Monday March 2, 2026
THIS WEEK IS MISSOURI SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK
State and National officials are using this week to encourage Missourians to learn more about severe weather and how to protect themselves.
This week is Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which will include “Receive Weather Information Day” today, “Lightning Safety Day” on Tuesday, “Tornado Safety Day” on Wednesday, “Hail and Wind Safety Day” on Thursday, and “Flood Safety Day” on Friday.
Missouri’s annual Statewide Tornado Drill will also be held on Wednesday at 11 am.
For today, officials are urging residents to follow local forecasts anytime severe weather is anticipated. Remember to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, in case one fails or if severe weather strikes overnight.
More information can be found at StormAware.mo.gov.
MULTIPLE AREA AGENCIES CONTRIBUTE TO FINDING MISSING CHILD IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
It was a joint effort Thursday night that led to the safe recovery of a missing child in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, the young child went missing in the Ellsinore area.
A coordinated effort between multiple agencies, including Ozark National Scenic Riverways Rangers, Ellsinore Fire Department, Van Buren Fire Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, and East Carter County Ambulance, as well as local community members led to the child being found safe.
Officials in Carter County are also sending a special thank you to local thermal drone owners who provided critical aerial support during the search efforts.
SHOULDER WORK SET FOR THIS SUMMER IN WAYNE COUNTY
Route 49 in Wayne and Iron counties will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction beginning today so contractor crews can perform a shoulder scrub seal.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation say that the work zone will be located between Route 21 in Iron County and Route 34 in Wayne County.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Saturday, August 1.
THREE AREA SCHOOLS ARE CELEBRATING DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Three area schools are celebrating basketball district championships.
The Puxico Indians defeated Charleston 54-52 Saturday to win the Class 2, District 3 final.
With the win, the Indians will now move on to play the St. Vincent Indians in the Class 2 sectionals. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 pm Tuesday at Notre Dame High School.
Audio coverage of that game will be broadcast live on Shuffle 92.9, shuffle929.com, and the River Radio Youtube page, as well as the Shuffle 92.9 and Today’s Talk KWOC Facebook pages.
The Twin Rivers Lady Royals defeated the New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles 56-45 in the Class 3, District 1 Championship game on Friday. Twin Rivers will travel to Sikeston tonight, to take on the Class 3 District 2 Champion St. Vincent Lady Indians. That Sectional matchup will begin at 6 pm.
The East Carter County Redbirds edged out the Van Buren Bulldogs 73-62 in the Class 2, District 2 Championship game on Saturday. East Carter will travel to Poplar Bluff on Tuesday, to take on the Class 2 District 1 Champion Hayti Indians. That Sectional matchup will also begin at 6 pm.
ELLSINORE MAN ARRESTED ON RAPE CHARGE FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION IN CARTER COUNTY
An Ellsinore man has been taken into custody in connection to a rape investigation.
According to a probable cause affidavit, a victim reported on February 22nd that Eric Butler had sex with them without their consent.
During an interview Butler admitted to investigators that the victim had told him that they did not want to have sex prior to the encounter.
Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell tells KWOC News that Butler has been arrested and charged with 2nd degree rape. His bond was set at $25,000.
COUNTRYSIDE CHEVROLET CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO RETURNS TO BLACK RIVER COLISEUM THIS WEEKEND
Rodeo action will be returning to Poplar Bluff this weekend.
The Countryside Chevrolet Championship Rodeo will start at 7 pm both Friday and Saturday at the Black River Coliseum. Doors will open at 5:30 pm each night.
There will be multiple PRCA events as a part of this year’s rodeo.
Tickets are on sale online at iTickets.com as well as at the BRC Box Office.