Friday, June 12, 2026
SAM A. BAKER STATE PARK TO HOST 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Sam A. Baker State Park will be hosting a celebration for its 100th anniversary this weekend.
According to officials, the celebration on Saturday will feature a variety of activities relating to the park’s natural and cultural history.
The CCC Lodge will be open for self-guided tours, and van tours will take visitors up to the Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower. There will also be exhibits and demonstrations, old-time games, bluegrass music, and more from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.
Officials say that the event is being held in conjunction with the park's annual public meeting which will take place at the visitor center beginning at 11 a.m.
Sam A. Baker State Park is located at 5580 State Highway 143 in Patterson.
MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY SHOT AT CARUTHERSVILLE POLICE OFFICERS IN CUSTODY
A Caruthersville man who is accused of firing at police officers last month in Southeast Missouri is in custody.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, authorities were searching for 42 year old Zachary Walker, who allegedly shot at two Caruthersville police officers on May 17th.
KWOC News has confirmed that Walker was taken into custody in Caruthersville.
According to Missouri Case Net, Walker is facing numerous charges, including assault 1st degree, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATING IN CUSTODY DEATH IN SIKESTON
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been requested to investigate an in-custody death in Sikeston.
Officials with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety have requested the MSHP Division of Drug and Crime Control to investigate the death of a subject that had been taken into custody by members of the SDPS.
On the evening of June 10th, an adult male approached and assaulted officers at the SDPS headquarters. After being taken into custody, he remained combative and continued assaulting officers.
While at a holding facility, the subject remained combative and officers requested emergency medical services to respond to check the subject’s well-being. While being treated by EMS, the man became unresponsive. He was then transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The subject has been identified as 44 year old Lloyd D. Gilmore, of Sikeston.
Officials say that at the completion of the investigation, all investigative reports will be forwarded to the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney for review.
KIDS GET A CHANCE TO LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS THIS WEEKEND AT THE POPLAR BLUFF LIBRARY
Area children will have the opportunity to learn about wildlife up close and personal this weekend.
The Poplar Bluff Library is teaming up with Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation, to bring Animalogy to Poplar Bluff.
Two live presentations, featuring animals from around the world, are scheduled for 11:30 am and 1 pm on Saturday.
The event is appropriate for kids of all ages and entry is free.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
If you are going to be shooting off fireworks at home during the summer season, officials are reminding you to do so in a safe manner.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has released some fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July.
The CPSC advises parents to never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks and always have adult supervision when kids of any age are playing with fireworks, including sparklers.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Also, never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Do not light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel.
Also remember to check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning.
WATERFEST SET FOR JUNE 20TH AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE
The Redman Creek Beach at Wappapello Lake will be the site for a free day of activities next weekend.
The Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting Ranger Willie’s Waterfest from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, June 20th.
Park Rangers will be on hand to play games, teach visitors how to stay safe around the water, and give away prizes to participating beachgoers.
For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-7500.
MDC SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENTS CONCERNING PROPOSED SHOOTING RANGE REGULATION CHANGES
The Missouri Department of Conservation is looking for the public’s input regarding proposed regulation changes for shooting ranges.
According to MDC Officials, the state offers free recreational firearms shooting on more than 35 unstaffed shooting ranges around the state and range use has increased significantly in recent years with more home/self-defense firearms practice and increasing use of modern sporting rifles.
Increased use has also resulted in increasing damage to shooting range signs, booths, and other infrastructure from some shooters, along with increasing litter from some shooters in the form of spent shells, targets, and other items not being collected and properly disposed of.
To help reduce range damage and misuse, MDC is proposing requiring users of its unstaffed firearms shooting ranges to have a valid small game permit. Existing age and disability exemptions will remain.
The proposed regulation changes would apply only to MDC owned unstaffed firearms shooting ranges, not partner ranges or MDC’s five staffed shooting ranges.
Public comments can be made online beginning July 16th at mdc.mo.gov.
AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION SET FOR THIS WEEKEND IN KENNETT
A celebration of America’s 250th birthday is scheduled for this weekend in Kennett.
Jones Park in Kennett will be the location for the America 250 Celebration from 2 to 6 pm on Sunday.
There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, and games.
The event is free and open to the community.