Monday march 9, 2026
BUTLER COUNTY FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH
Butler County is mourning the loss of a firefighter following a deadly crash Friday afternoon.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 4 p.m. on Highway W, south of Highway KK in Butler County.
Troopers say a fire truck overturned while the department was responding to a call. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers confirms the driver, identified as 27 year old Shift Commander Jackson Warren of Poplar Bluff, was killed in the crash.
Another firefighter also received minor injuries in the crash.
EXPERTS WARN RESIDENTS TO KEEP ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN MIND WHEN DOING SPRING PROJECTS
Spring is here and the longer days will inspire homeowners to get outdoor projects underway. But before getting started, it is important to be aware of the electrical safety hazards you may encounter.
KWOC News spoke with Ameren fire safety engineer Tim Frankenberg, who says that a little prevention can go a long way to keeping your family safe.
A good rule of thumb is to keep electric equipment at least 10 feet away from wet areas. You should also plug into ground fault circuit interrupters, which are designed to shut off the power as needed to prevent a shock.
If you will be digging, make sure to call 811 to have your underground utilities marked so you don’t accidentally hit a line.
Before plugging into an exterior electrical socket, double-check that your cords, lights or fans are rated for outdoor use. Look for labels on packaging that clearly mark them as suitable for outdoor use.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY ON BUSINESS 60 IN POPLAR BLUFF
Business 60 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane with a 13-foot width restriction for almost a month as construction crews perform bridge maintenance.
According to MODOT, the section of roadway being reduced is located from Riverview Drive to Old Highway B in Poplar Bluff.
Weather permitting, the eastbound lanes will be worked on beginning this morning and continuing through Friday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
The westbound lanes will follow, taking place from Friday, April 17 at 7 a.m. through Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
The work zone will remain in place 24 hours a day until work is completed.
SHOOTING VICTIM IN POPLAR BLUFF IDENTIFIED
The body of a shooting victim on Friday evening has been identified.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News, the victim has been identified as 69 year old Stanley Ray, of Poplar Bluff. Akers added an autopsy will be performed later today.
Poplar Bluff Police Chief JR Keirsey says, officers responded to the 1000 block of Davis Street, after receiving a 911 call reporting a person inside a residence who was possibly deceased.
When officers and emergency medical personnel arrived on scene, they located Stanley Ray, who had died from injuries caused by gunshot wounds.
Keirsey added, they do not believe this was a random act of violence. Several individuals have been interviewed, and a person of interest has been identified. The name of this individual has not been released at this time.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE SET TO COMMEMORATE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DEADLY POPLAR BLUFF TORNADO
The Poplar Bluff community will be coming together this weekend to commemorate one year since a deadly tornado struck the city.
An event has been scheduled for 11:27 am on Saturday at New Covenant Fellowship Church in Poplar Bluff for 20 minutes of prayer and remembrance.
The church was in the direct path of the EF-3 tornado and sustained significant damage.
That same day, the American Red Cross will be hosting Disaster Action Team Training from 9 am to 2 pm at the Church. Participants will get to take part in the remembrance gathering.
To register or learn more about the team training, call or text: 573-300-0691.
CULVERT REPLACEMENT TO FORCE CLOSURE OF ROAD IN NEW MADRID AND PEMISCOT COUNTIES THIS WEEK
Route B in New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties will be closed this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a culvert under the roadway.
The section of roadway that is being closed is located from Route 162 in New Madrid County to Route A in Pemiscot County.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. While work is underway, the road will be open to local traffic only.
STODDARD COUNTY AMBULANCE DISTRICT TO HOST 5K RUN THIS WEEKEND
A 5k run and walk will be held this weekend to support an area charity.
The Stoddard County Ambulance District is hosting the 3rd Annual Shamrock 5K at 9am on March 14th.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jeremiah House, which is a 12 month recovery home for women who have been subjected to addiction, abuse of all multitudes and homelessness.
More information is available on the Stoddard County Ambulance District Facebook page.