West Plains Daily Digest Thursday, October 22, 2026
Ty's Take
Richards Brothers closing its doors after ninety-four years hits different when you know the place, when you've bought work clothes there or your parents did, when a business that old becomes part of how you measure time in a town. Ninety-four years means the store survived the Depression, two world wars, the shift from farming horses to diesel, the whole arc of what Howell County became. There's no recovering that kind of institutional knowledge once it's gone, no replacing the family that knew three generations of customers by sight. The Zizzers may be short-handed at the pool this week, but West Plains is about to run a little shorter too.
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West Plains Daily Quill
Ozark Heritage tradition on display
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STARS presents Spooktacular, announces new ‘Shrek’ dates
The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra will perform free Halloween concerts at the Avenue Theatre in West Plains on Sunday and at the Melba Theatre in Houston on October 30, featuring live orchestral music in a festive setting. The STARS Foundation has postponed its stage production of 'Shrek the...
Short-handed Zizzers place seventh at Sedalia, Bradfute sets diving record
The West Plains Zizzers boys swimming team finished seventh out of 15 teams at the Sedalia Invitational despite competing with limited roster depth, as several athletes took the ACT. Diver Chance Bradfute set a school record with a score of 312.45 in 1-meter diving, breaking the previous mark of...
WP Council advances utility rate hikes, FY27 budget
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Zizzers to celebrate Class of ’27 with Senior Night on Friday
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Extension offers virtual class for those living with chronic disease
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Howell County News
Watoto Children's Choir launches new album
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Richards Bro.s closes after 94 years
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Ozark Radio News
Mountain View Missouri Chamber to Hold a Lunch and Learn on Workplace Burnout
The Mountain View Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch and Learn session on November 10 at noon at the Chamber office on West First Street in Mountain View, featuring guest speaker Davine Conover discussing workplace burnout recognition and management strategies.
West Plains Council on the Arts Announces Upcoming Workshops for the Next 6 Months
The West Plains Council on the Arts is announcing a series of upcoming workshops conducted by local artist Tara Shahan that will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center over the next six months.
Youth Deer Season in Missouri Begins this Weekend
Youth deer hunting season opens this weekend in Missouri, giving families an opportunity to introduce their children to hunting with proper attention to all state hunting regulations and safety requirements.
Ava students organize charity bake sale Oct. 24
Ava High School seniors Kenley Fleetwood and Claire McDonald will host a National Honor Society charity bake sale on Saturday, October 24, starting at 8 a.m. at Ava Town and Country Supermarket, with proceeds supporting a local cause.
Vanzant fire department plans November fundraiser
The Eastern Douglas County Volunteer Fire Department in Vanzant will hold its 18th annual Chili Supper and Auction on Saturday, November 7, at the Vanzant Community Center on Highway W off Highway 95 South, with dinner beginning at 5 p.m.
Motorcycle Accident Seriously Injures Mountain Grove Man
A Mountain Grove man suffered serious injuries Wednesday when his 2000 Yamaha motorcycle left Highway 76 about 18 miles south of Mountain Grove, overturned, and ejected him at 12:15 p.m., according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Go The Extra Yard For Local Patients, Give Blood, Score A Free Chiefs T-Shirt
Community members in Mountain View can donate blood on Friday, November 6, at an upcoming community blood drive hosted by Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, with donors receiving a free Chiefs T-shirt as incentive to support local patients.
Paws for Laws Presents Donation to the Howell County Sheriff’s Department
Paws for Laws donated $959.97 to the Howell County Sheriff's Department to support its K-9 Unit, which includes three working dogs named Flash, Roman, and Ares that assist deputies in protecting and serving county residents.
Veteran Fishing Derby Scheduled in Mammoth Spring
The Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will host its first Veteran Fishing Derby on Wednesday, November 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, offering free participation for veterans and complimentary lunch at the visitor center.
Zeus, a 1-year-old Pit Bull Terrier and Shepherd mix available for adoption through The Humane Society of North Central Arkansas, is a playful and loyal young dog looking for a permanent home.
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