Thursday, December 11, 2025
JUVENILE FLOWN TO HOSPITAL FOLLOWING FIRE IN CAMPBELL
A juvenile was flown to an area hospital following a fire in Campbell.
According to the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department, Tuesday afternoon crews responded to a motorhome that was on fire behind a local business. At the scene, the owner advised that there was a juvenile and a dog trapped inside.
Firefighters were able to make entry into the structure and extricate the juvenile, who was taken to a nearby business so crews could provide first aid while waiting on an ambulance.
The juvenile was later flown to a Memphis hospital for treatment.
Officials say that the dog did not survive the fire.
The incident was investigated by Missouri State Fire Marshals Office investigators and no foul play is suspected.
OVER 300,000 SIGNATURES SUBMITTED TO FORCE A STATEWIDE VOTE ON MISSOURI REDISTRICTING
Opponents of Missouri's new congressional map submitted thousands of petition signatures Tuesday calling for a statewide vote on a redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump as part of his quest to hold on to a slim Republican majority in next year's elections.
Organizers of the petition drive said they turned in more than 300,000 signatures to the secretary of state's office — well over the roughly 110,000 needed to suspend the new U.S. House districts from taking effect until a referendum election can be held next year.
The signatures still need to be verified by election authorities and Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who could declare the referendum petition unconstitutional. A legal fight appears likely.
A referendum could create a significant obstacle for Republicans, who hope the new districts could help them win a currently Democratic-held seat in the Kansas City area.
Republican Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued a statement saying the new House districts took effect Tuesday and will remain in place unless Hoskins determines the referendum petition is constitutional and contains sufficient signatures. Petition sponsors said the new districts were immediately suspended when they submitted signatures, which is how the secretary of state's office handled things during Missouri's most recent referendum petition in 2017.
Hoskins promised a “slow and steady” review of the signatures, which must equal 5% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in at least six of the state’s eight congressional districts. Missouri has more than 6 million residents. Hoskins said election authorities have until July 28 to finish the verification process, and he isn't likely to determine the measure's constitutionality until that's done.
“I’m going to do everything I can to protect Gov. (Mike) Kehoe’s Missouri First Map — the map the General Assembly passed,” Hoskins told The Associated Press.
That raises the prospect that Missouri congressional candidates might not know with certainty the makeup of their districts when they file for office between Feb. 24 and March 31. A similar scenario existed in 2022, when the governor approved congressional districts based on the census 50 days after candidate filing ended.
Referendum votes in Missouri are automatically set for the upcoming November election, unless lawmakers approve an earlier date. Referendum backers said they are confident they will clear any legal hurdles to holding an election.
SEVERAL PRESCRIBED FIRES ANNOUNCED FOR NEXT FEW MONTHS IN OZARK NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAYS
Several prescribed fires will be conducted over the next few months in Southeast Missouri.
Officials with Ozark National Scenic Riverways tell KWOC News that preparations are being made to accomplish several prescribed fires between mid-December and the end of March 2026.
At least six locations have been announced for the fires, with scheduling dependent on weather and vegetation meeting certain conditions.
During prescribed fires, park operations will continue as usual, although temporary closure of trails or roads adjacent to the burn units may be necessary for visitor safety.
Prescribed burning has a variety of purposes, including the reduction of fuel accumulations near developed areas, which helps reduce the threat of unplanned wildland fires in and around Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
More information is available at nps.gov/ozar.
AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTICIPATING IN DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER CAMPAIGN
Area law enforcement agencies are reminding everyone to not drink and drive while celebrating the holidays.
Law enforcement agencies across Missouri and Arkansas are participating in a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period beginning Friday and continuing through January 1st.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,038 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes that involved an alcohol-impaired driver in December of 2023.
Plan ahead if you intend to drink while celebrating the holidays. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
NEW TOOL WILL HELP MISSOURI RESIDENTS FIND HOMES THAT ARE SMOKE FREE
Missouri state officials have unveiled a new tool to help residents find homes that are smoke free.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, in partnership with the American Lung Association in Missouri, has launched the Missouri Smoke-Free Housing Directory.
Officials say that smoke-free housing protects residents from secondhand smoke and vape aerosol, reduces fire risk and supports people in their efforts to quit. Missouri has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation, and over half of Missourians who smoke try to quit each year.
Property owners and managers are invited to list their smoke-free properties in the directory at no charge.
More information is available at SmokeFreeHousingMO.org.
STODDARD COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT
Route T in Stoddard County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
The section of roadway being closed is located from County Road 299 to County Road 404 near Wappapello.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.