City of West Plains

10/06/2026

Monday, October 12, is the last day to enjoy the Splash Pad at Butler Children's Park until next spring.

‼️ Attention ‼️

Unfortunately it is getting to that time of the year! The Butler Children's Park Splash Pad will officially be shut down on Tuesday, October 13th. The last day for the Splash Pad to be enjoyed will be this coming Monday, October 12th! Thank you to everyone for helping keep the area clean and safe for the children to enjoy! We can't wait to open it up again next year!

10/05/2026

CITY OFFICES CLOSED MONDAY 10/12

West Plains City Hall and other city buildings will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day.

SANITATION SCHEDULE

Sanitation crews will not run trash routes Monday. Both Monday and Tuesday routes will be collected Tuesday, October 13.

City offices will reopen for regular business Tuesday.

Please plan accordingly, and we appreciate your understanding.

10/01/2026

THE HUNT IS ON!

We’re expecting plenty of people downtown this weekend for Dolly & Porter Days, so we thought, why not bring our Good Neighbor Week Scavenger Hunt downtown, too?

But there’s a twist.

Finding our five hidden QR codes will also take you on a little tour through West Plains history!

Each QR code you find and scan earns you one entry into the drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the Explore West Plains store at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center. Find all five and you’ll have five chances to win.

Ready to hunt? Here are your clues:

CLUE #1 — WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Before streets, storefronts and a city called West Plains, there was a spring surrounded by prairie. In October 1839, Josiah Howell chose this spot to settle. Find the place where our story began.

CLUE #2 — AN UNSOLVED MYSTERY
On April 13, 1928, disaster struck this downtown location. Nearly a century later, exactly what happened that night remains a mystery. Find the site of one of the darkest days in West Plains history.

CLUE #3 — BEFORE THE GRAND OLE OPRY
Long before the rhinestone suits and country music fame, a young Porter Wagoner could be found on this downtown corner, guitar in hand, singing for anyone who would listen. Find the corner where a legend got his start.

CLUE #4 — ALL ABOARD
Built in 1893 during an era of prosperity brought by the railroad, this downtown building was made for both business and entertainment. Shoppers visited the retail store downstairs while audiences gathered in the theater above. Find this survivor of West Plains’ railroad boom.

CLUE #5 — YOUR PROTECTOR AWAITS
Downtown West Plains is known for a distinctive architectural feature: its arcades. Hidden within one of them, you’ll find someone standing watch. Find “The Protector,” and you’ll find your final QR code.

Grab some friends, explore downtown, learn a little West Plains history and say hello to a neighbor or two along the way.

Good luck, West Plains!

09/29/2026

It’s Missouri Good Neighbor Week, and we're giving West Plains residents a chance to get out, be neighborly, and possibly win a prize!

Signed into law in 2022, Missouri Good Neighbor Week runs through Sunday, October 4, and encourages residents to participate in activities that build connections with their neighbors and strengthen their communities.

We’re hiding five QR codes throughout downtown West Plains. Find a code, scan it and fill out the short form to be entered into the drawing.

Each QR code = one entry.
Find all five = five chances to win!

One winner will be selected at random to receive a $50 gift certificate to the Explore West Plains store at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center.

With a busy weekend ahead in downtown West Plains, it’s a great excuse to get out, explore downtown and spend a little time with your neighbors.

And don’t worry, we won’t leave you completely on your own. Hints to the QR code locations will be posted later this week!

Happy Good Neighbor Week, West Plains!

09/25/2026

Homecoming Parade Traffic Reminder

The annual West Plains Schools Homecoming Parade is happening this afternoon in downtown West Plains!

The parade begins at 1 p.m. and will travel along Main Street from Missouri Avenue to the West Plains Civic Center.

Drivers should expect increased traffic and congestion in and around downtown before, during and immediately following the parade. There will also be more pedestrians than usual, including children and students participating in and watching the parade.

Please slow down, stay alert and allow yourself a little extra time if you're traveling through the area.

Let’s help make Homecoming 2026 a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone!

Go Zizzers!

09/21/2026

Mayor Mike Topliff recently joined members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) to sign proclamations recognizing Constitution Week in West Plains.

Constitution Week, observed Sept. 17-23, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution and recognizes the importance of this foundational document in our nation’s history.

Thank you to our local DAR and SAR members for helping mark the occasion!

09/17/2026

It’s shaping up to be a busy weekend in West Plains!

There are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the community over the next few days:

TONIGHT | Sounds Downtown
Enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring Molly Healey from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Back Lot in downtown West Plains.

FRIDAY | Rock to Freedom
Veteran Directed Care and Ozark Independent Living will host “Rock to Freedom” at the West Plains Civic Center beginning at 5:30 p.m., featuring Southern Edge and Prowler.

SATURDAY | Southern Missouri Card Show
The Southern Missouri Card Show comes to the West Plains Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SEPT. 17-20 | Animal Farm
West Plains Playhouse presents Animal Farm at the West Plains Civic Center Theater. Performances are at 7 p.m. Sept. 17, 18 and 19, with a 3 p.m. performance Sept. 20.

Live music, theater, collectibles and more. There’s a lot happening in West Plains this weekend. Get out, have some fun and support our community!

09/17/2026

Road Closure Notice

Woods Street will be closed on Friday, September 18, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for paving.

The Street Department will be repairing a utility cut during this time. The closure will affect Woods Street, from Grace Avenue to Amyx Street.

The roadway is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m..

09/14/2026

We’re excited to see the new play equipment taking shape at Butler Children’s Park, but it’s not ready for use just yet.

The equipment is still being installed and the surrounding area remains an active work zone. Temporary fencing and barriers are in place for everyone’s safety.

Please do not enter the fenced area or use the equipment until installation is complete and the area is officially reopened.

We know it’s tempting, especially for our younger park visitors, but please help us keep everyone safe and give crews the space they need to finish the job.

We’ll let you know as soon as it’s ready for play. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!