DANGEROUS HEAT CONDITIONS TO BEGIN THIS WEEKEND IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Excessive heat conditions could pose danger to many residents in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a dangerous, prolonged heatwave will begin on Saturday and continue through at least the middle of next week.
In Poplar Bluff temperatures are expected to top out in the mid 90’s, with heat index values reaching up to 105 degrees during this time period.
Officials say that dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken.
If you have to be outside for work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
MULTIPLE COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Anyone looking for relief from the heat wave that will scorch Southeast Missouri beginning this weekend can visit any of the multiple cooling centers available throughout our region.
A cooling center has been established in Poplar Bluff at the Butler County Health Department.
Cooling Centers are also available at the Ripley County Library in Doniphan and the Bloomfield Public Library.
A tool to find cooling centers in your area is available on our Facebook page.
Remember to check with the centers before heading there to learn about current requirements and hours.
2025 CLASS OF POPLAR BLUFF SPORTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCED
Four Poplar Bluff record setters have been chosen as the 2025 class of Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame.
President of the Sports Hall of Fame Brian Rosener tells KWOC News that Justin Alford, Rena Brown, Stephanie Faith, and Slug Hefner will be inducted into the Hall on Thursday, October 2nd, at the Black River Coliseum.
Tickets to the banquet will go on sale at a later date.
Roesner added that it was a unique class this year because every person being honored holds a record in their discipline.
Alford is the first soccer player to be honored while Hefner, owner and driver of Dirty Duck Racing, becomes the first person recognized for motorsports. Brown and Faith were both multi-sport athletes that helped the Poplar Bluff girls basketball program reach a final four.
There are currently 100 individuals and 12 teams honored in the Sports Hall of Fame room located in the Poplar Bluff Museum, in the Mark Twain School on Main Street.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Mules becoming the mascot of Poplar Bluff High School when the students chose it to honor their coach.
BACON PARK TO HOST JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Bacon Park in Poplar Bluff has been chosen as the location for the 2025 Juneteenth celebration.
The event will begin at 10 am on Saturday, June 21st.
There will be multiple events and vendors as a part of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, including a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, talent show, arts and crafts, and a fireworks show.
For more information, or to apply to be a vendor, contact Harvey Heard at 573-712-0719.
WATERFEST SET FOR SATURDAY AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE
The Redman Creek Beach at Wappapello Lake will be the site for a free day of activities this weekend.
The Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting Waterfest from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, June 21st.
Park Rangers will be on hand to play games, teach visitors how to stay safe around the water, and give away prizes to participating beachgoers.
For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AWARDS GRANT TO CITY OF POPLAR BLUFF
Poplar Bluff is getting grant money for the construction of the connector trail between the Shelby Road Trail and Wolf Creek Trail.
The Missouri Department of Conservation and Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce recently collaborated to provide the 1.8-mile concrete connector trail as part of community conservation funding.
MDC provided a $400,000 grant to reimburse the City of Poplar Bluff for the project.
The remaining project cost was covered by Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation, and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
