HIGHWAY PATROL PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY TRAFFIC
With the Fourth of July coming up, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol are preparing for an increase in travelers on Missouri’s roadways.
Officials tell KWOC News that the Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. over the July Fourth holiday weekend. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists.
During the 2024 counting period, 14 people were killed and 560 injured in Missouri in 1,366 traffic crashes. Troopers also arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated.
Troopers will also be working on the state’s waterways to enforce Missouri’s boating laws and provide assistance where needed. Missouri’s boaters are being asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water.
Last year there were 10 boating crashes, which included seven injuries and no fatalities during the holiday weekend.
The 2025 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m. today to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
JOE BROWN NAMED NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL
Poplar Bluff High School has a new Athletic Director.
Joe Brown, a veteran coach and longtime educator, has been named the new athletic director at Poplar Bluff High School.
Brown, who spent nearly three decades in St. Louis as a teacher, administrator, and football coach, said he felt an immediate connection with the Poplar Bluff community when he interviewed for the position.
Originally from Chicago, Brown came to Missouri to play college football and never looked back. He spent 24 years in the classroom and three years in administration, including a year as a Dean, while coaching football for 28 years. His coaching tenure included mentoring athletes who went on to play Division I and Professional Football, but his philosophy always focused on preparation, discipline, and attention to detail.
Brown credits his success to the strength and example of his mother, who raised three children while working multiple jobs and eventually becoming a physical therapy nurse.
As he takes the reins from former athletic director Kent Keith, Brown is focused on building on past successes while bringing new ideas to the table.
With fall sports on the horizon and the school year fast approaching, Brown is eager to hit the ground running.
5K RUN AND WALK TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF ON INDEPENDENCE DAY
Poplar Bluff residents will be out celebrating the Fourth of July holiday coming up on Friday.
The Red, White, and Run 5K run and walk will begin at 7:30 am on Friday, July 4th at the Square in Downtown Poplar Bluff. Registration will begin at 7 am and the entry fee is $25.
There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age division as well as a special prize for the best patriotic attire.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Poplar Bluff High School Cross Country Team.
To wrap up the day, the annual Poplar Bluff Independence Day Fireworks display will begin at around 9 pm in downtown Poplar Bluff.
PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR TODAY TO DISCUSS GRANT APPLICATION IN RIPLEY COUNTY
Ripley County will host a public hearing this morning to discuss a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program application.
The hearing is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 3rd, at the Ripley County Courthouse in Doniphan.
The county is sponsoring the application on behalf of the Doniphan Ripley County Library for a project to expand the library to better serve the community’s needs.
The proposed expansion will increase space for reading areas, public programming, technology access, and community gatherings. The total estimated project cost is expected to be at or above $500,000, and the County will be requesting up to $500,000 in CDBG funds to support the project.
For more information on the proposed project, contact Ripley County Clerk Michael Williams at 573-996-3215.
DEADLINE COMING UP TO PURCHASE TAGS FOR BULKY ITEM PICKUP
Today is the final day for Poplar Bluff residents to purchase tags for this month’s Bulky Item Pickup.
Residents can purchase bulk item tags from the City Collector’s office at City Hall for $20. The tags entitle you to the removal of four bulk items, such as couches or refrigerators.
No construction materials or small items will be picked up and the program is for residential areas only.
Today is the final day to purchase item tags at City Hall to be included in next week’s pick up, which will be conducted on Tuesday, July 8th.
2ND ANNUAL BLACK RIVER DUCK DERBY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY
This Saturday will be the date for the 2nd Annual Black River Duck Derby in Poplar Bluff.
The event will begin at 10 am on Saturday at the Vine Street Bridge.
Anyone who wants to participate can adopt a duck for $5 or a pack of five ducks for $20. The prize for 1st Place will be $500.
Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Poplar Bluff chapter of Days for Girls.
For more information, or to adopt a duck, call 573-300-6450.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
Many Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas communities will be holding fireworks celebrations this week, but some area residents will also be enjoying the festivities at home.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has released some fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July.
The CPSC advises parents to never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks and always have adult supervision when kids of any age are playing with fireworks, including sparklers.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Also, never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Do not light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Also remember to check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning.
