Local
A 24-year-old Mountain View man is facing a pair of felony charges after police say he shot at an occupied, moving vehicle on State Route 17. Three victims contacted Howell County Sheriff’s Department on October 18 and accused Jayden E. Reese of shooting at their vehicle as he rode in the back...
Five years in the making, Willow Springs is getting a welcome sign directing traffic at the South Junction to the downtown area. Initially proposed during a board of aldermen meeting in 2021, a masonry design was announced at a May 2025 meeting. This design never came to fruition.
“When...
An increase in electric, water, sewer, and sanitation rates is in the near future for residents of West Plains. The city council passed the first reading of the increases during the Monday, Oct. 19 meeting.
City Administrator Sam Anselm explained to council that, "The combined rate...
A West Plains man faces two felony charges after police traced threatening emails to his IP address. Brandon M. Pitti, 34, is accused of sending three threatening emails to the Code Enforcement Officer for the City of West Plains. After receiving the emails, the city employee was, “visibly...
The surviving suspect in a November 2025 burglary that left one man dead and the property owner charged with first-degree murder has begun his prison sentence. Keith W. Geringer, 33, of West Plains reached a plea agreement in Howell County courts on October 8.
Initially charged with second...
Residents of Howell County will have new opportunities to support healthy eating and active living through a University of Missouri Extension initiative designed to improve access to nutritious foods and safe places for physical activity.
The effort is part of the Centers for Disease...
A meeting of the Mountain View Board of Aldermen quickly turned explosive as Mayor Karen Gaddy asked for the agenda to be approved -- an action which split the board's vote on the motion to approve.
Alderwoman Gail (Wallander) Oliver expressed concern that there was no revenue information...
Fall fish frys at Sacred Heart Church are back on Friday, October 23and 30. The Knights of Columbus are serving from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., dine in or carry out. $12 a plate for fish or shrimp, pinto beans, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw & dessert.
Proceeds will assist the Knights in...
Financial recovery continues to be the focus of meetings of the Willow Springs R-4 school board. Board President Roger Shanks presided over the October 12 meeting where budget, enrollment, attendance, and district activities were subject under discussion.
Budget
The district is striving...
Incoming superintendent Matthew Orchard is continuing to track changes to public education handed down from the state school board, heard the board of the West Plains R-VII school district. Orchard’s update indicated the first round of grades in the new A-F grading system for school districts has...