Monday, February 2, 2026

BILLY COBB NAMED POPLAR BLUFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

A Poplar Bluff man is being recognized for his lifelong efforts in bettering the city.

Billy Cobb was announced as the 2025 Citizen of the Year during the 88th Annual Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce Banquet Saturday night at the Black River Coliseum.

According to Chamber President Steve Halter, Cobb had a hand in developments throughout Poplar Bluff, including the Industrial Park Bypass, Eight Points, and Three Rivers College. He was also involved in planning and site design for many of the industries that call Poplar Bluff home.

In addition, Cobb served as Butler County's floodplain manager and helped secure funding and design for the trails in the city and county, including the Wolf Creek Trail and its connection to the city.

Cobb served on multiple boards including the building standards board, the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, and as president of the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority board. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and a devoted member of Fellowship General Baptist Church.

Cobb passed away in September at the age of 48. The award was posthumously presented Saturday night to Cobb’s family in recognition of his lifetime of contributions to the community.

Halter tells KWOC News “Over the years, Billy became more than a work colleague — he became a true friend. He dedicated himself fully to his community and stood firmly beside his family. Within Smith & Company, Billy was the glue that held the team together — the one everyone turned to when a challenge seemed unsolvable. His leadership helped create hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs and careers throughout our region through the projects he guided. Billy is already deeply missed and richly deserving of this honor. I feel truly blessed that God allowed his light to shine on our community and that I had the privilege of knowing him”

NEW BUTLER COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK SWORN IN

A new Circuit Clerk was sworn in on Friday at a public event in Butler County.

Holly Lawson was appointed as the new Butler County Circuit Clerk. She is taking over for Cindi Bowman who retired at the end of January.

Lawson was sworn in on Friday in the Butler County Division One Courtroom.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI NATIVE HANNAH HARPER TO BE FEATURED ON AMERICAN IDOL TONIGHT

A Southeast Missouri woman who went viral online will be featured on national television tonight.

Hannah Harper’s audition will be aired on tonight’s telecast of American Idol.

In a preview clip released online, the Willow Springs resident sang an original song about her postpartum depression that brought former American Idol winner and current judge Carrie Underwood to tears.

According to her website, the mother of three boys is an aspiring songwriter who combines years of performing experience with her unique personal insights.

American Idol will air tonight at 7 pm on ABC.

TEENAGER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOLLOWING FATAL ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

A teenager has been taken into custody after a shooting that left another teen dead.

According to Charleston Department of Public Safety Director Robert Hearnes, on January 29th officers responded to an area residence for a report of a person being shot.

Officers found a 16 year old male who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SEMO Major Case Squad was requested to assist in the investigation, which determined that the victim had been shot by accident.

Hearnes says that a 14 year old male was taken into custody and turned over to juvenile authorities.

Hearnes added that manslaughter charges are expected to be filed soon.

BUTLER COUNTY WARNING SIRENS TO BE TESTED TODAY

Don’t be surprised if you hear sirens today in Butler County.

According to the Butler County Emergency Management Office, the county and Poplar Bluff’s outdoor warning sirens are scheduled to be tested today at noon.

As a part of the monthly test, the sirens will be playing God Bless America.

Officials say that the tests will be conducted every month on the first Monday.

DONIPHAN WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH

A Doniphan woman was seriously injured in a single vehicle crash Friday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 56 year old woman was driving on US Highway 67 in Wayne County when her vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway before striking a snow bank and a sign.

She was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital with serious injuries.

CREWS TO REPLACE BRIDGE OVER CRAVEN DITCH IN BUTLER COUNTY

Route 158 in Butler County will be closed beginning today so contractor crews can replace the bridge over Craven Ditch.

The work zone will be located from County Road 341 to County Road 339 near Harviell.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the road will remain closed through Sunday, May 3, weather permitting.