Howell County News

09/20/2025

Howell County News recognized for investigative work, sports, opinions

Owners Ron and Amanda Mendez traveled to Wildwood, Mo. to accept the awards on September 13 at the conclusion of the organization’s annual convention.

Click the link below for all the details.
https://howellcountynews.com/local/howell-county-news-recognized-investigative-work-sports-opinions
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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.

09/19/2025

OPINION: Brendon Wilson: Seek solutions, not a scapegoat

"I am writing this letter because there are many “loud voices” in our community who are blaring inaccuracies about our local school district. I am a community member, a local tax payer, a parent who will soon have two school aged children, and the spouse of an educator and I am concerned about those inaccuracies people are taking as fact."

Find a link to the rest of Wilson's letter in the comments, along with links to the three other opinion letters we received this week on WS R-IV schools.

09/19/2025

Fire and police chief requests shut down at meeting

On Tuesday, Sept. 9 Fire Chief Jason Taber was on the agenda to discuss vehicle and emergency after-hours calls.

To find out more about the meeting click the link in the comments.

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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.

A recent work session meeting prompted a discussion between the board of aldermen and the fire chief.

09/18/2025

Speaking Personally: Five must go

It is my unpleasant duty to say that good intentions are not good enough.

You can read the editorial review by clicking below.
https://howellcountynews.com/columns/speaking-personally-five-must-go
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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.

09/17/2025

UPDATE: 12:30 p.m. HCN staff on the scene report that law enforcement have cleared the area and a subject is in custody.

The public is requested to stay clear of Walnut and East Main.

09/17/2025

Supt: district won’t have to borrow to pay bills

Budget amendments are coming, and data will continue to change month to month, but according to Spence, the financial trajectory is, “encouraging.”

Click below to read more on school issues.
https://howellcountynews.com/artseducation/supt-district-won%E2%80%99t-have-borrow-pay-bills
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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.

09/17/2025

It's paper day!

Here's what you'll find in this week's edition!

-From War to Words: a look back at Howell County during the American Civil War by columnist Lou Wehmer 🇺🇸

-Meet the couple who will re-open the license office in Willow Springs! 🚗 🚘

-Coverage of the Sept. 8 Willow Springs School Board meeting

-Four (4!) Letters to the Editor about recent coverage of the R4 school district

-PUBLISHER'S COLUMNN: Publisher Amanda Mendez gives her opinion on the R4 budget crisis

-Plus high school sports from around the county! 🦅⚡️🐻

09/17/2025

PHOTOS: Bears celebrate 100 Years of Football

Dozens of football players came home to Willow Springs where players where recognized by decade ahead of this fall's Bears' shutout victory over the Cabool Bulldogs.

Click here for more photos of the event.
https://howellcountynews.com/local/bears-celebrate-100-years-football
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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.

Find a link to our FREE PHOTO GALLERY in the comments. Courtesy of the Willow Bears Football Booster Club.

09/14/2025

Air Evac celebrates 40 years

From humble beginnings operating from a “closet” at the local hospital in West Plains, Air Evac now has 174 bases coast to coast.

Click below for the full article.

https://howellcountynews.com/local/air-evac-celebrates-40-years

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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.

09/13/2025

Downtown business owners ask to ban ground-floor residences

The retailers downtown still in business were insistent that they must have support for their downtown business community.

Click the link in the comments to see what business owners had to say.

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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.

09/12/2025

Kickoff to 100 Years of Bear Football—Part 2

In 1963, a changing tide, or, maybe, a small hurricane rolled in with the arrival of tough-as-nails Joel Case. Coach Case, another Mizzou football letterman, had a swagger that he imparted to the team.

Clink the link below for the full article.
https://howellcountynews.com/history/kickoff-100-years-bear-football%E2%80%94part-2

Click here for Part 1
https://howellcountynews.com/history/kickoff-100-years-bear-football

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This and many other stories on howellcountynews.com are behind a paywall. Everyone gets two free stories at week on the website before the paywall hits. If you like our work, we invite you to support independent, locally owned journalism in your community. A year of unlimited online access is only $40.