Wednesday, July 22, 2026
POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL APPROVES EIGHT PERCENT RAISE FOR POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES
The Poplar Bluff City Council has approved a raise for employees of the Poplar Bluff Police Department.
The Council voted 4-3 Monday night to increase salaries at the Police Department by eight percent as a part of a larger budget amendment.
During the meeting, interim Poplar Bluff City Manager Lori Phelps elaborated that the pay increase will cause a reduction in funds to other departments in the city including an over 23 percent cut to the general funds if another funding source is not found.
Councilpersons Robert Smith, Lisa Armes Parson, Barbara Horton, and Shane Cornman voted in favor of the proposal while Councilmen David Boyer, Michael Jones, and Billy DePew voted against.
MISSOURI STATE AUDITOR SAYS LOCAL AMBULANCE DISTRICT IS MAKING PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2024 AUDIT
A 2024 audit revealed that a local ambulance district had nearly a quarter million dollars of its funds misappropriated by a former district director and state officials are saying that work has been made to improve operations.
According to Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, from January 1, 2017, to June 15, 2023, money totaling at least $249,247 was misappropriated from the Naylor-Neelyville Ambulance District by former director Brad Davis.
Davis has now been charged with a class C felony of stealing $25,000 or more and his case is currently awaiting trial.
Fitzpatrick tells KWOC News that new leadership is moving in the right direction as they are taking steps to prevent the district from being taken advantage of again in the future. Fitzpatrick added that there is still more work to be done but he is encouraged by the response the Board of Directors has had to his initial audit report.
The follow-up report on the Naylor-Neelyville Ambulance District is available at auditor.mo.gov.
TWO FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH INVOLVING A MOPED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Two people were flown from the scene of a crash involving a moped Monday night.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 21 year old man, from Campbell, was driving the moped when it turned into the path of another vehicle and was struck on US Highway 62 in New Madrid County.
The driver and a 18 year old passenger on the moped both suffered serious injuries and were flown to a Memphis hospital.
No injuries were listed for the driver of the second vehicle.
POPLAR BLUFF PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST BACK TO SCHOOL BASH IN AUGUST
The Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department has started planning for their end of summer event.
The 2026 Back to School Bash has been scheduled for 9 am to noon on Saturday, August 1st at Whiteley Park in Poplar Bluff.
There will be a foam party, yard games, a water slide, and fun for the entire family. Registration is open for local organizations who want to give away school supplies at the event.
For more information, go to the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
OVER THREE MONTH ROAD PROJECT UNDERWAY ON ROUTE D IN CARTER COUNTY
Route D in Carter County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction for over three months so contractor crews can perform shoulder repairs, drainage work and overlay the roadway.
The work zone is located from County Road 123 to Business 60 near Van Buren.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sunday, October 31.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY ON INTERSTATE 55 IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Southbound Interstate 55 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge maintenance.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from mile marker 65 to mile marker 64.8.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.