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45-397: West Plains is a city in and the county seat of Howell County , Missouri , United States. The population was 12,184 at the 2020 census. The history of West Plains can be traced back to 1832, when settler Josiah Howell (after whom Howell County is named) created the first settlement in the region known as Howell Valley. West Plains was so named because the settlement was on a prairie in

90-484: A BNSF Railway line from Springfield, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee. The West Plains Transit System provides residents with a deviated fixed route transit service. Three buses are operated from 7:45am to 3:45pm Monday through Friday. West Plains is also served by the West Plains Regional Airport , which is located in nearby Pomona , about 10 miles north of the city on U.S. 63. West Plains

135-503: A left onto Concord Road, and a right onto Independence Dr, which becomes Joe Jones Boulevard, after which the route exits city limits and carries traffic on a two-lane route toward Alton . In addition to U.S. Routes 63 and 160, West Plains is also served by Routes 14 and 17 and Routes K, CC, JJ, PP, ZZ, AB, and BB. Many traffic lights in the city were recently upgraded to have flashing-yellow arrow signals for left-turning intersections. One railroad, dated to 1882, passes through town on

180-432: A margin of error of +/- $ 7,901) and the median family income was $ 43,601 (+/- $ 6,275). Males had a median income of $ 32,201 (+/- $ 2,747) versus $ 20,800 (+/- $ 6,027) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 26,497 (+/- $ 4,712). Approximately, 23.9% of families and 32.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 47.5% of those under the age of 18 and 16.9% of those ages 65 or over. As of

225-511: A mass grave at Oak Lawn Cemetery in the southeast part of town. They are memorialized by the Rock of Ages monument, erected on October 6, 1929. The explosion has also been remembered in a folk song recorded 30 years later. The cause of the explosion is still a topic of controversy nearly a century after the blast. Numerous causes for the explosion have been offered, but a definitive story has never been proven to be true. The most widely accepted theory

270-438: A truck containing dynamite parked in the garage may have been the cause, indirectly part of a crime in which someone shot Wiser and set a fire to cover up the crime, and the dynamite exploded. The event is fictionalized in the short novel The Maid's Version by Daniel Woodrell , which is about a similar dance hall explosion in the fictional town of West Table. In 1936, West Plains gained its own Minor League Baseball team named

315-713: A village – see list of villages in Missouri ). It may incorporate as a 3rd Class city if the population is between 3,000 and 29,999. There is more flexibility in government for 3rd Class cities than 4th Class. Cities under constitutional charters may operate under any form of municipal government if it is enacted in the city's charter. Population data based on 2023 estimates.  †  County seat  ††  State capital and county seat A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Daniel Woodrell Woodrell

360-484: A westerly direction from the nearest town, Thomasville . The Courthouse Square Historic District , Elledge Arcade Buildings , International Shoe Company Building , Mount Zion Lodge Masonic Temple , W. J. and Ed Smith Building , and West Plains Bank Building are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The location of West Plains led to nearly constant conflict due to the proximity to what

405-425: Is also a Charter City and Charter Cities are by constitution not legislation and are still allowed to this day). The level at which they incorporate is determined by their population when they incorporate. They do not change if they gain or lose in population, unless a vote is held by the people. A municipality incorporates as a 4th Class city if the population is between 500 and 2,999 (under 500, it may incorporate as

450-536: Is approximately ten miles from West Plains. Windows were shattered throughout the block, and cars were also warped on the street. The explosion also damaged the nearby Howell County Courthouse so badly that it was vacated and left until late 1933, when it was demolished by the Civil Works Administration . Thirty-seven people were killed in the explosion, and 22 people were injured. Twenty of those killed were never positively identified, but buried in

495-496: Is primarily focused on its Associate of Arts degree program. The college has ca.1,800 students enrolled in part-time or full-time studies. West Plains has a lending library, the West Plains Public Library. The West Plains area is served by U.S. Route 63 , which runs along the western and southern edges of the city. U.S. 63 is a four-lane expressway from the 60 /63 interchange near Cabool to Route ZZ in

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540-1100: Is served by several media outlets. In addition to receiving most television stations coming from Springfield, one low-power television station emanates from West Plains, as do eight radio stations. The city also has one daily newspaper, the West Plains Daily Quill . West Plains is served by several radio stations. The Ozark Radio Network, which is owned by Robert Neathery's granddaughter and her husband, covers Dent, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, Texas, and Wright counties as well as adjacent sections of Christian, Taney, and Webster counties in Missouri and Baxter, Fulton, Izard, Marion, Searcy, Sharp, and Stone counties as well as adjacent sections of Boone, Independence, Lawrence, and Randolph counties in Arkansas . The network comprises Also located in West Plains are: KHOM and KBMV are stations in

585-444: Is that the explosion somehow originated from leaking gasoline in a garage owned by J. W. Wiser, which happened to be on the floor below. Because Wiser was at the garage at the time, some have speculated that the blast was intentionally caused by Wiser as a suicide attempt, which his wife reportedly refused to acknowledge. In addition, the late West Plains native Robert Neathery explained in his 1994 book, West Plains As I Knew It , that

630-806: The Sundance Film Festival , including the Grand Jury Prize for a dramatic film. Several critics called it one of the best films of the year and an American classic, and it received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture . Tomato Red (1998) was adapted for a 2017 feature film by Irish writer and director Juanita Wilson . This was released in Ireland in March 2017 and went on to be nominated for four awards at that year's Irish Film & Television Awards , including Best Film. Its US debut took place on April 23, 2017 at

675-582: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 13.33 square miles (34.52 km), of which 13.31 square miles (34.47 km) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km) is water. West Plains is characterized by four distinct seasons and is located near the northern border of a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ), as defined by the Köppen climate classification system; as such, West Plains tends to be exceptionally humid in

720-690: The West Plains Badgers within the Northeast Arkansas League . They would move the same year to Caruthersville, Missouri where they became the Caruthersville Pilots . In 1940, they would move to Batesville, Arkansas , where they were known as the Batesville Pilots . The team disbanded in 1941. In 1954, following Brown v. Board of Education , city leaders voted unanimously to desegregate

765-732: The E-Communications network, based in Thayer, Missouri . List of cities in Missouri Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern United States . In Missouri, cities are classified into three types: 3rd Class, 4th Class, and those under constitutional charters. A few older cities are incorporated under legislative charters (Carrollton, Chillicothe, LaGrange, Liberty, Miami, Missouri City, and Pleasant Hill) which are no longer allowed. (Carthage

810-644: The Ozarks and is married to the novelist Katie Estill . Woodrell has set most of his novels in the Missouri Ozarks, a landscape he knew from childhood. He has created novels based on crime, a style he termed "country noir", a phrase adopted by commentators on his work. However, William Boyle , an avowed fan and fellow author of literary crime fiction, put Woodrell's work in broader context: "this Woodrell guy’s got double of everything. Language, plot, dialogue, sense of place, energy, tension...He’s interested in

855-500: The area. An overwhelming majority of Howell County residents chose to flee, and over 90% of the population had fled by the time the war was over. Many, however, also chose to fight for the Confederacy, as McBride promised to protect his soldiers' property and loved ones. Men who spoke out against the Confederacy were arrested, as martial law had been declared by McBride. South Carolina native, and West Plains resident, William Monks,

900-403: The average family size was 2.87. In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.0 males. The median income for a household in the city

945-550: The census of 2010, there were 11,986 people, 5,001 households, and 3,012 families residing in the city. The population density was 900.5 inhabitants per square mile (347.7/km). There were 5,509 housing units at an average density of 413.9 per square mile (159.8/km). The racial makeup of the city was 95.04% White , 0.85% Black or African American , 0.63% Native American , 0.85% Asian , 0.05% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander , 0.76% from other races , and 1.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.21% of

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990-484: The city near McFarland Street, which allows drivers to exit onto Business Route 63. Business Route 63 consists of Porter Wagoner Boulevard, a majority of Main Street, and Bill Virdon Boulevard before it ends at an intersection with the eastern end of Jan Howard Expressway. There are four traffic lights along Business Route 63. West Plains is also served by U.S. Route 160 , which formerly ran southwest to northeast through

1035-423: The city. The population density was 879.0 inhabitants per square mile (339.4/km). There were 5,072 housing units at an average density of 410.3 per square mile (158.4/km). The racial makeup of the city was 95.72% White , 0.73% African American , 0.96% Native American , 0.71% Asian , 0.06% Pacific Islander , 0.52% from other races , and 1.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.65% of

1080-572: The city; it has since been rerouted around the city concurrent with U.S. 63. It enters city limits near the Southern Hills business district, where it is named Preacher Roe Boulevard to its intersection with Main Street. Preacher Roe Boulevard, named after longtime West Plains resident and former baseball player Preacher Roe , has four lanes to its intersection with U.S. 63. The route follows U.S. 63 to Gibson Avenue, where it turns right crossing Porter Wagoner Boulevard and becoming Missouri Avenue,

1125-587: The evening of April 2, 1982 , a long-track F4 tornado struck the West Plains area, beginning in Ozark County and ending near what was the airport at the time. Many homes and businesses were significantly damaged or leveled by the tornado, which killed three and injured at least 28 as it hit the West Plains Country Club and nearby homes, as well as businesses located on U.S. Route 63 . The downtown area of West Plains, namely Court Square,

1170-441: The extreme southeastern part of West Plains, then becomes a 2+1 road going southeast. Route 63's path through the city is often colloquially referred to as "the bypass", and is officially known as Jan Howard Expressway between Porter Wagoner Boulevard and Bill Virdon Boulevard. There are nine traffic lights along U.S. 63, with the newest one being at 5th street, near the hospital, which was added in 2022. One exit exists on U.S. 63 in

1215-456: The late summer. On average, there are 44.6 days with highs over 90 °F (32 °C), 3.3 with highs over 100 °F (38 °C), 11.8 days where the temperature does not rise above freezing, and 1.3 with lows below 0 °F (−18 °C). The West Plains Micropolitan Statistical Area consists of Howell County. The 2020 United States census counted 12,184 people, 4,811 households, and 2,577 families in West Plains. The population density

1260-495: The mayor, who presides over each meeting. Council members are elected by the city to four-year terms with no term limits. The current mayor of West Plains is Michael "Mike" Topliff, who was previously the mayor pro-tem. Topliff took the place of Jack Pahlmann, who retired alongside former City Administrator Tom Stehn in 2021. Current city council members are Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Nease, Councilmember Greg Collins, Councilmember Johnny Murrell and Councilmember John Niesen. Sam Anselm

1305-412: The population was under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 86.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 90.8 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 37,154 (with

1350-407: The population. There were 4,518 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and

1395-438: The population. There were 5,001 households, of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.8% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

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1440-534: The present-day Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation meant that some people initially lost whatever wealth was deposited. On April 13, 1928, for reasons still unknown, a violent explosion occurred in downtown West Plains. About 60 people had gathered in the Bond Dance Hall, which was on the second floor of a building on East Main Street. The explosion was reported to be felt for miles, even in Pomona , which

1485-424: The rural schools merge into West Plains High School. Private education is also provided in the West Plains area, primarily by religious institutions. Private schools in the West Plains area include the following: There is one higher education institution located in West Plains. Missouri State University–West Plains is a community college spread across the center of town. The school has multiple degree programs but

1530-532: The school system. The Lincoln School, a one-room school for African-Americans closed down, and its students were transferred elsewhere. The building itself was given to the city. A local couple, Crockett and Tonya Oaks III, bought the building in 2023 and restored it, partnering with the Missouri Historical Society and Missouri History Museum and commissioning art from local artist Heather Legler and Nigerian muralist Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo. On

1575-559: The whole of humanity through the lens of his place." In addition to finding readers for his fiction, Woodrell has had three novels adapted for films. Woodrell's second novel, Woe to Live On (1987), was adapted for the 1999 film Ride with the Devil , directed by Ang Lee . Winter's Bone (2006) was adapted by writer and director Debra Granik for a film of the same title , and released commercially in June 2010 after winning two awards at

1620-458: Was $ 24,122, and the median income for a family was $ 30,369. Males had a median income of $ 24,705 versus $ 17,312 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 15,019. About 15.1% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.2% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over. West Plains municipal government is based on the home rule charter system. The city council consists of four council members and

1665-402: Was 1.2% (143) of the population. Of the 4,811 households, 25.1% had children under the age of 18; 36.4% were married couples living together; 31.5% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 41.2% consisted of individuals and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.4. 24.9% of

1710-437: Was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.93. The median age in the city was 36.7 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 18.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.8% male and 54.2% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 10,866 people, 4,518 households, and 2,909 families residing in

1755-435: Was 916.1 inhabitants per square mile (353.7/km). There were 5,566 housing units at an average density of 418.5 per square mile (161.6/km). The racial makeup was 89.94% (10,958) white , 1.08% (131) black or African-American , 0.97% (118) Native American or Alaska Native , 0.95% (116) Asian , 0.06% (7) Pacific Islander , 1.06% (129) from other races , and 5.95% (725) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race

1800-631: Was a scout for the "North" (Union army) and recounted his tales of the Civil War in his 1907 book "A History of Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas." In that memoir, Monks recounts many depredations that occurred during the war and how the Confederates referred to those faithful to the Union as "lopeared Dutch" (many Missourians who were "Union men" were German). In 1903, African Americans were driven out of West Plains under threat of violence. As

1845-485: Was appointed in 2021 to serve as the city administrator and runs the day-to-day operations of the city, which consists of over 200 employees. Public schools are provided by the West Plains R-7 School District , providing education to more than 2,000 students. In addition, some parts of the immediate area surrounding West Plains are covered by rural schools. After eighth grade, students from

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1890-703: Was born in Springfield, Missouri , in the southwestern corner of the state. He grew up in Missouri and dropped out of high school to join the Marines . Later he earned a BA from the University of Kansas and an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop . The University of Missouri Kansas City awarded an honorary doctorate to Daniel Woodrell on December 17, 2016. He lives in West Plains, Missouri , in

1935-415: Was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 17, 2003. The Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) Act also opened up funding for renovations and improvements for certain downtown buildings. West Plains is located at 36°44′14″N 91°51′54″W  /  36.73722°N 91.86500°W  / 36.73722; -91.86500 (36.737355, −91.864991). According to

1980-543: Was the case with many other locations, the Great Depression hit West Plains in the 1930s. Citizens had little knowledge of what was going on with the national scene, except for what Neathery says in his book, "every place was a boom town, [but] in some places things were going bust as well." The first bank to fail in West Plains was the Farmers Savings Bank in West Plains circa 1926, and the lack of

2025-570: Was then the border between the Union and Confederacy . West Plains was largely burned to the ground, and Howell County as a whole was devastated. No major battles occurred in West Plains or Howell County, but much of the devastation came from constant guerrilla warfare. Confederate Brigadier General James Haggin McBride gave residents an ultimatum to either join the Confederate army or to flee

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