West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, September 19, 2026
Ty's Take
The Senior Resource Fair hitting town this week is the kind of thing that doesn't make noise but ought to. Most folks don't think about what comes after the paycheck stops until they're already standing at the edge of it, and by then the options get narrow fast. Getting families connected with what's actually available, before the crisis forces the issue, is how you keep people in their homes and their dignity intact. That's the work that doesn't get the headlines but keeps a community from coming apart at the seams.
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Weather Alerts
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued September 19 at 1:37AM CDT until September 20 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 102 degrees are 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....
West Plains Daily Quill
Senior Resource Fair connects families with vital support before crisis hits
The United Way of the Ozarks held its fourth annual Senior Resource Fair on September 11 at First Baptist Church in West Plains, connecting families with agencies offering transportation, health programs, in-home care, and other vital services before a crisis occurs. Community educator Jill...
Heritage Pie category added to festival pie contest
The 32nd annual Ozark Heritage Festival will feature a new Heritage Pie category at its seventh annual pie competition on October 16 and 17 in downtown West Plains around the Civic Center. Bakers can enter traditional fruit, savory, and cream or custard pies, plus the new Heritage Pie category...
Kiwanis Donate to Fairview School
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Cedarhurst raises $7,300 for Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Cedarhurst of West Plains raised $7,300 for Alzheimer's disease research through six months of community fundraising efforts, including drawings, bake sales, and therapy dog visits, with the Causey family matching donations in memory of resident Pamela Causey. The senior living community will...
Eminence motorcyclist killed in Tuesday crash
A 43-year-old Eminence man died Tuesday evening in a three-vehicle collision on Highway 106 near Eminence in Shannon County when his motorcycle struck a turning pickup truck and then an oncoming car. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, while the other two drivers involved sustained no...
Zizzers soccer announces schedule change for Waynesville match
West Plains boys soccer has rescheduled its match against Waynesville to 5 p.m. on October 15 at Zizzer Stadium, moving the game from its originally scheduled Friday date.
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Ozark Radio News
Pioneer Days in Mountain View Missouri Next Weekend
The 36th Annual Pioneer Days will take place next weekend in Mountain View, beginning Friday night with the Community Betterment Ham and Bean Supper and continuing Saturday with a pancake breakfast and live entertainment at the gazebo.
Wildfire Burns 64 Acres in Wright County
A wildfire in Grovespring burned 64 acres in Wright County on Monday, September 14, with the Grovespring Fire Protection Association responding around 1:30 p.m. on TT Highway to control the blaze during conditions of elevated fire danger.
Ozark County Sheriff’s Office Reports 9-18-26
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26th Annual Myrtle Yesterdaze Next Weekend
The 26th annual Myrtle Yesterdaze festival will take place next weekend in Myrtle, benefiting the Myrtle Volunteer Fire Department with events including a parade, car show, contests, and various family activities.
Southwest Missouri Chapter Announces Annual “Sleepers in September” Drive.
The Southwest Missouri Chapter of Newborns in Need is conducting its annual Sleepers in September campaign throughout September and October to collect infant sleepwear for babies whose families face financial or medical hardship.
Judge Gross Sentences Three Defendants
Judge Raymond Gross sentenced three defendants during Circuit Law Day on August 24, 2026, in Douglas County, with James Elmer Smith of Springfield receiving 7 years in prison for the felony of forgery as a prior and persistent offender.
Featured Pet of The Day- Xadie
Xadie, an almost 4-year-old silver Labrador retriever, is available for adoption through Ozarks Pet Rescue and is seeking a family willing to provide her with love, patience, and security.
Funeral services for Richard Alverson Sr., age 84 of West Plains, will be held Monday, September 21 at The Langston Street Chapel of The Robertson Drago Funeral Home, with visitation on Sunday, September 20.
Milovan Blăgăilă, age 83, of West Plains passed away Tuesday, September 15 at his home. He was born May 27, 1943 in Agrijul Mare, Arad County, Romania and is survived by family members.
Roger Dale Carter, age 64 of West Plains, passed away Monday, September 14, with funeral services scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at His Place House of Worship and visitation Friday, September 18 at The Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
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