Monday, December 22, 2025
UNITED GOSPEL RESCUE MISSION TO PROVIDE CHRISTMAS MEALS THIS WEEK
Preparations are underway for the United Gospel Rescue Mission’s Christmas Meal this week.
The Rescue Mission in Poplar Bluff will be providing meals on Thursday and is asking for support from the community.
Officials say that they need volunteers to help prepare meals from 9 am to noon in the days leading up to the event. On Christmas Day, the Rescue Mission will also need assistance to prepare, serve, and deliver the meals.
If you would like more information, want to volunteer, or would like to donate a dessert, call 573-785-4683.
MULTIPLE AREA FIRE DEPARTMENTS APPROVED FOR EQUIPMENT GRANTS
Multiple area fire departments have been approved for up to $15,000 in equipment grants.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety has notified the first 48 volunteer fire departments of their approval for the grants which are available for small departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less.
For the initial grant recipients, the top requested equipment includes radios, hoses and nozzles, firefighter turnout gear, extrication equipment, and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Area departments receiving funding include Grandin, Portageville, Ripley County, and Van Buren.
THIS WEEK IS THE FINAL WEEK FOR THE 33RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AUTO TOUR
This week is the final week for the 2025 Festival of Lights Auto Tour.
The 33rd Annual Auto Tour will be held at the Redman Creek East Campground nightly through December 27th.
The 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.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MAN KILLED IN THREE VEHICLE CRASH
Authorities have released details about a fatal crash from last week in Northeast Arkansas.
According to the Arkansas State Police, the crash occurred Thursday afternoon on US Highway 62 in Clay County. A vehicle crossed the center line of the highway and struck a second vehicle. Both vehicles were then struck by a third vehicle.
The driver of the first vehicle, identified as 34 year old Joseph Blurton, of Wardell, was killed in the crash.
The driver of the second vehicle, a 26 year old woman from Paragould, was injured and transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE PROJECT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route 114 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route 153 to Route AH near Grayridge.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through 4 p.m.
FOUR MONTH BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT SET TO BEGIN TODAY
Route Z in Dunklin County will be closed over several months so contractor crews can perform a bridge replacement over the Main Ditch District near Kennett.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the bridge involved in the project is located between Route 412 and County Road 500.
Weather permitting, work will begin this morning with completion anticipated by Thursday, April 30. Officials say the road will remain closed until the work is completed.