West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, October 15, 2026
Ty's Take
The Lady Zizzers are reminding this part of the Ozarks what it feels like when a program gets it right. Qualifying for state in golf for the first time since 2011, placing fifth in tennis at Joplin, these are the kinds of results that don't happen by accident. They happen because coaches see something in their athletes and push, because young women decide to show up and work, and because a community that runs on hard work recognizes the same thing in its kids. West Plains State-West Plains isn't a powerhouse program by accident either. It builds on itself, year after year, one tournament at a time. That's how small-town athletics actually work.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Quill website to feature new look starting Thursday
The West Plains Daily Quill is rolling out a redesigned website starting Thursday with faster navigation, improved mobile experience, and updated email newsletters. The new platform marks the publication's first major content management system upgrade since 2019. Readers should use their existing...
City of WP names Tona Bowen new finance director
Tona Bowen has assumed the role of finance director for the City of West Plains, bringing more than two decades of government finance and budgeting experience from her previous position as financial analyst for the City of Springfield. She replaces Earlene Rich and will oversee all municipal...
Cabool resident killed in Saturday multi-vehicle crash
A 78-year-old Cabool driver died Saturday in a four-vehicle crash on north U.S. 63 about 8 miles south of Houston in Texas County when an 18-year-old driver rear-ended the vehicle, forcing it into oncoming traffic. The crash marks the 24th traffic fatality this year in the nine-county Troop G area.
Lady Zizzers golf team qualifies for first state tournament since 2011
West Plains High School's Lady Zizzers golf team qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 2011 by finishing second at the Class 3, District 3 tournament at West Plains Country Club. The team will compete at the state tournament Monday and Tuesday at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club...
Lady Zizzers tennis bests Hillcrest, places fifth at Joplin Tournament
The West Plains Lady Zizzers tennis team defeated Hillcrest 5-4 on September 24, with strong performances from players in the lower singles lineup helping secure the victory. Later that week, the team placed fifth out of seven schools at the Joplin Tournament, gaining valuable experience against...
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Ozark Radio News
Cabool Man Injured After Running a Stop Sign Striking a Pole and a House
A 79-year-old Cabool man sustained moderate injuries Wednesday morning after failing to stop at a stop sign at the junction of U.S. 63 and U highways, striking a metal pole, overturning, and hitting a house. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
“Stay Alert For Deer This Fall”, Says MSHP
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to stay alert for deer on roadways this fall as the animals become more active during evening and nighttime hours. Hunting and crop harvesting may increase deer crossings as behavioral changes occur in the season.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Participation Announced in Izard County
The Izard County Sheriff's Office in Melbourne, Arkansas will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing residents to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications. Free donuts will be offered to participants.
West Plains Men Charged with Stealing and Burglary
Two West Plains men face multiple felony charges after police recovered a stolen vehicle and uncovered a series of related offenses earlier this month. James Isaac McKee and Maksim Alan Protzman are accused of entering vehicles throughout residential neighborhoods.
High Heat in October Breaks Record
Record-breaking October temperatures were recorded in both the Springfield and West Plains regions on October 12 according to data from the National Weather Service in Springfield. The meteorologist noted that multiple temperature records fell as the region experienced unusually high heat.
Iris Dianne Tugwell, 82, of West Plains will be remembered in funeral services Friday, October 16 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Plains, with burial to follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Batesville, Arkansas. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Graveside services for Donald Wilder Freel, 93, of West Plains will be held Thursday, October 15 at 2 p.m. in Homeland Cemetery in West Plains. Robertson-Drago Funeral Home is directing arrangements.
Neil Ray Wood, 95, of Howell County will be laid to rest Friday, October 16 following a service at Calvary Baptist Church in West Plains with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will take place in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona.
Betty Jo James, 91, of Raymondville will be remembered Thursday, October 15 at Evans Funeral Home in Houston, with visitation at 11 a.m. and services at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Allen Cemetery in Houston.
John P. Seeley, 87, of Willow Springs will be remembered in a memorial service Friday, October 23 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Mountain View. Internment will take place in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona.
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