West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, October 07, 2026
Ty's Take
There's something worth watching in the Oregon County data center fight, even if the debates happen somewhere else. These things have a way of rippling through the whole region, and West Plains sits right in the middle of whatever comes next, whether it's infrastructure questions, tax base shifts, or just the old friction between growth and keeping things the way they've always been. The Ozarks don't move fast on big decisions, and that's usually a feature, not a bug. But this one's worth paying attention to, because decisions made in one county courthouse can reshape what happens in the next.
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West Plains Daily Quill
SRO vehicle damaged in crash near Lincoln School
An SRO vehicle was damaged in a crash near Lincoln School in West Plains.
Proposed data center sparks Oregon Co. debate
A proposed artificial intelligence data center on 226 acres along Highway 142 west of Thayer in Oregon County is sparking debate over electricity and water demands. Oregon County District 2 Associate Commissioner Jake Parker is preparing a 30-page draft ordinance to regulate industrial technology...
Three generations of a local family are working together at a bar in the West Plains area.
A second-degree murder charge against Winona resident Austin D. Womack has been dismissed in connection with a 2018 drowning death of 20-year-old Robbie Crites in the Jack's Fork River at Eminence. Charges remain active against co-defendants Ronald D. Brawley III of Winona and Zachary D. Watson of...
A young royalty contestant in the West Plains area received a quick fix for an appearance issue.
Zizzers sink Mules at West Plains Duals
The West Plains Zizzers boys swimming and diving team defeated the Poplar Bluff Mules 69-46 at the West Plains Duals on September 24, capturing first place in seven of 12 events. The team later finished fourth at the 14-team Monett Invitational, with several swimmers achieving state consideration...
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Howell County News
Willow grad to clerk for federal judge
A Willow graduate has been selected to clerk for a federal judge.
Accused murder gets public defender
A defendant accused of murder has been appointed a public defender in Howell County.
SWAT standoff outside W.S. ends in arrest
A SWAT standoff outside a location in the West Plains area ended with an arrest.
McClure Recreates Mural 27 Years Later
An artist has recreated a mural 27 years after the original was painted.
36th Annual Pioneer Days held in Mtn. View
Mountain View held its 36th Annual Pioneer Days celebration.
Publisher named Journalist of the Year
A local publisher has been named Journalist of the Year.
Ozark Radio News
Man Charged with Arson and Harassment in Ozark County
Alan Anderberg faces felony charges for first-degree arson and first-degree harassment after authorities say he poured gasoline around a fifth-wheel camper and ignited it during a domestic disturbance in Gainesville. He is being held with no bond.
Last Day of the Season for the Splash Pad Announced
The Butler Children's Park Splash Pad in West Plains will close for the season on October 13, with the final day of operation set for Monday, October 12. West Plains Parks and Recreation thanks families for keeping the area clean and safe throughout the summer.
Tuesday Morning Accident Seriously Injures Two
Two drivers were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash at 8:30 a.m. on Highway CC, eight miles west of West Plains. A 71-year-old Pomona man driving a 1999 Dodge 1500 failed to yield and entered the path of another vehicle.
Mansfield Man Arrested on Assault Charge
Isaac Honeycutt of Mansfield faces a third-degree assault charge after police say he struck a neighbor during an argument over driving on North Ash Street on October 4.
West Plains Police Department Report
The West Plains Police Department has released its latest activity report.
Ricardo Lela Martins, 85, of Coconut Creek, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center in Ava, Missouri.
Stan, a friendly one-year-old Spaniel mix weighing about 25 pounds, is available for adoption through The City of Mountain Grove Animal Control.
Video: Upcoming Events with Explore West Plains
Explore West Plains has shared a video highlighting upcoming events in the community.
Tia, a young Labrador-Retriever and Border Collie mix, is available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas.
Representative Cook Hosts 6th Annual Capitol Christmas Choir Program
State Representative Bennie Cook is inviting area high school choirs to participate in the 6th Annual Capitol Christmas Choir Program on December 9, 2026, in the First Floor Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.
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