Wednesday, November 26, 2025
MELISSA BERGER APPOINTED BUTLER COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR
A new Public Administrator has been announced for Butler County.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe tells KWOC News that the deputy public administrator Melissa Berger has been appointed to the role.
Berger is from Qulin and has previously served as city clerk for the City of Qulin and as a title researcher and closer for Heritage Title.
She is taking over for Jeff Darnell, who retired from the position in October.
KWOC News spoke with Berger who says she is looking forward to serving Butler County and its citizens in the years ahead.
TODAYS TALK KWOC TO BROADCAST CURRENT RIVER CHALLENGE
Once you're done with Thanksgiving, switch your TV over to the Today’s Talk KWOC Facebook page to catch all the action from the Current River Challenge.
The two day basketball event from Van Buren High School will feature 20 area schools, including Van Buren, Twin Rivers, Greenville, East Carter, Doniphan, South Pemiscot, and Neelyville.
Tip-off is scheduled for 11 am on November 28th and 10 am on November 29th.
A total of 13 games will be broadcast over both days on the Today’s Talk KWOC Facebook Page and River Radio Youtube page.
33RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AUTO TOUR BEGINS FRIDAY
Officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers are preparing for the start of the 2025 Festival of Lights Auto Tour this week.
The 33rd Annual Auto Tour will be held at the Redman Creek East Campground from November 28th through December 27th.
This event is being held in partnership with the Friends of Wappapello Lake. It is supported by businesses, volunteers, churches, organizations, and the community.
Christmas music will be provided during the Auto Tour on Shuffle 92.9. Attendees just need to tune their radio to 92.9 FM.
For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562.
MOTORISTS ENCOURAGED TO DRIVE SAFELY DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Many Missouri residents are getting ready to get on the road to see their family for Thanksgiving, but officials are urging motorists to keep safety in mind.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 11 people were killed during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Officials are urging motorists to be vigilant, always buckle up, obey posted speed limits, and never drive impaired or distracted.
State Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, enforcing all traffic laws, and being available to assist the public.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Emergency Report line is 1-800-525-5555, or (star)55 on a cellular phone. Motorists should use the emergency line if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.
THANKSGIVING COOKING SAFETY TIPS
Thanksgiving is almost here, and the American Red Cross is reminding you to stay safe while you prepare the holiday dinner.
The Red Cross advises that cooks should avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while preparing the holiday meal.
You should also never leave the stove unattended – if the cook has to leave the kitchen even for a short time, they should turn off the stove.
Remember to clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup and keep anything that can catch fire, including pot holders, oven mitts, and food packaging, away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
According to the Center for Disease Control, before cooking your turkey, set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F and be sure the turkey is completely thawed.
For optimal safety and uniform doneness, you should cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. However, if you plan on placing the stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking.
THREE RIVERS COLLEGE HOSTING TURKEY TROT THIS WEEKEND
Three Rivers College has announced a fun walking and running event for this weekend.
The Turkey Trot 3K Fun Run will begin at noon on November 29th in the parking lot of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff.
Officials say the Turkey Trot will help fill The Food Pantry for Three Rivers College students.
The entry fee is a donation for the food pantry and there will also be an award for the runner who is dressed as the tackiest turkey.