Monday June 22, 2026
LEGENDARY THREE RIVERS COACH GENE BESS PASSES AWAY
A Hall of Fame Basketball Coach has passed away.
Coach Gene Bess died Friday morning at his residence in Poplar Bluff at the age of 91.
Bess built a Hall of Fame career during his 50 years as head basketball coach at Three Rivers College, becoming one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. He won more games than any college basketball coach at any level, finishing his career with an overall record of 1,300 wins and 416 losses.
Bess led the Three Rivers Raiders to two national championships, winning titles in 1979 and 1992. He also became the first college basketball coach to reach 1,000 career wins. In 2023, Bess was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Under Bess, Three Rivers won 23 region championships, recorded 20 or more wins in 42 seasons, and won 30 or more games 16 times.
The Raiders also made 17 appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament, reaching the national championship game four times and the semifinals four additional times.
In addition to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Bess is also a member of the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and the NJCAA Hall of Fame.
INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AFTER A BODY WAS FOUND IN QULIN
Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs has confirmed to KWOC News that authorities are investigating after a body was discovered Saturday afternoon in Qulin on County Road 659.
At this time, no additional information has been released, and officials have not provided details regarding the identity of the individual or the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
The investigation is ongoing and involves the Butler County Sheriff's Department, the Butler County Coroner's Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
KWOC News will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
DEADLY SHOOTING UNDER INVESTIGATION IN WAYNE COUNTY
Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Saturday in Wayne County.
Wayne County Sheriff Kyle Shearrer tells KWOC News, that deputies responded to a report of a shooting Saturday, and found one person unresponsive at the scene.
During the investigation, authorities identified a suspect who is believed to be the only person involved in the incident. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control has been called in to assist with the investigation.
At this time, the names of both the victim and the suspect are being withheld.
The suspect is currently facing charges of Second-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing.
KWOC News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
FIREWORKS TO LIGHT UP LAKE WAPPAPELLO ON SATURDAY
Lake Wappapello will be illuminated by fireworks this weekend ahead of the Independence Day holiday.
According to the Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers, “Fireworks at the Lake” has been scheduled for Saturday at the Redman Creek Recreation Area.
Multiple attractions will be at the Recreation Area that day beginning around 3 pm, including a live music, food trucks, and petting zoo.
Officials say that the fireworks will start when it gets dark.
More information is available on the Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers Facebook Page.
BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR EARLY JULY
Reservations are now being accepted for the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Poplar Bluff.
The Blood Drive has been scheduled for Friday, July 10th, at Larry Hillis Dodge on North Westwood Boulevard.
Anyone wanting to donate can call 1-800 Red Cross or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
PB BUDDY BALL TO WRAP UP 2026 SEASON TOMORROW
The Poplar Bluff Buddy Ball season will finish up on Tuesday.
There are three games scheduled for tomorrow night at Poplar Bluff High School. The first game featuring younger league players will start at 5:30 pm and will be followed by two older leagues games at 6:30 pm.
End of year awards will also be handed out following each game.
Buddy Ball gives an opportunity to athletes with mental and physical developmental disabilities to compete and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR A HIGHWAY PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE STATEWIDE
Area organizations now have the opportunity to take a hand in keeping Southeast Missouri looking beautiful.
The Missouri Department of Transportation’s Sponsor-A-Highway program, previously exclusive to the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, is now available statewide, providing an expanded opportunity to help keep roadsides cleaner and safer across the state.
Businesses, organizations, community groups and individuals can sponsor one-mile highway sections statewide through a MoDOT-certified service provider, to handle litter removal and related maintenance on their behalf.
Most highways in Missouri are now included in the Sponsor-A-Highway program, with the vast majority of roadway miles open for sponsorship.
Through the service provider, each sponsored roadway is cleaned at least once per month, or more frequently as needed. In recognition of their support, sponsors receive Sponsor-A-Highway signage displaying their name and logo along the designated stretch of highway.
To participate in the Sponsor-A-Highway program, call 800-499-2367 or visit adoptahighway.net/missouri.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI ATHLETES TO COMPETE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES THIS WEEK
Multiple Southeast Missouri athletes will be participating in the Special Olympics USA Games this week.
Team Missouri will include two athletes from the Sikeston area. Kayla Dannenmuller will be competing in bowling, while Logan Gardner is a member of the Volleyball team. Melody Gardner, also of Sikeston, will serve as a volleyball coach.
According to the Special Olympics USA Games website, both the Bowling and Volleyball competitions will begin today in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
PORTAGEVILLE CITY PARK TO HOST PORTAGEVILLE FREEDOM FEST ON JULY 4TH
The Portageville Jaycees are hosting a celebration of America for the 4th of July.
Portageville Freedom Fest is scheduled for 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday, July 4th at Portageville City Park.
There will be multiple attractions and vendors for this year’s event.
For more information, call 573-391-3212.