Thursday, July 2, 2026
POPLAR BLUFF TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY ON SATURDAY
Poplar Bluff residents will be out celebrating the Fourth of July this Saturday.
The celebration will start Saturday morning with the Red, White, and Run 5K run and walk beginning at 7:30 am. Proceeds from the run will go to Haven House.
Check in and Registration will begin at 7 am at the Square in downtown Poplar Bluff.
The day will be capped off with the annual Poplar Bluff Independence Day Fireworks display, beginning at around 9 pm in downtown Poplar Bluff.
ONE KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED, IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH NEAR SENATH
Crews responded to the scene of a fatal crash early Wednesday morning in Dunklin County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle ran off of US Highway 412 at approximately 1 am before striking a ditch, overturning, and ejecting both of its occupants.
The driver, identified as a 24 year old Kennett man, was pronounced dead at the scene by Dunklin County Coroner James Powell.
The passenger was flown to a Memphis hospital with serious injuries.
HIGHWAY PATROL PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY TRAFFIC
With the Fourth of July coming up, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol are preparing for an increase in travelers on Missouri’s roadways.
Officials tell KWOC News that the Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. over the July Fourth holiday weekend. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists.
During the 2025 counting period, 13 people were killed and 415 were injured in Missouri during 993 traffic crashes. Troopers also arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated.
Troopers will also be working on the state’s waterways to enforce Missouri’s boating laws and provide assistance where needed. Missouri’s boaters are being asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water.
Boaters should also remember that Missouri Law prohibits the discharge of fireworks from a vessel.
Last year there were 11 boating crashes, which included four injuries and no fatalities during the holiday weekend.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI ATHLETES TAKE HOME SILVER MEDALS AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES
Multiple Southeast Missouri athletes are bringing home silver medals from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
According to Special Olympics Missouri, Kayla Dannenmueller, of Sikeston, won silver medals in the bowling singles and unified female doubles competitions. Dannenmueller, was also a part of the Unified Bowling team that brought home a bronze medal.
The Missouri Volleyball team also won a silver medal. That team included Logan Gardner from Sikeston, as well as from Daniel Fultz, Lucas Blattel, and Nathaniel Schwind, of Chaffee along with athletes from Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sedgewickville.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games were held last week in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota.
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.
MISS AND MISTER LITTLE FIRECRACKER BEAUTY PAGEANT SET FOR FRIDAY
A beauty pageant will be held on Friday in Poplar Bluff.
The Miss and Mister Little Firecracker Beauty Pageant will begin at 6 pm at the Poplar Bluff Holiday Inn.
Doors will open at 5 pm.
There will be divisions for girls up to 26 years of age. There will also be three divisions for young boys as well.
Admission to the pageant for spectators is $5.
For more information, call 573-718-8448.