West Plains Daily Digest Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Ty's Take
Halloween's coming up and Willow Springs schools are reminding families to keep an eye on the young ones, which is good timing given what's been moving through the scanner lately. You've got tractor theft that landed somebody in serious trouble, an arrest out of West Plains Sunday night, and the usual knot of county troubles that keep the sheriff's office busy this time of year. The routine stuff, mostly, but worth remembering when you're sending kids out trick-or-treating: know where they are, who they're with, and get them home before dark. This is good country and good people, but like everywhere else, you don't leave things to chance.
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Weather Alerts
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 13 at 4:23AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
The combination of record-high temperatures and elevated humidity levels will produce heat index values in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees this afternoon across much of southeast Missouri, southwest Illinois, and far western Kentucky. Those planning to be outdoors for extended periods to should fo...
Ozark Radio News
Willow Springs School Urges Safety During Halloween Season
Willow Springs School has released their October wellness newsletter with Halloween safety tips and reminders about the approaching flu season. The publication also includes a seasonal soup recipe for families.
Treasurer Vivek Malek Announces Over 10,000 Students Funded Through MOScholars Program
Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek announced that the MOScholars Program has awarded $68.7 million to fund 10,235 students across Missouri for the 2026-2027 school year. The program provides educational funding through the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.
MSHP Arrests West Plains Man Sunday Evening
West Plains resident Dustin I. Eastland, 29, was arrested Sunday evening by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Howell County on multiple charges. Eastland faces felony aggravated driving while intoxicated, felony driving while revoked, and speeding violations.
Oregon County Sheriff’s Report
No content available for summary.
TRACTOR THEFT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO FELONY ARREST
The Shannon County Sheriff's Office arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of a Ford 4000 Series tractor and Bush Hog brush hog taken from property near Birch Tree, Missouri in early October. The stolen equipment was valued at approximately $4,700.
Featured Pet of The Day- Oliver
Oliver, a local pet available for adoption, is eager and playful with energy to spare. Recently relocated to a new shelter space, Oliver enjoys hearing the birds chirp each morning.
Wilma Jean Shockey, 86, of West Plains, passed away, with funeral services scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th, 2026, at The Robertson Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 13th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
Glynda “Jeannie” Jeanne Phelps
Glynda Jeanne Phelps, 80, of Salem, Arkansas, will be remembered in a service Tuesday, October 13th, 2026, at The Salem Church of Christ. Visitation is set for Monday, October 12th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with burial to follow at The Agnos Cemetery in Ash-Flat, Arkansas.
Margarette A Sellers, 76, of Ash Flat, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. She was born March 24, 1950, in Corinth, Mississippi.
Marlin Hall, 87, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. He was born January 4, 1939, and is survived by his wife Patricia and one son.
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