Monday, June 29, 2026
DANGEROUS HEAT AND HUMIDITY EXPECTED FOR THIS WEEK
The first extended heat wave of the summer has started in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service, daily highs are expected to be in the mid 90’s for much of this week, with heat index values possibly getting around 105 degrees.
The heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Everyone is reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room out of the sun if possible, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions if you have to work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
Officials say that an Extreme Heat Warning will be in effect from 11 am this morning through 8 pm on Thursday.
Multiple cooling centers will be open to help residents stay out of the heat and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also provided a tool to find cooling centers in your area. A link to the tool is available on our Facebook page.
MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION INTO SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A CHILD
A man has been taken into custody in Carter County for alleged sexual offenses against a juvenile.
According to Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell, Willard Campbell, of Ellsinore, was arrested Thursday on four counts of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy, one count of child molestation in the first degree, and one count of statutory rape or attempted statutory rape in the first degree.
Sheriff Bradwell says that the investigation was in connection to multiple severe offenses involving a child less than 14 years old.
MAN DIES FROM INJURIES HE RECEIVED DURING SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
An area man has died from injuries he received over the weekend during a single vehicle crash.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 61 year old Steele man was driving on Route DD, near Cooter, when his vehicle ran off the side of the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned.
The crash occurred Saturday afternoon, shortly before 4 pm.
The man was flown to a Memphis hospital where he was pronounced dead Sunday morning.
PIEDMONT TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING FOR GRANT APPLICATION
The city of Piedmont will be holding a public hearing today to discuss a grant application.
The hearing is scheduled for 5 pm at the Piedmont City Hall to discuss the city’s submission of a Demolition application for the Fiscal Year 26 Community Development Block Grant program.
The city is proposing to demolish vacant structures within the city limits. The total project cost is estimated at a maximum of $200,000.
The city would contribute approximately $250 per structure in cash while property owners must consent and provide $500 for residential structures or 20 percent of demolition costs for commercial properties with grant funds to make up the balance.
For more information on the proposed project, contact City Clerk Morgan Robinson at 573-223-7660.
CREWS RESPOND TO MULTIPLE REPORTS OF SMOKE AT FORMER POPLAR BLUFF HOSPITAL
Fire crews responded to the location of a former hospital in Poplar Bluff over the weekend.
On Friday, firefighters were dispatched to the former Doctors Regional Medical Center after smoke was observed coming from the vacant building. Crews discovered a piece of equipment left inside the building had caught fire.
Crews once again responded to the building Sunday morning following reports of smoke coming from the building.
Officials say that the former hospital has been vacant for several years, has no active utilities, and has been boarded up.
No injuries have been reported.
WORK SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK ON INTERSTATE 55 IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Northbound Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County will be reduced to one lane for the early part of this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from mile marker 16.5 to mile marker 17.8.
Weather permitting, work will take place today and tomorrow from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.