Tuesday, December 9, 2025
POPLAR BLUFF CITY MANAGER ROBERT KNODELL TAKES PERIOD OF LEAVE FROM POSITION
The Poplar Bluff City Manager has announced that he will be taking a period of leave from the position for medical and personal reasons.
In a statement released Monday, Robert Knodell says that he was recently charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
He added that he deeply regrets the lapse in judgment and is apologizing to his family, friends, neighbors, the City of Poplar Bluff, and to anyone he may have put at risk.
He also is asking for privacy and space for his family and himself during this time.
Poplar Bluff Mayor Shane Cornman says that Knodell has taken responsibility for his actions and has sought medical treatment. Cornman added that they hired Robert because of his extensive experience, strong relationships, and deep love for Poplar Bluff. None of that has changed. He looks forward to supporting Knodell in his recovery and successful completion of his treatment.
The Poplar Bluff City Council will be meeting in a special closed session at noon on Wednesday.
FILING TO BEGIN TODAY FOR APRIL ELECTIONS
Filing will begin today for the upcoming Poplar Bluff City Council elections.
The city will be holding elections on April 7th for three seats on the City Council, one representative from Ward Five and two at-large seats. The elections will be for three year terms.
Candidates can begin filing for the election today. The final day for candidate filing will be December 30th.
For more information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 573-686-8620.
Filing will also begin today for multiple positions on the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education. According to school officials, there are three positions available for three year terms that will be voted on during the election on April 7th.
Candidates can file in person with the Secretary of the Board of Education beginning at 8 am at the School Administration Office.
TIPS FOR MAKING SURE YOUR HOME IS PREPARED FOR COLDER WEATHER
Weather officials are predicting wind chill values to get into the lower single digits later this week, so now is the time to make sure that your home is prepared.
Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture or break.
When you are expecting very cold or freezing temperatures leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously, keep the temperature inside your home warm, and open cabinet doors beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heated air to reach pipes.
Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space.
Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Make sure to keep them away from any flammable materials, like curtains or blankets.
The National Weather Service in Paducah is hosting a live Winter Weather Preparedness event tonight at 7 pm on their Facebook Page.
MOTORCYCLE RIDER INJURED DURING WEEKEND CRASH IN WAPPAPELLO
One man was injured during a crash over the weekend in Wappapello.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a motorcycle was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle shortly before 7:30 pm Saturday night on Highway D. The motorcycle then ran off the roadway and the driver was ejected.
The driver, identified as a 48 year old Wappapello man, was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital with serious injuries.
ROAD PROJECT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route 153 in Stoddard County will be reduced today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform drainage work.
Officials say that the work zone will be located from Route Z to County Road 780.
Work is scheduled to take place today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
DRAINAGE WORK TO CAUSE DELAYS THIS MONTH ON ROUTE J IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
Route J in Dunklin County will be reduced for almost two weeks as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform drainage work.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route H North to County Road 109.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through December 19th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.