Wednesday, November 12, 2025
POPLAR BLUFF POLICE CHIEF ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
The top law enforcement officer in Poplar Bluff is stepping down.
Poplar Bluff City Manager Robert Knodell has confirmed with KWOC News that Danny Whiteley is retiring as the Poplar Bluff Chief of Police.
Whiteley originally retired from the position in 2022, ending an over two decade tenure as Police Chief. Whitley was rehired for the position in May.
“It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Poplar Bluff in the effort to protect lives and property,” Whiteley said. “This final stint was truly special, having the opportunity to hopefully set the Police Department on a successful course for years to come.”
“Chief Whiteley’s legacy was secure before returning for a second tenure as Chief,” City Manager Robert Knodell said. “Yet he answered the call one more time, got the job done, and laid out a path for even greater success moving forward for our Department. He has our gratitude and best wishes for his next chapter”
Knodell tells us that Captain J.R. Keirsey has been selected to be the next Poplar Bluff Police Chief. He will assume the role on November 17th.
A native of Poplar Bluff, Keirsey attended Poplar Bluff High School, Three Rivers College, and the SEMO Law Enforcement Academy. After joining the Poplar Bluff Police Department in 1998, he steadily rose through the ranks for the Department achieving the rank of Captain before serving as Interim Chief earlier this year.
“Chief Keirsey is extremely well-prepared to assume this critical role,” Knodell said. “Working alongside Chief Whiteley for the past six months, he was instrumental in developing a compensation, recruitment, and retention strategy that will strengthen the Department ranks, and keep our citizens and their property safe.”
Whiteley said, "I have had the privilege of working closely with J.R. since I became Chief in June of 2000. During that time, I have watched him progress from Patrol Officer to Shift Supervisor, to C.I.D., and ultimately to Captain of C.I.D. His leadership, work ethic, and communication skills are a true testament to his success and dedication to the Poplar Bluff Police Department. I wish him, along with all PBPD officers and civilian employees, the very
best of luck. I will continue to keep them in my prayers for their safety during these challenging and dangerous times".
“I am honored to take on this important role and to lead the fine men and women of our Department,” Keirsey said. “I intend to lead with an open door, excellent collaboration with our brother and sister law enforcement agencies, and the relentless pursuit of anyone who threatens the peace of our City.”
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY A VEHICLE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle Monday evening in Northeast Arkansas.
According to Corning Police Chief Blaine McClung, officers from the Corning Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, and Arkansas State Police responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on Highway 62 East near Victory Lake Road.
The pedestrian, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
ONE KILLED, TWO INJURED, IN HARVIELL AREA CRASH
One person was killed and two others injured in a crash Tuesday afternoon in Butler County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a vehicle ran a stop sign at the intersection of US Highway 160 and Highway C and struck another vehicle.
A passenger in the second vehicle, identified as a 65 year old woman, from Patterson, was killed in the crash. Each driver received serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals.
POPLAR BLUFF CHOIR MEMBERS NAMED ALL STATE
Multiple Poplar Bluff Choir singers have earned state recognition.
According to school officials, soprano Gabby Rushing and bass Cayden Innes were both named to the 2025-26 Missouri All-State Choir.
Frances Nelson was named as a 1st alternate for altos.
Rushing and Innes will perform with the All-State Choir on Saturday, January 31 at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach.
FOOD PANTRY SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF
A free food distribution event for families will be held today in Poplar Bluff.
The ABC Food Pantry has been scheduled for 1 to 2:30 pm this afternoon at the Bread Shed on South D Street.
Attendees are asked to bring their own box, bag, or laundry basket to hold your food.
CULVERT REPLACEMENT FORCES CLOSURE OF STODDARD COUNTY ROAD
Route T in Stoddard County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a culvert under the roadway.
The section of roadway being closed is located from County Road 297 to County Road 295 near Puxico.
Work will take place today through 4 p.m.