Friday, June 5, 2026
BLUFF’S ALL-AMERICAN WEEKEND BEGINS TODAY
Poplar Bluff will be celebrating America’s 250th Birthday at a special event this weekend.
Bluff’s All American Weekend has been scheduled for today and Saturday at Ray Clinton Park.
Tickets for today are $5 and will include a family friendly demolition derby, monster trucks, a drone show and more. Gates open at 5 pm.
Saturday will be a free family day at the event, with bounce houses, food trucks, a hot dog eating contest, and more. The dog show at the Downtown Dog Park will begin at 9 am, with the gates opening at Ray Clinton Park at 11 am.
The event is being presented by Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation and the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit the Bluff’s All American Weekend Facebook Page.
RIPLEY COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MULTIPLE COUNTS OF PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
A Ripley County man will be sentenced in September after admitting to recording his sexual abuse of five young children in 2024 and 2025.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 26 year old Lantz Crawford has pleaded guilty to five counts of production of child pornography.
After one of the victims reported the abuse, Crawford’s phone was seized and investigators found child sexual abuse material involving young children.
Officials say that Crawford faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison at his sentencing, however the U.S. Attorney’s Office will recommend a sentence of 60 years.
Crawford’s sentencing is scheduled for September 3rd.
ANNUAL MISSOURI FREE FISHING DAYS COMING UP THIS WEEKEND
The annual Free Fishing Days weekend in Missouri is coming up this weekend.
Missouri Department of Conservation officials say that during the Free Fishing Days on June 6th and 7th anyone may fish in Missouri without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag.
Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect during Free Fishing Days, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas.
You can find more information about fishing in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov.
CRASH NEAR POPLAR BLUFF INJURES TWO
A Thursday afternoon crash near Poplar Bluff resulted in injuries to two people.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on the US Highway 67 off ramp, one half mile north of Poplar Bluff, when a vehicle travelled off the roadway, overturned, and struck a tree.
The 81 year old driver and a 75 year old passenger, both from Monterrey Nuevo Leon, Mexico, were injured in the crash.
The passenger suffered serious injuries and was flown to a St. Louis hospital. The driver received minor injuries and was taken to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
TODAY IS SUMMER SAFETY DAY IN MISSOURI
As we get closer to the official start of Summer, state and national officials are encouraging everyone to be prepared for extreme heat and humidity over the coming months.
Today is Summer Safety Day in Missouri.
The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service encourage everyone to pay attention to local forecasts and plan accordingly when working or participating in activities outside.
Humidity can amplify the feeling of heat measured by a heat index, so it is especially important to keep a close eye on friends and family and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
According to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, last year there were 35 deaths in Missouri with heat-related causes. One death was occupational, while five deaths were in hot vehicles.
Officials say that you should never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Even on a cooler day or with the windows down, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and pose a serious threat to anyone left inside.
STARS AND STRIDES 5K TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND
A 5K race is coming this weekend as a part of Bluff’s All-American Weekend and Welcome Summer 2026
The Stars and Strides 5K will start at 7:30 am on Saturday at Ray Clinton Park.
The cost to register is $10 and check-ins will begin at 7 am.
You can register online at pbparks.recdesk.com.
RIPLEY LAKE HOSTING YOUTH FISHING DAY ON SATURDAY
A free event has been scheduled for Saturday to get area kids out fishing.
The Eleven Point Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest is hosting a youth fishing day from 8 am to noon on Saturday, June 6th, at Ripley Lake.
Kids ages two to 15 are invited to attend and fishing licenses are not required.
The Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service have limited fishing gear to provide, so participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment and bait.
The Ripley County Fire Department and Doniphan City Police Department will provide grilled hot dogs, chips, cookies, and beverages for lunch. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own water, snacks, and chairs.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information, contact the Mark Twain National Forest Facebook office by calling 573-996-2153.
DEADLINE IS TODAY TO PURCHASE TAGS FOR BULKY ITEM PICKUP
Today is the final day for Poplar Bluff residents to purchase tags for this month’s Bulky Item Pickup.
Residents can purchase bulk item tags from the City Collector’s office at City Hall.
Officials say there have been some price adjustments. The cost is now $10 per tag, which will cover one large item. Up to four tags may be purchased per month.
The cost for tire pickup is now $5 per tire for up to four tires.
No construction materials or small items will be picked up and the program is for residential areas only.
Today is the final day to purchase item tags at City Hall to be included in next week’s pick up, which will be conducted on Tuesday, June 9th.