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FedEx driver charged with puppy theft

A Federal Express driver has been charged with stealing an animal and stealing property valued at $750 or more, both felonies, after allegedly taking a cane corso puppy while on his delivery …

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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Naveah Gerdes, 11, daughter of Justin Gerdes and Amy Roberts of Pottersville, flies around on the classic carnival ride, The Swing, on Friday at the Heart of the Ozarks Fair in West Plains. The fair concluded Saturday with a demolition derby after having Thursday’s truck pull and Friday’s truck and tractor pull canceled due to excessively muddy conditions. Fairgoers were admitted at half price both of those days. Not to leave fans disappointed, the promoters behind the events, Southern Crunch and Southern Missouri Truck & Tractor Pulling Association, respectively, have scheduled a demolition derby and truck pull for late July. The truck pull will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 25 and the derby at 7 p.m. July 26, both at the fairgrounds. Admission is $10 for attendees 13 and older, $5 for ages 6 to 12 and free for younger children. Watch the June 21 issue of the West Plains Daily Quill for the annual Fair Book.

Heart of the Ozarks Fair wraps up

Ark. man in custody after shooting at Holiday Inn

A Fayetteville, Ark., man has been charged after allegedly shooting at a car full of people in a West Plains hotel parking lot, striking one of them.  The West Plains Police Department, in …
A helper uses a drip torch to start the burn during a prescribed fire in February 2024 on a PBA member’s property in northern Howell County. Beforehand, the landowner had blown away leaves from the road, leaving bare ground, which created a fire break.

Prescribed fire workshop and field tour Saturday

An educational workshop and field tour about prescribed fire will be held Saturday in West Plains, hosted by the South Central Missouri Prescribed Burn Association (PBA). During the morning, speakers …
Coaches Brittany Moore, far left, and Lane Schilmoeller, far right, join West Plains High School Speech and Debate student competitors for a photo at an early-year clinic held at Central High School in Springfield.

WPHS Speech & Debate seeks community support for student success

Lane Schilmoeller, a dedicated educator who has spent over a decade at West Plains High School, has been named head coach of the school’s Speech and Debate program. Currently an assistant coach …

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Protestors surround a dumpster that was set on fire in front of the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building during a protest against federal immigration arrests, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Protests over immigration raids continue across the US with more planned

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Protests over federal immigration enforcement raids are flaring up around the country, as officials in cities from coast to coast get ready for major demonstrations against …

Former Missouri congressman Billy Long confirmed as commissioner of the IRS, an agency he once sought to abolish

Former Missouri congressman Billy Long confirmed as commissioner of the IRS, an agency he once sought to abolish.

Great Plains Lookahead Digest

The following stories are planned for the next 24 hours. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan.——————————MINNESOTA - …
FILE - A 6-foot-tall privately funded Ten Commandments monument is seen on the Arkansas Capitol grounds Tuesday, June 27, 2017, in Little Rock. (AP Photo/Jill Zeman Bleed,File)

Families file suit challenging Arkansas law that requires Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Seven Arkansas families filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging an upcoming state requirement that public school classrooms have posted copies of the Ten Commandments, saying …

Three West Plains residents charged after large meth seizure; cases progress

Updates have been made in the case of three West Plains residents arrested the evening of April 22 evening after a large quantity of methamphetamine was allegedly found in a home and a vehicle the …

Great Plains Lookahead Digest

The following stories are planned for the next 12 hours. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 12 hours, please visit Coverage Plan.——————————MINNESOTA - …

Great Plains Lookahead Digest

The following stories are planned for the next 24 hours. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan.——————————MINNESOTA - …

Sports
LANCASTER, Mass., June 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association and Stack Athlete (formerly CaptainU) announced the formation of a strategic partnership in which Stack Athlete is now the Official College Recruiting Partner of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association. The partnership combines the expertise of both organizations to deliver comprehensive college recruiting strategies and solutions to the youth soccer community throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Stack Athlete Named Official College Recruiting Partner of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association
LANCASTER, Mass., June 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association and Stack Athlete (formerly CaptainU) announced the formation of a strategic partnership in which …
FILE - Murray State pitcher Graham Kelham (41) celebrates with catcher Will Vierling (17) after a 9-6 win over Mississippi at an NCAA regional college baseball game, Friday, May 30, 2025, Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Like Fresno State, Stony Brook and Oral Roberts before them, the Murray State Racers are about to be embraced as the College World Series' lovable underdogs by local fans looking …
The following stories are planned for the next 24 hours. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan.——————————KANSAS - …
The following stories are planned for the next 24 hours. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan.——————————KENTUCKY - …
The following stories are planned for the next 24 hours. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan.——————————ARKANSAS - …

Minnesota women's coach Dawn Plitzuweit gets 2-year contract extension with raise

FILE - Minnesota head coach Dawn Plitzuweit watches play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Washington, Feb. 26, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota women's basketball coach Dawn Plitzuweit has received a two-year contract extension that was approved Thursday by the university's board of regents. Plitzuweit is …

Talk of power conferences taking over the College World Series was premature judging by 2025 field

FILE - Arizona's Tommy Splaine (20) celebrates with Easton Breyfogle (12) after scoring a run during an NCAA super regional college baseball game against North Carolina, Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Six conferences and an independent will be represented at the College World Series, and none of the teams were among the final eight in Omaha a year ago. In 2024, the SEC and …
People & Events
Mega Motorsports of West Plains was a $500 donor to the 40th annual Cystic Fibrosis Buddy Bass Tournament, held April 12 at Lake Norfork Marina at Henderson, Ark., and organized by Cystic Fibrosis West Plains. From left: Tim Lockett, Derrick Burtchett, Olivia Eggert, Kim Burtchett, Shelbi Eggert and Travis Olmstead.

Mega Motorsports supports CFWP

During a tour of downtown West Plains by students in Fairview teacher Erin Kimbrough’s summer school class, the youngsters heard some spooky history from West Plains mayor and local theater participant Mike Topliff, on the stage at right. When the group made a stop at the Avenue Theatre, Topliff talked about the ghostly cries of a baby that have been reported from the balcony, harkening back to the days when there was a “crying room” located near the projection booth for parents to calm their infants while not disturbing other patrons. Topliff expounded on what he’d heard through local lore about the downtown area, and his own experiences at the Catron Opera House at the corner of Court Square and West Main Street. The opera house was used as a morgue after the West Plains Dance Hall Explosion of Friday April 13, 1928, when 39 people were killed. Topliff talked about a “lady in white,” dressed in 1920s fashion, who is rumored to be searching for her dance partner. He told students he’d never seen the lady himself, but after he’d participated in an event there dressed as Santa Claus it seemed he’d been followed home by the mischievous spirit of a young girl that liked to rearrange household objects.

Fairview youth treated to spooky tales from WP mayor

Community Calendar: June 7 update

Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by 9 a.m. Wednesdays to news@westplainsdailyquill.net with “CALENDAR” in the subject line. Three sentence maximum must include event description, date, time, location, cost and source for more information. Weekly events will be printed for no more than a month at a time unless renewed by the host. Call the Quill, 417-256-9191 with questions. Unless otherwise noted, events are in West Plains.
The Lincoln School Reflection Plaza dedication ceremony was held May 17, attended by dozens of community members, government officials, and community members who have contributed to the school’s restoration and promotion of Black history in West Plains. Presentations were made thanking those who devoted time, talent, effort and financial support, and concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony coordinated by the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce to officially introduce the park to the public. Two bronze sculptures of Black children, one with a theme of patriotism and resilience and the other with love and courage have been installed on the grounds of the restored historical Black schoolhouse, surrounded by landscaping and seating. The restoration of the school has been led by Crockett and Tonya Oaks III, holding the ribbon-cutting scissors, as the Lincoln School Project. The couple have also coordinated other efforts to honor the memories and history of Black community members and their contributions to West Plains during an era of inequality and segregation. In the words of Tonya Oaks, whose likeness as a child is the model for the statue of a girl making the “heart” symbol with her hands, “Change doesn’t begin with policies or laws, it begins with people.”

Chamber celebrates Reflection Plaza

Larry Noble Rhoads and Diana Lynn Rhoads of West Plains will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. June 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Historic Post Office, 204 E. Main St., West Plains. Friends and family are invited to stop by and extend their well wishes to the couple. Larry and Diana were married on June 27, 1975, and have spent their entire lives in West Plains, where they built a home filled with faith, love and laughter. The Rhoads are longtime, devoted members of Pomona Assembly of God, where they have faithfully served for many years. They are the proud parents of one son Brian Rhoads, and his wife Ashley, and they delight in their three grandchildren: Parker, Brady and Ellie. Both recently retired and are now enjoying this new chapter of life with their family — as well as spending time in Florida during the fall months. “Please join in celebrating this wonderful milestone with Larry and Diana as they mark 50 years of marriage, faith and family,” family members invite.

Larry, Diana Rhoads to celebrate 50th anniversary

Records
Arkansas news
Missouri news
Features

CIRCUIT THOUGHTS: Contemplating the trinity

As I sit writing this article, I am between two significant celebrations of the Church. Last week, June 8, was Pentecost Sunday. This is often considered the birthday of the Church where the Holy …
Pastor Diane Cooke

WORDS TO LIVE BY: Wait

Sometimes it seems we spend a lot of time waiting.  We wait for our turn in line at the grocery store. We wait at the red light at the intersection. We wait to be called to see the doctor …

DOWN HOME WITH SUE: Taco salad bowl for summer

une is here, the start of summer and lighter meals. I try to eat a salad every night, but during the summer months, I crave a salad that is also the whole meal. Salad bowls are the answer and are …

‘GO FARM’ FARMER’S MARKET: Shop for Father’s Day this weekend

It’s Fathers’s Day weekend and many vendors will have specials just for dad! Tracy Stevens, owner of Sunset Succulents, will have a Paint Your Own Pot workshop for you to create your …
Tim Richards

FAITH COMMENTARY: Happy Father’s Day

Best-selling child psychologist and author Dr. James Dobson released his first book, Dare to Discipline, in 1970. It suggests parents must provide children with firm, loving, consistent discipline. …
Special Sections
Dr. David Benalcazar

Honoring the dedication and impact of our physicians

On National Doctors’ Day, March 30, Ozarks Healthcare is proud to celebrate the dedication, compassion and hard work of its team of physicians. From providing exceptional patient care to …

Disaster relief group arrives; CFO opens fund to help

Officials with the Howell County Emergency Operations announced the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team is working in Howell County this week.
These two houses near Highway 17 south of West Plains are among those that show the signs of damage attributed to strong thunderstorm winds by the National Weather Service Storm Survey Team. The winds occurred during a Friday night storm that produced the confirmation of two tornadoes in the area, an EF-1 that touched down near Rover in Oregon County, and an EF-3 that touched down in Gamaliel, Ark., traveled through Bakersfield in Ozark County, and lifted up near South Fork in Howell County.

Storm damage

Friday night storms indirectly lead to stolen truck’s recovery

A series of unlikely coincidences set in motion by Friday night’s storms, which are being called "divine intervention,” led to the recovery of a stolen pickup truck just hours after it went missing.
Timber Craft Creations, owned by Ben Mapes, joins the "Go Farm" Farmers Market this Saturday with his handcrafted woodwork including planter boxes, windmills, wishing wells, stepstools and condiment carries.

‘GO FARM’ FARMERS MARKET: Warm weather brings new vendors every week

As the weather warms up, we have more vendors back and new vendors coming in every week. Ben Mapes, owner of Timber Craft Creations, joins the market this Saturday with his handcrafted woodwork including planter boxes, windmills, wishing wells, stepstools, condiment carries and so much more! Ben can also take special orders for you.  
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