Tuesday, May 26, 2026
COUNTRY FEST IS THIS WEEKEND IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
A new music festival is coming this weekend to Southeast Missouri.
The gates will open for Clear 94’s Country Fest at noon this Saturday at The Midway on Highway 160 in Fairdealing.
Five acts will take the stage, including the John D. Hale Band, Joe Bateman, and Maddy and the Monarchs.
Tickets are available for $25 at River Radio in Poplar Bluff and at Clear94.com/Countryfest. Tickets will also be available for $30 at the gate on Saturday.
Part of the proceeds from Country Fest will go to 18 Fore Life, a local organization that raises funds and provides support for families fighting cancer.
You can find more information at Clear94.com/Countryfest.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR REQUESTS MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 12 COUNTIES, INCLUDING RIPLEY
Ripley County is one of 12 counties across the state to be included in a request for a major disaster declaration.
Missouri Governor Kehoe requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approve the declaration for Missouri to provide federal assistance to the 12 counties in response to tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe storms, large hail, and flooding that swept across the state from April 23rd through April 28th.
Ripley County is included in the request for FEMA Public Assistance. If approved, local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies may seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged buildings, bridges, roads, and other public infrastructure.
Joint preliminary damage assessments, conducted by the State Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, and local officials estimated a total of more than $36 million in damage to public infrastructure and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance.
CHILD IN STABLE CONDITION AFTER BEING STRUCK BY GUNFIRE IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
A child is in stable condition after being struck by gunfire early Monday morning in New Madrid County.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, at around 3:30 am Monday, deputies responded to a report of a shooting on Weeks Street in Lilbourn.
A 12-year-old child inside a house was hit by gunfire that had also struck the house.
Officials say that a neighborhood canvass of the immediate area has been conducted, but investigators are asking for the public's help related to the shooting.
Anyone who lives in the area of Weeks, or North 4th, 5th, or 6th Streets and has surveillance cameras or saw anything suspicious, is asked to contact the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office at 573-748-2516.
NEW MADRID COUNTY CENTRAL GIRLS TRACK TEAM WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
The New Madrid County Central Girls track team is once again state champions.
The girls team won the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship on Friday in Jefferson City, edging Notre Dame by three points.
This is the second consecutive championship for the Lady Eagles.
New Madrid Junior Amaya Bills also won five state championships during the meet, bringing her career total up to twelve state championships.
PORTAGEVILLE BASEBALL ADVANCES TO STATE QUARTERFINALS
The Portageville Bulldogs baseball team have advanced to the Class 2 state quarterfinals.
The Bulldogs defeated East Carter 4-3 on Monday in the state sectionals.
With the win, Portageville will host Veritas Christian Academy in the State Quarterfinal on Wednesday at 4 pm.
MULTIPLE ROAD PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY
Multiple bridge maintenance projects are scheduled for today in Stoddard County.
North Outer Road will be reduced to one lane from Route WW to County Road 485 near Dudley.
Also near Dudley, crews will be working on Route TT between North Street and County Road 488.
North One Mile Road in Dexter will be reduced from Business 60 to Christian Drive.
All three work zones will be in place today from 7 am to 4 pm.