West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, September 17, 2026
Ty's Take
Ozarks Healthcare's push to bring low-cost lab screenings across the region this September, paired with their new commitment to the Show-Me High Value Network, amounts to something worth noticing. Out here, a lot of folks put off the blood work and basic checkups because of cost or distance, and by the time they get around to it, a problem that could've been caught early has already dug in. When an outfit like Ozarks Medical commits to keeping care close to home and keeps it affordable, that's not just talk about strengthening the health system. That's the difference between someone in Mountain View or Willow Springs getting answers instead of excuses.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 17 at 3:56AM CDT until September 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109 degrees can be expected. * WHERE...all of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses....
Howell County News
Ozarks Healthcare to offer September low-cost lab screenings across the region
Ozarks Healthcare will be offering affordable laboratory screening services throughout the region during September. Residents looking for low-cost health screenings should watch for details on dates and locations.
Ozarks Healthcare joins Show-Me High Value Network to Strengthen Care Close to Home
Ozarks Healthcare has joined the Show-Me High Value Network to expand healthcare access and strengthen medical services in the region. The partnership aims to keep quality care available locally for patients in the area.
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Ozark Radio News
Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrests Mammoth Spring Man Tuesday
Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested a 29-year-old Mammoth Spring man on September 15 in Oregon County. Jeremy L. Hurst faces charges including felony drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession, tampering with evidence, driving while intoxicated on drugs, and failure to comply.
Thomasville Autumn Days Taking Place this Saturday
Thomasville will host its Autumn Days festival on Saturday, September 19 at the community center. The family-friendly event will feature local vendors, food trucks, and live music from Dawson Hollow.
Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order Establishing Safeguards on Automated License Plate Readers
Governor Mike Kehoe signed an executive order to establish safeguards on automated license plate reader technology used in Missouri law enforcement. The order protects citizens' location data while allowing legitimate police uses of the technology.
Strong 2026 El Niño and What it Means For Winter; A Word From the NWS
The National Weather Service in Springfield reports a 93-98 percent chance that a strong El Niño pattern will persist through at least January, likely impacting this winter's weather across the region. Residents should prepare for potential winter weather impacts from this significant oceanic...
West Plains Man Resists Officers After DWI Arrest
A West Plains man was arrested for driving while intoxicated after resisting officers during a traffic stop on September 13. Dillon Luck showed signs of impairment during field sobriety tests and now faces DWI charges along with resisting arrest.
Traffic Notice:- Holiday Lane, City of West Plains Power Pole Replacements
The City of West Plains will replace power poles along Holiday Lane in front of City Hall starting September 17. Drivers should expect reduced traffic lanes Thursday and Friday, with the road fully closed on Saturday, September 19.
Howell County Sheriff’s Office Transports Two Prisoners
The Howell County Sheriff's Office transported two inmates to state facilities on Wednesday, September 16. One male offender was sent to the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center while one female offender was transferred to the Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in...
Mazie, a shelter pet, is looking for a home and seeking adoption. The dog has been waiting at the facility and would appreciate a permanent family to end her time behind bars.
A memorial potluck and bluegrass jam for Alan L. Strickland, 66, of West Plains will be held Sunday, September 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Heart of The Ozarks Bluegrass Park in West Plains. Always Faithful Memorial Services is coordinating the arrangements.
Memorial services for Ronald "Ron" J. Ford, 84, will be held at The Jesus-Christ Church of Latter Day Saints in West Plains beginning at 4 p.m. Ford passed away on September 11 at his son's home in West Plains, with Always Faithful Memorial Services handling arrangements.
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