Gage Lee Tinnin, 20, has been charged with two counts of statutory sodomy or attempt and a count of second-degree child molestation after a 10-year-old child told family members of an encounter with him that prompted them to call law enforcement to report child abuse. Tinnin was 19 at the time the alleged assault happened. more

A Christian County man has been arrested and is held on $100,000 bond on felony drug and weapons charges after a traffic stop in West Plains reportedly resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine packaged for distribution. more

The Douglas County Sheriff's Department continues its search for a 13-year-old girl missing since Friday afternoon, and a no-bond warrant has been issued for the child’s mother in connection with the case. more

A Pomona resident who allegedly had a pipe bomb in his car, prompting intervention from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Bomb Squad to assist in defusing it, has had his case bound over to circuit court in Howell County. more

A little over a year after charges were filed in Howell County and his case moved to Butler County on a change of venue, a former West Plains R-7 teacher and coach will have the charges prosecuted by the Missouri Attorney General's Office. more

Editor’s note: The following article describes an investigation into the reported rape of a teen. While care has been taken to report on the allegation with sensitivity to survivors and readers, it may still be disturbing to read. If you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, or if you’re a survivor of the same and in need of support, call Christos House’s hotline, 800-611-5853.
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A West Plains woman has been charged with statutory sodomy or attempt, first-degree child endangerment and incest after allegedly forcing her child, younger than 14, to watch pornography, then touching the child sexually. more

The West Plains Council on the Arts and West Plains Public Library have partnered to bring quarterly art displays to the library, beginning with the initial showing of West Plains R-7 School District students’ work on display through Wednesday, then, on Thursday, introducing the works of their art teachers in a new exhibit. more

George E. Watson, Jr., 43, West Plains, has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action after allegedly striking a woman with a hammer as she was conducting a meeting next door. more

Christopher A. Calicott, 42, and Jodi L. Calicott, 37, both of Clark, Mo., face multiple drug-related charges filed after law enforcement investigations in June in Oregon County and in September in Scott County. more

Editor’s note: The following article describes a case of alleged sexual abuse of children spanning several years. While care has been taken to report on these charges with sensitivity to survivors and readers, it may still be disturbing to read. See something, say something: If you suspect a child is being abused, call the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline, 800-392-378. If you are experience domestic or sexual violence, or if you’re a survivor of the same needing support, call Christos House’s hotline, 800-611-5853. more

A West Plains man has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree assault on a special victim, a Class D felony charge filed after an Oct. 28, 2022, assault on West Plains Police Department School Resource Officer Conner Burnes during an incident that began inside the West Plains High School agriculture building. more

A Pomona resident has been charged with unlawful possession of an illegal weapon after a pipe bomb was found in a vehicle by Howell County Sheriff's deputies on Sunday morning, according to court documents. more

Officials with the Howell County Sheriff's Department report an ongoing investigation into an explosive device reportedly discovered Sunday morning in a vehicle, and the driver is in custody. more

As your new presiding commissioner, I plan to continue the regular column of news and happenings in Howell County. more

Christopher Greenough, 34, County Road 6300, charged with second-degree murder after allegedly causing injuries resulting in the death of his father, has had his case bound over to circuit court. He is held in Howell County Jail on $500,000 bond and scheduled for arraignment today before 37th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Steven Privette. Court records show a grand jury indictment was filed in the case on Feb. 8. more

The search for a new Glenwood School superintendent has ended less than two weeks after it began with the hire of Lucas Brown, who has tendered his resignation as West Plains High School Principal. more

A second suspect has been charged in connection with the alleged forgery of U.S. Treasury checks in November and subsequent attempt to cash them at Wood & Huston Bank in West Plains. more

Dylan J. Hanger, 31, Mtn. View, was sentenced Tuesday to 21 years and 10 days in federal prison without parole for murdering his estranged wife Brittany Gorman, 29, also of Mtn. View. more

A West Plains man is charged with six felony counts of forgery and seven other felonies related to a spate of allegedly fraudulent checks that he reportedly wrote over the course of several months in 2022. more