Wednesday, April 5, 2023
USE TAX ISSUE DEFEATED IN POPLAR BLUFF
An attempt at getting a use tax enacted in the city of Poplar Bluff has failed.
The proposition was defeated in Tuesday’s election by a 608-423 vote. Use tax questions were also rejected in Portageville and Steele. Morehouse residents approved a local use tax 55-44.
A Sales Tax increase of one percent was approved in Williamsville, 53-10.
In Fisk, a water works bond issue was passed by voters 47-7.
New Madrid County elected to continue a sales tax for funding improvements to transportation infrastructure by a vote of 1,045-315.
MULTIPLE HOMES DAMAGED BY TORNADO IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Reports of damage are coming in following an overnight tornado in Southeast Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a damaging tornado was confirmed near Glenallen at around 3:45 am this morning.
Law enforcement in Bollinger County reported that multiple homes were damaged in the area. We have also had reports of businesses damaged in the area.
Tornado warnings were also issued early this morning for Ripley and Butler Counties due to strong storms that were capable of producing a tornado.
Ozark Border is reporting that numerous customers were without power this morning in Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne counties.
Weather officials say that chances of severe thunderstorms will continue today. In Southeast Missouri, the highest threat will be during the morning hours.
Officials say that damaging winds are the greatest threat for today, however large hail and a few tornadoes are also possible.
SMITH RETAINS SEAT ON POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL
In the only contested race for Poplar Bluff City Council seat, incumbent Robert Smith defeated challenger Spencer Jones 108-55 to represent Ward 5.
In Neelyville, Rhonda Burson was victorious over John Knowles 62-16 in the Mayor’s race.
Brayden Sentell will serve as the Qulin Ward 1Alderman after beating Charles Galbratih by one vote, 12-11.
In Doniphan, Denver Jackson won the race for Doniphan Ward 1 Alderman, 57-24.
Van Buren voters selected John Bailiff and Dennis Dees to serve as at-large Aldermen.
THREE ELECTED TO POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL BOARD
Residents in the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District have chosen who they want to represent them on the Board of Education.
Unofficial results from Tuesday’s General Municipal Election saw Mike Price, Dave Elledge, and Larry Kimbrow as the top three vote getters for the Poplar Bluff School Board.
For the Twin Rivers R-10 School Board, voters chose Brandon Vancil, Kade McBroom, and Bobby King.
Neelville R-4 voters selected Berley Wayne Willcut, Robert Burgett, and Harley Petty. Petty was only 3 votes ahead of the fourth place finisher Amanda Wolfram, and only 10 votes ahead of the fifth place finisher Chuck Reinbott.
The top three vote getters for the Doniphan R-1 School Board were Kamron Hunt, Taylor Schlief, and Steven Austin.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI COMMUNITIES DECIDE ON MARIJUANA SALES TAX
Numerous communities across Southeast Missouri asked their residents Tuesday if they should add a sales tax to marijuana sales.
The measures were passed in Butler, Ripley, Pemiscot, Stoddard, and Wayne Counties.
The cities of Caruthersville, Dexter, Doniphan, Hayti, Malden, Matthews, and Portageville also passed similar measures.
The Bernie R-13 School District Proposition K.I.D.S. passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 235-28.
Morehouse residents approved the appointment of a Collector and Chief of Police. Citizens in Portageville also voted in favor of appointing a city collector.
CITY OF WILLIAMSVILLE TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING THIS WEEK
A Wayne County community will be holding a public hearing this week to discuss a possible grant application.
The City of Williamsville will be holding a public hearing at 1:30 pm on April 5th at Williamsville City Hall regarding the submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Community Facilities grant program for funding assistance.
The city is requesting funds to purchase a new Kubota tractor. The total estimated cost of the project is $62,172 and the USDA Community Facilities Grant Program will fund a maximum of 75 percent of the grant amount requested.
Anyone with questions, or who would like more information, is asked to contact Mayor Sandy Joy at 573-998-2449.
PAVEMENT REPAIRS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
U.S. Route 61 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
The section of roadway is located from West Bloomfield Road to Interstate 55 near New Madrid.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Friday.