West Plains Daily Digest Friday, October 16, 2026
Ty's Take
The Heritage Festival is back in West Plains today, and that matters more than the usual run of Thursday news. You can read about the crashes and the legal wrangling and the state guidance coming down the pike, but what actually moves the needle around here is a Saturday where families show up downtown, where neighbors see neighbors, where kids remember what their town looks like when it's dressed up and full. The Willow Springs cops working a 5K, the Mountain View fish fry happening one more time before the season closes, JAKES Day coming in October for the young hunters, state park grants going out to schools that need them—these aren't filler stories around the real news. They're the real news. They're why people stay put in Howell County and why folks from places like Eminence and Thayer drive in to see what's happening. Take a walk downtown today if you get the chance.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Willow Springs cops go the extra mile for 5K run
Three Willow Springs police officers received recognition from the local Chamber of Commerce for their enthusiastic participation in the I Ran From the Cops 5K & Walk. Officers Joe Barnhouse, Corey Clark, and Katie Kreusen actively engaged with runners by chasing participants, offering...
Public defender’s office disputes judge’s order in WP murder case
The state public defender's office is challenging a West Plains judge's order to represent 77-year-old Larry Lindeman, who faces first-degree murder charges in connection with a November 2025 shooting. The public defender argues Lindeman previously was deemed ineligible for free representation and...
The Current River Callers' chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Missouri Department of Conservation will host a free JAKES Day event for children ages 6 to 12 on October 17 at Twin Pines Conservation Center near Winona. Children will receive lunch, free goodie bags, and JAKES...
Schools, nonprofits can apply for state park transportation grants
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for its 2027 Bus Grant Program, which helps fund student field trips to state parks and historic sites.
Minor injuries reported for three in area crashes
Three area residents suffered minor injuries in separate traffic accidents involving wildlife and a hit-and-run incident this week. A Houston woman struck a deer on Highway 17 north of Houston Wednesday morning, a Myrtle man's vehicle was hit from behind on Highway V west of Myrtle Thursday...
State issues guidance on automated license plate readers
The Missouri Department of Public Safety released guidance for law enforcement agencies on using automated license plate readers following an executive order from Governor Mike Kehoe. The recommendations include setting a legitimate law enforcement purpose for searches, retaining ALPR data for no...
Are we addicted to the negative?
A University of Missouri Extension official suggests that communities and social media users focus more attention on positive stories about neighbors helping neighbors during Missouri Good Neighbor Week. The commentary notes that negative posts consistently generate more engagement than positive...
A local columnist reflects on how aging has taught her that genuine happiness comes from relationships and shared moments rather than material possessions or wealth. She describes her son's wedding weekend in the Shenandoah Valley as one of life's truly perfect days, surrounded by family and chosen...
Voters hold power to fix broken government policies
A letter writer urges voters to elect politicians from either party who acknowledge the country's problems and will work to address inflation, protect social programs, lower healthcare costs, and ensure fair taxation. The author criticizes current federal leadership for chaotic policies and calls...
A warning on incoming FDA prescription restrictions
A letter alerts readers that starting October 22, new FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies will prohibit most international prescription medication packages from entering the country.
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Ozark Radio News
City of Mountain Home Seeking to Fill Two City Positions
The City of Mountain Home is hiring a Civil Engineer and a Street Laborer and is accepting applications from candidates willing to undergo the city's standard hiring process.
MDC encourages awareness of “bird flu” as fall migration begins
The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds the public and hunters to watch for signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds as fall waterfowl migration begins. The department has confirmed some positive cases of bird flu in Missouri.
One Person Injured in Rollover Crash Near Cabool
A Houston woman suffered minor injuries Thursday morning when the vehicle she was riding in overturned north of Cabool on U.S. 63. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 20-year-old lost control and flipped off the left side of the roadway.
Heritage Festival Returns to West Plains Today
The Ozark Heritage Festival returns October 16 and 17 to the West Plains Civic Center and Historic Downtown with music, dance, artisans, and family activities. Featured performers include Lacewings on October 16 and Little Jones on October 17.
Wright County Crash Injures One
A 61-year-old Osceola woman suffered minor injuries Wednesday afternoon when her 2008 Audi ran off the right side of Missouri 38 west of Odin and struck a mailbox.
Featured Pet of The Day-Mary Jane
Mary Jane, an 11-week-old female kitten, is available for foster-to-adopt through Ozarks Pet Rescue. The energetic kitten was the only survivor from a litter that required bottle feeding and has been well-socialized by her foster family.
Grizzly Update w/ Don’s Auto Service
This article could not be summarized as the source material provided does not contain substantive content.
Arkansas Man Arrested After Allegedly Exposing Himself to a Waitress in Thayer
Gabriel Gordey, an Alexander, Arkansas man, was arrested in Thayer after a waitress reported he exposed himself to her during an incident on October 14. Staff members and a witness confirmed observing the exposure.
Mountain View Missouri Senior Center to Hold Final Fish Fry of the Season
The Mountain View Senior Center will serve its final monthly fish fry of the season Friday, October 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for seven dollars per plate. The meal includes fried fish, homemade chips, pinto beans, coleslaw, hushpuppies, and dessert.
Burn Bans Still Present as Fire Danger Remains High
Several burn bans remain in place across the listening area as fire danger continues to stay high despite recent rainfall. Recent rain has not sufficiently reduced fire risks because the dry soil has absorbed much of the moisture.
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