POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL APPROVES EIGHT PERCENT RAISE FOR POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES

The Poplar Bluff City Council has approved a raise for employees of the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

The Council voted 4-3 Monday night to increase salaries at the Police Department by eight percent as a part of a larger budget amendment.

During the meeting, interim Poplar Bluff City Manager Lori Phelps elaborated that the pay increase will cause a reduction in funds to other departments in the city including an over 23 percent cut to the general funds if another funding source is not found.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR TODAY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

An excessive heat warning will be in effect today for much of Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, the heat warning will begin today at 11 am, and continue through 7 pm.

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index readings of around 110 degrees are expected, with locally higher readings of up to 116 degrees possible.

HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING

Heat index values could reach over 100 degrees today and tomorrow in Southeast Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a heat advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening at 7 pm.

Officials say that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat index values to reach up to 110 degrees on Tuesday.

If you have to be outside for work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 POPLAR BLUFF SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS

The inductees have been announced for the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Hall of Fame President Brian Rosener tells KWOC News that Tyler Hillis, Ken Marler, Maurice Moss, Stacey Nolen and Harvey Reynolds will be honored at the 38th Induction Banquet on Thursday, September 17.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SUSPECTED LOOTING IN REYNOLDS COUNTY

As Reynolds County continues to recover from the historic flooding it received, authorities are investigating a suspected looting incident. 

According to the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office, authorities are trying to identify the owner of a vehicle that is wanted in connection with a looting incident that occurred Tuesday evening at River’s Edge Campground in Lesterville.

MISSOURI SEMA TO HOST APPLICANT BRIEFINGS TODAY IN DONIPHAN IN CONNECTION TO FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION

State officials will be in Southeast Missouri today to conduct briefings in connection with the recent federal disaster declaration.

Following the federal disaster declaration for multiple severe weather systems that impacted Missouri from April 23rd to April 28th, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency will conduct applicant briefings for local governments and nonprofit agencies applying for Public Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Ripley County was one of the 10 counties included in the declaration.

IDENTITY RELEASED OF POPLAR BLUFF SHOOTING VICTIM, TWO MEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that an area man has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting Sunday evening in Poplar Bluff.

According to Poplar Bluff Police Chief J.R. Keirsey, a man and a woman were walking across the Pine Street bridge over Black River shortly before 6 pm Sunday, when they noticed two individuals following them in a black pickup truck.

As the couple continued across the bridge, one of the suspects allegedly ran up behind them and fatally shot the man before fleeing on foot. The pickup truck then left the area in the same direction.