Wednesday, January 7, 2026
20TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF SET FOR FEBRUARY 28TH
A date has been announced for the Mason-Dixon Chili Society’s 20th annual Chili Cook-Off.
The event will be held from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, February 28th at the Black River Coliseum.
Proceeds from the Cook-Off go to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission.
Anyone interested in entering a team should call 573-718-7144.
More information is available on the Mason-Dixon Chili Society Facebook page.
BLOOMFIELD MAN IN CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF STATUTORY RAPE
Authorities in Stoddard County have taken an area man into custody in connection to a report of statutory rape.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 64 year old Kevin Farris, of Bloomfield, is accused of making unwanted sexual contact with a juvenile.
During an interview, Farris denied the allegations.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, Farris was arrested Monday on a warrant for five counts of 1st degree statutory rape, two counts of statutory sodomy, two counts of 3rd degree child molestation, and single counts of sexual misconduct involving a child under 15 and 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk.
He was held in the Stoddard County Jail on no bond.
MODOT CREWS TO CLOSE ROUTE AA IN BUTLER COUNTY
Route AA in Butler County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
The closure will be located between County Roads 615 and 621.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR YOUTH VOLLEYBALL IN POPLAR BLUFF
Parents in Poplar Bluff have the opportunity to get their children registered for youth volleyball.
According to the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department, boys and girls in 3rd through 8th grades can be registered through January 11th. The registration fee is $20 and games will begin in February at Poplar Bluff Middle School.
Practices will begin the week of January 26th.
More information is available at pbparks.recdesk.com.
FIVE PEOPLE KILLED IN MISSOURI TRAFFIC CRASHES DURING HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Five people were killed during traffic crashes in Missouri over the New Year holiday weekend.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, troopers worked 187 traffic crashes, which included 87 injuries and five fatalities.
Troopers also made 112 DWI arrests over the holiday weekend.
Officials say that there were zero boating crashes or drownings during the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period.
US ROUTE 61 TO BE CLOSED TODAY NEAR LILBOURN IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Route 61 in New Madrid County will be closed today so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can replace a culvert under the roadway.
The section of roadway being closed is located from Route 62 to Route D near Lilbourn.
Weather permitting, the road will be closed today through 5 p.m.