West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, September 26, 2026
Ty's Take
There's a lot happening this week if you know where to look, and most of it says something true about who we are around here. The Blue Jean Ball and Dolly & Porter Days aren't just calendar markers, they're the kind of community fixture that keeps a place like West Plains woven together when everything else is pulling in different directions. Same goes for what Christos House is trying to do with those tiny homes, even though they're still short on funding. It's harder work and gets less attention than a festival, but it matters just as much. Meanwhile we've lost some folks this week, and we're reading the names in the obits the way you have to, knowing that each one leaves a hole in somebody's world. That's the rhythm of a small county seat in the Ozarks: we celebrate together, we build something better when we can, and we mark the losses. Nothing new about any of it, but it's everything.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply sponsors 13th annual Blue Jean Ball
Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply is sponsoring the 13th annual Blue Jean Ball in West Plains.
Christos House seeks $280K to finish tiny homes project for domestic violence survivors
Christos House in West Plains is launching a 60-day fundraising campaign to secure the final $280,000 needed to complete its tiny homes shelter village for domestic violence survivors. The organization has already raised $570,000 and serves survivors across Carter, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark,...
Dolly & Porter Days starts Fri.; volunteers needed
Dolly & Porter Days returns to downtown West Plains for its second year, running Friday through October 3, and organizers are urgently seeking volunteers to help with the two-day festival celebrating Ozark music heritage and honoring Porter Wagoner. The free event features live music, vendor...
Willow Springs motorcyclist killed Thursday in head-on crash
A 68-year-old Willow Springs motorcyclist died Thursday morning when his Kawasaki was struck head-on by a southbound Buick on Highway 95 about 4 miles south of Mtn. Grove in Wright County. The crash marked the 23rd traffic fatality this year in the nine-county Troop G area.
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Ozark Radio News
Ozarks Healthcare Pharmacy is bringing flu vaccination clinics directly to local businesses and schools throughout the region through the end of October to help prevent illness as flu season approaches.
Ava woman indicted on five felony counts in meth case
An Ava woman has been indicted by a Douglas County grand jury on five felony charges including drug distribution, methamphetamine possession, evidence tampering and firearms violations stemming from an August 31 investigation.
Ava man indicted on meth possession charge
An Ava man has been indicted by a Douglas County grand jury on drug charges including possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors alleging he qualifies as a prior and persistent felony offender.
Children’s Behavioral Services Plans Halloween Event Next Month
Children's Behavioral Services in West Plains is hosting a Spooktacular Sensory Saturday on October 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 205 East Trish Knight Street for children with sensory sensitivities.
Mackie Ray Johnson, 79, of Thayer, passed away and funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26 at The Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
Melvin Dean Mulvihill of Alton, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2026 at the age of 84.
Donna Lynn Lee, 73, of Alton, Missouri passed away September 21, 2026 at Shepherd's View Assisted Living in Alton.
Ruby Louise Cox, 80, of Ava, Missouri passed away peacefully at her home on September 23, 2026.
Naomi Faye Watkins, 57, of Seymour, Missouri passed away and funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26 at The Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava.
Marty Wells, 94, of Gainesville, Missouri passed away at home on September 17, 2026.
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