West Plains Daily Digest Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Ty's Take
Ninety-four years is a long run for any business in Howell County, and Richards Brothers closing its doors hits different than most headlines because everybody around here either bought something there or knew somebody who did. You don't watch a fixture like that shutter without feeling the weight of it, especially in a time when the old family operations are running thin and the economics that kept a store going through the Depression don't work the same way anymore. The fire engine rally still comes around, the beef day still happens, West Plains still anchors this region like it always has, but there's something about losing a 94-year anchor point that reminds you the Ozarks are changing whether we're ready or not. The young people moving back, the new directors taking those city jobs, the Watoto choir singing new songs, the hunters still taking their deer, the Christmas market still coming to the square, they're all real and they're all good. But they're a different Howell County than the one Richards Brothers knew.
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Howell County News
Watoto Children's Choir launches new album
No summary available.
Richards Bro.s closes after 94 years
No summary available.
2026 Howell Co. Fire Engine Rally
No summary available.
Breaking records - it's a family thing
No summary available.
City of Mtn. View appoints Interim City Clerk
No summary available.
Charges filed after SWAT arrest
No summary available.
No summary available.
MO Beef Day: powered by protein
No summary available.
Revisements and refinements in the city of W.P.
No summary available.
Motel manager threatens with shotgun
No summary available.
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Ozark Radio News
Avenue Theatre Planning Auditions
The Avenue Theatre in West Plains is gearing up for the holiday season with auditions now complete for a December production of Miracle on 34th Street. The 1940s Christmas comedy drama will run from December 11th through the 20th at the local venue.
Outdoor Christmas Market Planned for Next Month on West Plains Square
The Back Lot will host a Christmas Market on the West Plains Square November 28th through 29th and again November 30th through December 1st, with vendors operating from noon to 8 p.m. The outdoor shopping event takes place at the Luster Arcade venue.
Theodosia Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Former Employer
Ozark County deputies arrested a 46-year-old Theodosia man on October 8th after he allegedly made violent threats at a local business following his termination. The suspect became agitated while discussing his recent firing, prompting business owners to report the incident to law enforcement.
Hunters took 6,524 deer during firearms Early Antlerless Portion
Missouri hunters harvested 6,524 deer during the October 9-11 firearms Early Antlerless Portion of deer season, with Howell County placing second statewide at 181 deer harvested. Franklin County led all counties with 203 deer taken during the three-day period.
Ozarks Healthcare Names Rachel Garlitos Human Resources Director
Ozarks Healthcare promoted Rachel Garlitos to Human Resources Director, recognizing her 18 years in the field and her work since joining the organization as Human Resources Operations Manager in 2023. Her appointment reflects the healthcare system's commitment to fostering a positive workplace...
Spooktacular Sensory Saturday Promises Family Friendly Halloween Fun
Children's Behavioral Services in West Plains is hosting Spooktacular Sensory Saturday on October 24th, featuring interactive Halloween activities designed for children with support from local law enforcement and fire departments. The family-friendly event brings together multiple community...
Featured Pet of The Day- Baby Girl
Baby Girl, a 7-month-old Mountain-Cur-Mix, is available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas. The young, sweet dog enjoys exploring and is ready to find her forever home.
City of West Plains Announces New Finance Director
The City of West Plains has appointed Tona Bowen as its new finance director, bringing over two decades of government finance and budgeting experience from her previous role as financial analyst for the City of Springfield, Missouri. Bowen will oversee the city's financial operations and planning.
High school volleyball matchups are scheduled for tonight across multiple counties, including Seymour at Bakersfield and Mountain Grove at Cabool. Youth basketball registration for grades K through 6th is now open through the Formed School League.
Mountain Grove Boys Capture SCA Cross Country Championship
The Mountain Grove Panthers boys cross country team won the South Central Association championship, with individual champion Max Guilliams leading the effort. Mountain Grove placed six runners in the top 15 to secure the team title.
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