Wednesday, December 31, 2025
OFFICIALS ENCOURAGING MOTORISTS TO BE SAFE WHILE CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR
The New Year is almost here and officials are reminding everyone who is planning to get out and celebrate tonight to drive safely.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, during the 2025 New Year’s counting period, one person was killed and 118 were injured in 264 traffic crashes in Missouri.
If you are driving to a New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. If your plans include alcohol, remember to designate a sober driver or take a ride service to get home safely.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Assistance Number (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY A VEHICLE IN BUTLER COUNTY
A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening in Butler County.
Sergeant Clark Parrott with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News that the incident occurred on Highway 53, one mile south of Poplar Bluff, when a man was struck by a vehicle as he was crossing the roadway
Emergency crews transported the man to a Poplar Bluff hospital, where he later succumbed to her injuries.
According to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, the man has been identified as 67 year old Ronald Hicks of Ellsinore.
SEMO RISEN RIDERS POLAR BEAR RUN SCHEDULED FOR NEW YEARS DAY
The SEMO Risen Riders will be hosting their annual Polar Bear Run on New Year’s Day.
Officials say the motorcycle ride will start at 1 pm Thursday at Light House Church in Dexter. The ride will be preceded by a hot dog and chili lunch at noon.
Everyone is welcome and the length of the ride will be determined by the temperature outside.
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ACCEPTING CHRISTMAS TREES FOR RECYCLING
If you are still wondering what to do with your Christmas tree, the US Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake would like to hear from you.
The Corps of Engineers is accepting live Christmas trees through January 16th at the Redman Creek boat ramp. The drop-off location is marked with a sign.
Officials say that once the trees are deposited at the collection site, they become property of the Corps of Engineers for use in establishing fish shelters and small game habitats.
For more information, call 573-222-8562.
MDC TO OFFER NON-RESIDENT MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING PERMIT NEXT YEAR
Beginning next year, non-resident hunters in Missouri who want to pursue waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails will be required to purchase a new Non-Resident Migratory Bird Permit.
Officials say the new permit will be $60 and is part of a broader set of permit price adjustments by the Missouri Department of Conservation and was approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission in October.
If non-resident hunters purchased a migratory bird hunting permit before January 1st, the permit will remain valid through the end of the season on February 6th, and no additional permit is needed for that season.
If non-resident hunters have not purchased a migratory bird permit before January 1st, they must buy the new Non-Resident Migratory Bird Permit to hunt between January 1st and February 6th.
Starting with the 2026–2027 migratory-bird hunting season, all non-residents must purchase the new non-resident migratory bird permit.
You can purchase permits online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.
FREE RECYCLE EYEGLASSES CLINIC TO BE OFFERED IN POPLAR BLUFF
The Poplar Bluff Lions Club will be hosting a free recycled eyeglasses clinic in January.
The event will be from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, January 10th at the Poplar Bluff Library Ridgel Branch on Kanell Boulevard.
You can book an appointment by going to pblionsclub.com or by calling 573-840-0579.
Attendees will receive a free vision screening and free recycled eyeglasses.
KENNETT OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS ABOUT REPORTED SCAM
Officials in the Missouri Bootheel are warning area residents to be on the lookout for scammers.
According to the Kennett Police Department, they have received reports of someone claiming to be an officer and requesting $2,000 dollars be taken to a Walmart to post a bond or a warrant will be issued for the person’s arrest for failure to appear for jury duty.
Officials say that no officer will directly contact anyone to obtain money for a bond or request you go to a Walmart to send money.