West Plains Daily Digest Friday, October 09, 2026
Ty's Take
West Plains Bank and Trust putting $114,575 back into the schools, the hospital, and the university says something true about how this county works. The money doesn't sit in some vault downtown—it moves through the places that hold us together, the ones that keep a young family from having to leave for Springfield or Kansas City. That's the economics nobody talks about in the bigger papers, the steady commitment that doesn't make headlines but makes it possible for there to be a West Plains fifty years from now. Meanwhile the Bear City Festival's bringing out the ribbons and the crowds, the Grizzlies are home for baseball season, and the fall markets are starting up. That's a week that reminds you why people stay in the Ozarks.
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Howell County News
Blue ribbons and new races: Bear City Festival in pictures
The Bear City Festival featured blue ribbon winners and new racing events, according to photos from the Howell County News.
Public defender’s office: Lindeman is not indigent
The public defender's office has determined that Lindeman does not qualify as indigent for legal representation purposes.
Captain with Willow ties headed to FBI
A captain with ties to Willow has been selected to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Dolly and Porter Days memories
Residents have been sharing memories of Dolly and Porter Days celebrations.
Grizzlies Baseball Makes Home Debut
The Grizzlies baseball team took the field for their home opener this season.
Court finds Shannon County murder case was not a crime
A Shannon County court has ruled that a case initially investigated as a murder was not actually a crime.
West Plains Bank and Trust Company donated $114,575 to local schools, Ozarks Healthcare, and Missouri State University-West Plains.
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Ozark Radio News
Go Farm Farmer’s Market Plans “Fall Festival” Market October 24th
The Go Farm Farmer's Market in West Plains will host a fall-themed special market on October 24th featuring seasonal products, live music, and activities including a chili cook-off.
Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra Celebrates the Season with Two Area Concerts
The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra is presenting two Halloween-themed concerts in October, with performances at the Avenue Theatre in West Plains on October 10th and at The Melba Theatre in Houston.
Alton Man Facing Possession Charge After Traffic Stop
An Alton man was arrested and charged with drug and equipment-related offenses following a traffic stop on October 6 at US 19 and US 160 when Deputy J.A. Martin noticed a defective brake light and improper turn signal.
Bulls & Barrels set for Oct. 10 in Ava
Young riders will compete in bull riding and barrel racing at the Bulls and Barrels event on October 10th at the Ava Saddle Club Arena, with the Junior Pro Bull Riders competition beginning at 7 p.m.
Featured Pet of The Day- Chewbacca
Chewbacca, a fluffy dog with curly fur, is featured as the pet of the day and enjoys human companionship and sniffing out treats.
Ozarks Older Iron Club Fall Show Happening Tomorrow
The Ozarks Older Iron Club will showcase historic agricultural machinery and farming equipment during their fall show happening October 9th through the weekend in Cabool.
Funeral services for Roy Dain Altermatt, age 85 of West Plains, Missouri, will be held on Friday, October 9th at the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services at 2 p.m.
Funeral services for Charles Wiles, age 87 of Highland, Arkansas, will take place on Saturday, October 10th at the First Assembly of God in Highland with visitation on Friday, October 9th from 6 to 8 p.m.
A celebration of life for Thomas Herman Armstrong, age 81 of Thayer, Missouri, will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 10 a.m. at the New Life Church in Thayer.
Brenda Kay Johnson Bell, born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, graduated from Alton High School in 1968 and attended Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield with her husband Stan Bell, whom she married in Many Springs in 1970.
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