Tuesday, December 23

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO WEEKEND SHOOTING

A man was taken into custody over the weekend following a shooting incident in Ripley County.

According to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, 41 year old Vernon Royer, of Naylor, was arrested Saturday on charges of assault 1st degree and armed criminal action.

Officials say the arrest stemmed from a shooting incident in Naylor earlier Saturday.

No further details about the shooting have been released.

MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL REMINDS MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFE OVER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely during the Christmas holiday.

Remember to check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance.

Also remember to obey all traffic laws, adjust driving speeds to the weather, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age.

According to the Highway Patrol, last year there were 295 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 133 were injured.

If you face a traffic emergency, you can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.

THIS 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.

SIKESTON MAN APPOINTED TO MISSOURI DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL

A Southeast Missouri man will be taking a seat on the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has announced that Steve Hodge, of Sikeston, was appointed to the council, whose mission is to assist individuals, families, and the community to include all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life.

Hodge, a Doniphan High School graduate, has been employed by Southeast Missouri Residential Services since 2000.

DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS TO BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is here and state officials are reminding motorists that driver examinations will not be available on select days.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on December 25th and 26th in observance of Christmas.

Driver Examination Stations will also be closed on Thursday, January 1st for the New Year’s Day holiday.

PAVEMENT REPAIR PROJECT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY NEAR VAN BUREN

Westbound Route 60 in Carter County will be reduced to one lane with a 14-foot width restriction today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route J to Route M near Van Buren.

Weather permitting, work will take place today from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE UNDERWAY ON INTERSTATE 57

Northbound Interstate 57 in Southeast Missouri will be reduced today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

The section of roadway is located between mile markers one and four.

Weather permitting, work will take place today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.