A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the grand opening of Tuk’s Playground, a dog park maintained by the West Plains Parks & Recreation Department. The playground, located at Gene Jones Park, 601 Aid Ave., features a fenced-in area for dogs to romp and play, as well as structures for training activities. Dogs taking advantage of the park must be vaccinated and registered with the city. It is named for K9 Officer Tuk, who worked for the West Plains Police Department for almost eight years alongside handler Justin Brown, now a deputy with the Howell County Sheriff’s Department. Tuk retired in April 2019 due to a degenerative disease. He died, six months later, on Nov. 15, 2019, and four days later, the West Plains City Council approved a budget amendment allowing for money to be set aside to create a park in the dog’s honor. Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony, front row, from left: West Plains Police Officer Brent McKemie with K9 Officer Tito, Brown, West Plains Police Lt. Brian Bunch, West Plains Park Board member and Gene Jones' grandson Bruce Vincent, Jones' granddaughter Becky Wade, West Plains Parks Director Mike Davis, West Plains Chamber ambassadors Carol Silvey and Matt Owens, and West Plains Police Officer Wesley Stuart with K9 officer Loki.
