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🌱 See how new grants will change three West Plains area schools

West Plains, Missouri Patch AM: a 4 min read

Good day West Plains! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • See how new grants will change three West Plains area schools
  • How donated gear is boosting West Plains-area fire departments’ safety and budgets
  • West Plains community remembers businesswoman Mona Katheryn Basinger

Also on today's calendar: Muddy Creek & Co and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Periods of sun; less humid, with a high of 86 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 85, low: 68.
  • Sunday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 78 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Three local schools receive $14,798 in rural education grants (westplainsdailyquill.net) — Three West Plains area school districts just received nearly $14,800 in rural education grants to boost student support, teacher training, and school media programs. Richards will open a student resource center, Howell Valley will train staff on executive functioning strategies, and Fairview will upgrade its news and broadcasting equipment, with support tied to the Community Foundation of West Plains network.
   

• Fire gear donation is helping several departments in southwest Missouri (ky3.com) — Fire departments in and around West Plains are stretching their budgets thanks to a large donation of used firefighting gear passed along from Illinois. Howell County Rural Fire District shared extra boots, turnout gear, tools, and more with nearby volunteer departments like Lanton, helping them better equip firefighters and extend the life of their protective equipment for years to come.
   

• Mona Katheryn Basinger (ozarkradionews.com) — West Plains is mourning Mona Katheryn Basinger, a longtime businesswoman whose final venture, Eastside Package, reflected her work ethic and generosity. Remembered for her devotion to family and love of her chihuahuas, she leaves behind her husband, children, siblings in West Plains and Fairgrove, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy.
   

📸 Around West Plains

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in West Plains

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 West Plains Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making West Plains PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 🔥 Safety first, flavor second.
    A few simple habits make a huge difference: • Keep a 10-foot safety zone around your grill — kids, pets, and anything flammable stay clear. •… (Nextdoor )
  • Leonardo DRS, Inc. posted a job opening for Uncertified Welder - EG in West Plains. Apply here.
  • NHC HealthCare Columbia posted a job opening for Housekeeper / Laundry Assistant Housekeeping-Laundry West PlainsNHC HealthCare West Plains211 Davis DrWest Plains, MO 65775, USA +0 more Jun 5, 2026 Full Time in West Plains. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Plains here.

🗞 Nearby News

Willow Springs

Birch Tree

Mountain Grove

Ok West Plains! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Yammies! (Thank you Lynda S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in West Plains

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in West Plains

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.