Friday, May 8, 2026
MISSOURI GOVERNOR REQUESTING FEMA JOIN IN PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS FROM APRIL STORMS IN RIPLEY COUNTY
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is requesting that the Federal Emergency Management agency participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in a total of 11 counties, including one in Southeast Missouri, in connection to the late April storms across the state.
Kehoe says the request was for joint teams to survey storm damage that occurred April 23 through April 28 in preparation for a potential request for federal disaster assistance.
Joint PDAs are being requested for FEMA Public Assistance in seven counties, including Ripley County. Public Assistance helps governments and eligible nonprofit organizations by reimbursing emergency response and recovery costs.
Joint PDAs are being requested for FEMA Individual Assistance in six counties, however none of those counties are located in Southeast Missouri.
Joint Damage Assessment Teams are made up of local emergency managers, representatives from SEMA, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Requesting joint PDAs is one of the first steps the state must take to request the President declare a federal Major Disaster. For Public Assistance, both state and county thresholds would need to be met in order for a county to be included in the request.
HANNAH HARPER TO PERFORM IN CORNING ON JUNE 6TH
Southeast Missouri native and American Idol finalist Hannah Harper will be performing in Northeast Arkansas next month.
Harper will be taking the stage at the Victory Lake Sports Complex in Corning on June 6th. The event is being put on by Growing Corning Together and Pops Events. The concert will begin at 6 pm.
More information is available on the Growing Corning Together Facebook page.
Harper will be singing in the American Idol Grand Finale Monday night beginning at 7 pm on ABC.
TRC COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT
The 58th Annual Three Rivers College Commencement ceremony is scheduled for tonight in Poplar Bluff.
The event will begin at 6 pm at the Libla Family Sports Complex.
School officials say that TRC will confer a total of 930 degrees and certificates to 585 students for the 2025-26 school year. Over 270 students are expected to participate in the ceremony on Friday.
Beginning at 4:30 pm, Three Rivers will run shuttles between the Libla Family Sports Complex and the parking lots across from the baseball field, in front of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center, in front of the Bess Activity Center, and at the Westwood Event Center.
Family and friends attending the ceremony should remember to bring their tickets and enter through the Lobby doors at the front of the complex.
The ceremony will be live streamed on the Three Rivers College Youtube page.
RECTOR MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO RAPE INVESTIGATION
Authorities in Northeast Arkansas say that an area man has been taken into custody following a four month investigation into allegations of rape of a minor.
According to the Rector Police Department, a warrant was served at the residence of the man Wednesday evening.
The man, whose name was not released, was arrested for three counts of rape and held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $500,000 cash or surety bond.
DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS TO BE CLOSED ON MULTIPLE DATES THIS MONTH
Missouri state officials are reminding motorists that driver examinations will not be available on select days this month.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed today in observance of Harry Truman’s birthday.
Driver Examination Stations will also be closed on Monday, May 25th, for Memorial Day.
TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY TO VIEW THE TRC STUDENT ART STUDENT EXHIBIT
Today is the final day to view art created by students at Three Rivers College.
The Three Rivers College Student Art Exhibit will be available today from noon to 3 pm at the Tinnin Center Art Gallery.
Visitors will be able to explore a collection of creative works by Three Rivers College students, showcasing their talent and artistic vision.
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS SET FOR TONIGHT AT DONIPHAN HIGH SCHOOL
Doniphan High School will be hosting a celebration of their different art programs tonight.
The Festival of the Arts is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm tonight at the Doniphan High School Gym. The festival will include an art show and performances by the DHS Choir, Band, and Drama departments.
Officials say that everyone is welcome to attend.