WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2025
TWIN RIVERS WINS 50K KI CLASSROOM FURNITURE GIVEAWAY IN HONOR OF HOLLY JOHNSON
The Twin Rivers community has something big to celebrate. After ten days of determined voting and grassroots campaigning, Twin Rivers has officially won the $50,000 KI Classroom Furniture Giveaway.
Twin Rivers Principal Mike Berry shared how the school became part of the contest, and the significance in honoring and extending the legacy of Holly Johnson.
Mike Berry
“Holly and I looked at doing some stuff for the library. A couple of years ago before she was sick, and we had talked about some plans and I wanted her vision for what she wanted it to look like. And we discussed quite a bit, but we just never got around to because her health declined. And so, we had already planned it some of this. When she passed away, that Friday, we were supposed to be throwing her retirement party. That was something that our staff had planned to surprise her and we were trying to get her there. And then we ended up all attending her visitation that night instead. So that was a big difference. But a few weeks later, her mother-in-law, Pat Johnson, reached out to me. She had hey Mike, I just wanted you to know that I really like to, donate some books in Holly's honor. And I said, I love it, Pat. I said, but I've been thinking about something bigger. I want to do something more. And I'd already been playing an as silent auction. Like that was something I'd already been spending Mondays going out to businesses, trying to round up some things. And so, but when she said that, it really sparked the, okay we're moving. Holly was somebody who went all out. And I think you realize that. When she's not here, I mean, her absence is truly noticeable around campus, and so, I mean, she did everything. The things that, you know, people have had to step up and do that Holly helped out with around here. She truly loved and cared for the school and. So doing this, like, I felt like we're going to do it right. I feel like it's not going to be a like a pitiful attempt. I think it's going to be a showcase of this campus. And I think that, for me, I just I wanted to make sure I did something really good, to honor her memory and her legacy. It's going to be phenomenal. I just can't believe it's going to happen so quickly. You know, I just thought it was going to be a lot longer journey.”
With the help of students, staff, families, and friends, the Twin Rivers School District was able to accrue over 43,000 votes, to secure the major upgrade for the Twin Rivers Library.
CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK TO REMIND MOTORISTS TO BUCKLE UP
With many families hitting the road next week to celebrate Thanksgiving, law enforcement officials are reminding motorists to make sure your seat belt is fastened.
According to the Arkansas State Police, law enforcement across the state will be conducting a high-visibility Click It or Ticket seat belt awareness campaign from next Monday through Sunday.
Officials say that officers will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations both day and night to save lives.
NATIONAL CRASH RESPONDER SAFETY WEEK IS THIS WEEK
Motorists are being urged to slow down and move over as a part of National Crash Responder Safety Week this week.
On a daily basis, emergency responders put their lives on the line along Missouri’s highways responding to crash scenes. These workers include police, fire, EMS, tow truck operators and highway workers.
Officials say that by state law, drivers are required to move over or slow down, but a significant number do not.
In 2024, more than 136,000 traffic crashes were reported on Missouri roadways that required emergency response.
Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights on.
SHOULDER REPAIRS UNDERWAY ON ROUTE 51 IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route 51 in Stoddard County will be reduced through next week as contractor crews perform shoulder repairs.
According to MoDOT, the section of roadway is located from Route 60 to County Road 494A near Fisk.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday, November 28.
POPLAR BLUFF KIWANIS CLUB ACCEPTING PAJAMA DONATIONS FOR CHILDREN
The annual Pajama Rama donation drive is underway in Poplar Bluff.
The Kiwanis Club of Poplar Bluff is accepting new pajamas, underwear, and socks, for toddlers to young adults. The Club will be distributing the items to children in foster care with the help of Foster Adopt Connect.
You can drop off items at the Whitworth Gift Chest Jewelers, The Poplar Bluff Library, and First Midwest Bank. Donations will be accepted through December 5th.
CITY OF QULIN TO THROW CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
A Butler County city will be throwing a Christmas Celebration in December.
The Qulin Christmas Celebration is scheduled from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, December 6th.
The event will feature live music, food trucks, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony at Qulin City Hall.
For more information, visit the City of Qulin Facebook page.