West Plains Daily Digest Sunday, October 04, 2026
Ty's Take
Halloween on the Square next year gives West Plains something to look forward to, and Lord knows we could use a few more reasons to gather downtown when the weather's decent and people aren't worried about the next thing. But the real news this week is quieter, the kind that doesn't make much noise until you notice who's missing from the feed store or the coffee counter. Millie Blalock, Matt Castaneda, Jamey Swain, Howard Mead, Randy Shelton, Laura Wilson, they're the ones who built this place, worked it, raised their kids in it. That's the week we're in. Meanwhile, the FEMA money landing for first responders across three states is the kind of help our fire departments need but rarely get to talk about at the Lions Club. Mountain View's got a street torn up tomorrow, a couple folks down in Salem are hurt from a Saturday accident, and life moves along like it always does in Howell County. It's not flashy. It never is.
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Ozark Radio News
“Scare on the Square” 2026, Celebrating Halloween Night in West Plains
West Plains will host Scare on the Square on Halloween night, October 31st, offering families a free celebration featuring vendors and activities throughout the town. The event brings together ghouls, goblins, and Halloween-themed fun for residents of all ages.
FEMA has distributed over $10.5 million in grants this week to fire departments and first responder organizations across Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The funding will help agencies purchase equipment, hire staff, and strengthen firefighter safety and fire prevention programs.
City of Mountain View Announces Street Closure for Tomorrow
Mountain View will close Pine Street between 2nd and 3rd streets on October 5th for road maintenance work. The closure will remain in effect all day and affects a section near the police station.
Two Salem Residents Injured in Saturday Accident
A rear-end collision on Highway 72 about four miles west of Salem injured two Salem residents early Saturday morning. The crash occurred at 7:35 AM when a 2019 Hyundai Sonata struck another westbound vehicle.
Millie Ida Blalock, 90, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on September 27, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Lepanto, Arkansas in 1936 and was preceded in death by her husband Alce Duaine.
Victor “Matt” Matthew Castaneda
Victor (Matt) Matthew Castaneda, 49, of Moody, Missouri, died on September 27, 2026, in Merriam, Kansas. Memorial services will be held October 4th at The Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.
Jamey Lindal Swain, 38, of Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at Ozark Healthcare in West Plains. He was born in Farmington, Missouri in 1988 and is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
Howard Mead, 90, of Grovespring, Missouri, will be remembered at a memorial service on Thursday, October 8th at The Mt. Zion Cuba Church in Grovespring. Burial will follow at The Mt. Zion Cuba Cemetery.
Randy Heath Shelton, 60, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, will be laid to rest following funeral services on Saturday, October 10th at The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM.
Laura Marie Wilson, 48, of Mansfield, Missouri, will be honored at a memorial service on Monday, October 5th at The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. She was born in Lakewood, Ohio in 1978 and was the daughter of the late Dale Wilson and Denise Rodan.
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