West Plains Daily Digest Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Ty's Take
We lost some good ones this week, the kind of people who showed up and did their work without needing much fanfare about it. Earl Souder, Jackie Owens, Charles Williams, Janice Bentley, and Chris Nelson are names that meant something in Howell County, whether folks knew them from church or the stockyards or just crossing paths at the coffee shop over the years. Meanwhile, life keeps moving forward the way it does out here. MDC's got that shotgun class coming up in Alton for anybody looking to get serious about hunting season, and Ozarks Healthcare's making a push to get vaccination clinics into the smaller towns where a trip to town isn't always easy. That's the rhythm you learn to recognize after a while: we mark the losses, we take care of the living, and we keep our eye on what needs doing next.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach West Plains Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Ozark Radio News
Baker Creek Fall Heirloom Festival This Weekend in Mansfield
Baker Creek Seed Company in Mansfield will host its 15th annual Fall Heirloom Seed Festival this weekend on September 27 and 28. The event draws thousands of gardeners, farmers, and homesteaders from around the world to celebrate heirloom seeds and sustainable growing practices.
Thayer Man Arrested for Attempting to Break in to an Apartment
A Thayer man faces charges after the Oregon County Sheriff's Office alleged he attempted to break into a woman's room at the Comfort Green Motel on September 20. According to deputies, witnesses reported seeing Ricky Dean Deaton banging on the door with his fist, a hammer, and a crowbar.
Ozarks Healthcare Pharmacy to Bring Vaccination Clinics to Rural Communities
Ozarks Healthcare Pharmacy in West Plains will offer vaccination clinics at multiple Ozarks Healthcare clinic locations throughout October as flu season approaches. The clinics provide convenient access to recommended vaccines for community members seeking protection.
MDC to Host Intro to Shotgun Class September 27 in Alton
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer an Intro to Shotgun class in Alton on Sunday, September 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Rover Gun Club on Highway M, covering shotgun safety, operation, and shooting fundamentals.
Featured Pet of The Day- Ricky
A dog named Ricky is looking for a new home where he can share his boundless energy and affection with people. This friendly pup gets excited when visitors come by and dreams of a better living situation than his current shelter location.
Janice K. Bentley, 76, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on September 17, 2026, in West Plains. She was preceded by her husband Darrell Bentley of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and is survived by one daughter from their 1968 marriage.
Charles William Williams, born January 2, 1943, near Fredrick Creek at Billmore, passed away after a long life. He married Bonnie Hensley in 1961 and was father to three daughters, Susan Michelle, Janella, and Stefanie.
Chris 'Buddy' Nelson, 76, of Zanoni, Missouri, passed away on September 16, 2026, at his residence. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville.
Earl Alton Souder of Romance, Missouri, passed away on September 17, 2026, at age 78. He was born March 23, 1948, and was raised in Souder, Missouri, alongside four brothers and numerous cousins.
Jackie Lee Owens, 75, formerly of Norwood, Missouri, passed away and was honored with graveside services on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Norwood. Visitation was held at The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Hartville.
Rural News Wire is a daily local news digest for West Plains and rural America. We aggregate and curate, original reporting belongs to the sources linked above. Support local journalism by visiting their sites.
Subscribe free to get this digest in your inbox every morning.