Wednesday, July 1, 2026
OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION FOR AREA RESIDENTS DUE TO CONTINUING HIGH TEMPERATURES THIS WEEK
Officials with the American Red Cross are urging Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas residents to be cautious with the extremely high temperatures this week.
The excessive heat warning for the region has been extended until 8 pm on Friday. Weather officials say that daily maximum heat index readings in Poplar Bluff could remain over 100 degrees through the holiday weekend.
According to the Red Cross, everyone is at risk when temperatures rise; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.
Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
Everyone is advised to take extra precautions if you plan to work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
You can find more information online at RedCross.org.
MONDAY NIGHT EARTHQUAKE SHAKES BUTLER COUNTY
An earthquake shook Northwestern Butler County Monday night.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.9 earthquake was recorded at around 10:41 pm on Monday.
The earthquake was centered approximately 8.7 miles south southwest of Williamsville and had a depth of less than a mile.
As of press time, around a dozen people had reported feeling the earthquake to the USGS.
MULTIPLE AREA CREWS RESPOND TO FARM SHOP FIRE IN STODDARD COUNTY
Multiple area fire departments responded to a potentially dangerous situation Monday in Stoddard County.
According to the Advance Fire Department, mutual aid tanker support was requested to respond to a structure fire near Highway 60 and FF.
Officials say the fire involved a farm shop with propane tank exposures.
Fire crews from Advance, Dexter, Essex, Bernie, Bloomfield, and Morehouse all responded to the scene, as did the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department and Ambulance District.
No injuries have been reported.
APPLICATION PERIOD OPENS FOR MANAGED DEER HUNTS IS MISSOURI
The application period for managed deer hunts in Missouri is now open.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, deer hunters can apply online this month through the MDC website for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state this fall and winter.
The deer hunts will be for archery, muzzleloading, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January. Some of the hunts will be held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities.
The application period will be through July 31st and hunters will be selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available starting August 15th.
More information is available at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.
LADIES ONLY EVENT COMING UP ON THURSDAY AT R.W. HUNTINGTON POOL IN POPLAR BLUFF
A special ladies only event is coming this week in Poplar Bluff that will give area women a chance to relax around the pool.
The R.W. Huntington Pool is hosting Sip and Swim from 1 pm to 5 pm on Thursday.
For only $2, ladies will be able to enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool to enjoy a drink and refresh away from the kids. Children can be checked in at the tennis courts for supervised activities.
More information is available on the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
SURFACE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SET UNDERWAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
Contractor crews will be making driving surface improvements on Route F in Dunklin County over the next month.
Route F will have a 12-foot width restriction between Route 412 and the Arkansas State Line while work is underway.
Officials say that crews will be on site from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Friday, July 31st.
Drivers should anticipate short, intermittent lane closures and traffic will be directed with the use of flaggers and a pilot car.