West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Ty's Take
Twenty-five years ago this week, we all stopped and watched the same terrible thing unfold on screens across the country, and the weight of it didn't lift for a long time. What strikes you now, looking back from this distance, is how small towns like West Plains responded not with shock alone but with action, the way these places do. The volunteer fire departments ran drills. Neighbors looked after each other differently for a while. We talk a lot about remembering 9/11, and we should, but the real memorial around here was always in the quiet work of people who decided that whatever changed that day meant something personal to them, even from a county seat in the Missouri Ozarks.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 15 at 11:46PM CDT until September 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Daily peak heat index values of 103 to 109 today and Thursday, then 100 to 105 Friday and Saturday. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Record to near record hot tem...
West Plains Daily Quill
25 years later: Remembering 9/11
West Plains residents are marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with remembrance events.
St. Louis man charged with burglary following Shannon Co. manhunt
A St. Louis man arrested following a weekend manhunt in Shannon County faces felony burglary charges after authorities say he broke into a home near Eminence and ate a bag of chips. Ryan D. Harman, 39, was captured Sunday between Highway D and Highway 106 and is being held on $25,000 cash bond....
Man accused in recorded assault faces new felony charge
A West Plains man faces a felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon after police say he brandished a firearm during a campus dispute near the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Lofts. Levi J. Hodgson, 20, was also identified in a viral social media video showing him assaulting a homeless...
West Plains is observing Constitution Week with community events and celebrations.
Traditional square dancing, workshops return to Ozark Heritage Festival
The Ozark Heritage Festival returns to downtown West Plains on October 16 and 17 with traditional square dancing and music workshops at the West Plains Civic Center. Square dancing, which has been part of the festival since its start in 1995, will run from 5 to 7 p.m. both evenings with live...
Lady Zizzers tennis battles in early-season matchups
The West Plains Lady Zizzers tennis team finished fifth at the Lady Zizzer Invitational on September 1 and then narrowly lost 5-4 to Willow Springs three days later, showing improved confidence in their second match. Head Coach Jordan Letterman said the team's performance demonstrated they are...
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Howell County News
MSHP provides synopsis of new laws effective August 28
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Out-of-towner who tried to disarm cop incarcerated
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Howell County Commission awards one bid and tables another
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W.S. dance studio wins ten awards at nationals
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Missouri Vietnam Wall Run rides again
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Willow woman to be honored by Governor
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Eagles soar above Bobcats on Patriots Day
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Municipal charges for daycare owner, employee
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Ozark Radio News
Pioneer Days Parade Cancelled, Lack of Participants Cited as Reason
Mountain View's 2026 Pioneer Days parade has been cancelled due to lack of participant registration, according to the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tanya Miller. The festival on the 26th will continue with a full schedule of other planned events.
West Plains Woman Arrested on 3rd Degree Assault
West Plains police responding to a domestic abuse call on September 9 arrested the person who made the call under the same charge of third-degree assault.
Ellsinore Man Arrested After Crashing Twice While Intoxicated
An Ellsinore man faces multiple charges after the Missouri State Highway Patrol says he crashed his vehicle twice while intoxicated on Sunday, September 13. Brian Morgan, 29, was spotted driving erratically near State Route A.
Tennessee Man Seriously Injured Near Hartville
A 72-year-old Germantown, Tennessee man was seriously injured Monday when his 2024 Harley Davidson went off the right side of Highway Y about five miles east of Hartville and overturned, ejecting him from the motorcycle. He was airlifted to Cox Hospital for treatment.
New Play Equipment & Improvements Being Made To Butler Children’s Park in West Plains
New play equipment and improvements are currently being installed at Butler Children's Park in West Plains, though the equipment areas remain closed during the installation process. The park upgrades are still underway and will not be available for public use until completion.
MSHP Urges Public to Stay Cautious as Harvest Season is Underway
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers and farmers to exercise caution during fall harvest season, noting that 2025 saw 163 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment that resulted in one death and 37 injuries. Shared road awareness is critical as harvest operations increase...
Featured Pets of The Day- Disco, Tango, & Polka
Disco, Tango, and Polka, three 4-month-old rat terrier puppies, are available for adoption through Mountain Grove Animal Control. The puppies have been treated for fleas and ticks, dewormed, and have received their first five-way puppy shots.
John Paul Seeley, 87, of Willow Springs, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026, from natural causes. Born May 1, 1939, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Seeley graduated from Alameda High School in California.
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday night in their season opener, with newly signed running back Kenneth Walker III performing well and quarterback Patrick Mahomes returning from left knee surgery. Week 4 high school football games are underway with Liberty playing at...
West Plains Basketball Free Agent/Draft Registration is Now Open
West Plains is now accepting registration for its Free Agent and Draft Basketball League, which offers boys and girls divisions for players seeking additional competition this season. Players can register whether they currently play on a team or are looking to join one.
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