owner & employee
No summary available.
Treasurer Vivek Malek announces record-breaking year at Unclaimed Property Auction
No summary available.
They mixed, mingled and met the robots
No summary available.
No summary available.
Howell County Commission approves property tax rate
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Recognizing the sacrifice of every family
No summary available.
Ozark Radio News
Ava Man Seriously Injured Tuesday Afternoon
A Douglas County man suffered serious injuries Tuesday evening in a two-vehicle crash north of Ava when a southbound motorcycle attempted to pass a pickup truck on Missouri 5. The collision occurred around 5 p.m., approximately four miles north of town, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Grizzly Ballpark Construction Update
Construction continues at the Grizzly Family Sports Park in West Plains with several major projects underway or nearing completion thanks to local business and community support. West Plains Bank recently announced its backing of the project and will have its name on the front entry building.
Chaz Coats Memorial Dice Run September 26
A memorial dice run to honor Chaz Coats and benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area will take place Sept. 26, with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. and driving beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will stop at various locations throughout the route.
Howell County Health Department to Host Annual Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Friday, October 9th
The Howell County Health Department will hold its annual drive-thru flu clinic on Friday, Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 180 Kentucky Avenue in West Plains. The clinic will serve adults and children ages 10 and older.
McDonalds Announces Seventh Annual Outstanding Educator Award
McDonald's has opened nominations for the seventh consecutive year of its Outstanding Educator Awards program, which honors teachers who inspire and change lives in classrooms and communities. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving educators.
Tractor Trailer Fire Causes Traffic Backup Tuesday Afternoon
A tractor trailer caught fire on North 63 near Pomona on Tuesday afternoon, causing traffic delays until the roadway reopened around 5:30 p.m. The Missouri Highway Patrol investigated the incident.
Featured Pet of The Day- Capone
Capone, a 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever mix, remains available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas after appearing at three of the organization's First Saturday of the Month Pet Fairs.
Memorial services for Daniel Willison, 68, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 at The Tri-County Funeral Chapel in Highland, Arkansas, with visitation at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Funeral services for Reid Newton Grant, 18, of Franklin, Arkansas will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 at The Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas, with visitation at 9 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Wake Cemetery in Elizabeth, Arkansas.
Memorial services for William Howard Hendrix, 94, of Thayer, Missouri will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 at The Clary Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Arytown Cemetery in Couch, Missouri.
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