West Plains Daily Digest Saturday, October 24, 2026
Ty's Take
The Zizzers took third at the conference meet this week, which is solid work for a program swimming and diving against some stout competition. Meanwhile, down in Summersville and Winona, school officials are counting a $1.2 million win from USDA technology grants, the kind of money that actually moves the needle in smaller districts trying to keep their facilities current and their kids competitive. Between MSU-WP pushing financial aid nights out to the surrounding high schools and the fall semester schedules going live, there's a lot of motion right now in the education pipeline across this region. That matters because it's the work that keeps young people thinking they have a future here instead of somewhere else.
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West Plains Daily Quill
The West Plains Daily Quill is challenging readers to identify the location of a mystery photo in this week's contest. Community members with their own local snapshots are invited to submit photos of unique landmarks or hidden details to news@westplainsdailyquill.net for a chance to win.
Zizzers swim and dive places third at conference meet
The West Plains Zizzers boys swimming and diving team set two conference records but finished third overall at the Ozark Mountain Conference meet, missing out on a third consecutive title.
Spring semester, summer session 2027 schedules online
Students and residents can now view course offerings online for Missouri State University-West Plains' spring 2027 semester and summer 2027 session.
MSU-WP offers financial aid nights at area high schools
Missouri State University-West Plains will host financial aid nights at area high schools to help students and families prepare for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Slaughter cows and bulls dropped $2 to $4 from the previous week at Ozarks Regional Stockyards in West Plains, with 643 head received and good demand on moderate supply. Feeder cattle prices remained steady to slightly higher on moderate supply, while lean beef prices have declined significantly...
OZH launching community brand assessment in November
Ozarks Healthcare will conduct its 2026 Community Brand Assessment beginning in early November, asking residents in the health system's service area to share their views on local health services and needs.
USDA awards $1.2M in technology grants to Summersville, Winona school districts
The Summersville and Winona school districts have been awarded a combined $1.2 million in federal Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants from the USDA to upgrade classroom technology.
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Ozark Radio News
From Struggle to Strength: Veterans find renewal through VA, treatment court
Four military veterans, including 70-year-old Marine Corps veteran Howard Bellew, graduated from a Butler County treatment court program in early October with support from the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. The program combines VA services with treatment court to help veterans...
Rockbridge to host Trunk or Treat Oct. 31
Rockbridge Rainbow Trout Ranch will host a Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m. until dark at 4297 County Road 142 in Rockbridge. Local residents are invited to decorate vehicles and participate in the Halloween celebration.
Summersville, Winona Schools Receive Over $1 Million in USDA Grants
Summersville R-II and Winona R-III School Districts received over $1 million in USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants to modernize classroom technology with support from USDA Rural Development Missouri State Director Ben Baker.
Willow Springs Fire Department Completes Drafting & Rural Water Supply Training
The Willow Springs Fire Department completed specialized training on water supply access and rural firefighting techniques while other Howell County first responders participated in a multi-agency exercise. The department focused on maintaining continuous water supply for fighting structure fires...
Mountain Grove Woman Arrested on FTA Warrant
A 39-year-old Mountain Grove woman was arrested in Wright County on a Texas County warrant for failure to appear on a child neglect and abuse charge. She is being held at the Texas County Sheriff's Office.
Willow Springs Bears Drop Season Finale
The Willow Springs Bears' regular season ended with a loss against Ava in the Battle of the Bears game, with Ava leading 21-6 at halftime before Willow Springs scored twice more in the contest.
Tammie Marie Dungan Harper, 63, of West Plains, passed away on October 16, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis after a life marked by kindness and resilience.
Nancy Jo Davis, 88, of Ozark (formerly of Houston), will be laid to rest following funeral services on Monday, October 26, 2026, at The Houston United Methodist Church in Houston with burial in Pine Lawn Cemetery.
Kenneth Eugene McDaniel, 79, of Mansfield, will be honored with funeral services on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mansfield beginning at 1 p.m.
Richard Kenneth Lawler, 88, of Willow Springs, will be remembered with funeral services on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove with burial at Friendship Cemetery in Mountain Grove.
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