Monday, January 5, 2026
ONE PERSON FOUND DEAD FOLLOWING HOUSE FIRE IN SOUTHERN BUTLER COUNTY
One person has died following a house fire early Saturday morning in rural Butler County.
The Butler County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments responded to the fire at around 3:30 am Saturday on Highway HH between Qulin and Neelyville.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that the identity of the person who died is not being released at this time, pending notification of next of kin.
He said another person was able to escape and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and the incident remains under investigation.
FREE RECYCLED EYEGLASSES CLINIC TO BE OFFERED IN POPLAR BLUFF
The Poplar Bluff Lions Club will be hosting a free recycled eyeglasses clinic this weekend.
The event will be from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday 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.
STATE OFFICIALS URGING MISSOURI RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AS FLU CASES SURGE
State officials are urging Missourians to take precautions as flu cases surge across the state.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has recorded over 9,200 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and 550 flu-related hospitalizations statewide.
Flu activity in Missouri typically begins in October and peaks during the winter months. This season, emergency department visits for influenza-like illness and positive lab tests climbed above baseline levels in the first week of December.
State officials say that the best defense against influenza is annual vaccination. DHSS recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu shot as soon as possible. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications, especially for high-risk groups such as seniors, young children and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Also remember to wash your hands frequently, use a tissue or your elbow to cover coughs and sneezes and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
For more information on flu prevention and where to get vaccinated, visit health.mo.gov.
INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY FOLLOWING DEADLY SHOOTING IN SIKESTON
Authorities in a Southeast Missouri city are investigating a deadly weekend shooting.
A 33 year old man was reportedly sitting in his car in Sikeston over the weekend when he was struck and killed by gunfire.
The name of the victim was not available.
The SEMO Major Case Squad has been activated to investigate the incident.
SHOULDER REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS THIS WEEK ON INTERSTATE 55
Northbound Interstate 55 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform shoulder repairs.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from mile marker 50.4 to mile marker 51.8.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
CREWS TO BE WORKING THIS MONTH ON INTERSTATE 57 NEAR MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE
Southbound Interstate 57 in Southeast Missouri will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction this month as contractor crews perform concrete repairs on the Mississippi River Bridge.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the work zone is located between mile markers 21.6 and 20.2.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through January 30.