Tuesday, July 28, 2026
EVENT HELD TO CELEBRATE 100 MILLIONTH ENGINE PRODUCED AT BRIGGS AND STRATTON PLANT IN POPLAR BLUFF
An event was held Monday to celebrate Briggs & Stratton in Poplar Bluff producing their 100 millionth engine.
Numerous state and local leaders attended the event at the Briggs & Stratton Poplar Bluff Plant, including United States Representative Jason Smith and Poplar Bluff Mayor Robert Smith.
The factory opened its doors in 1989. Brad Massey, Briggs & Stratton Poplar Bluff plant manager, says that the factory mostly produces engines for walk behind mowers.
Officials say that the plant employs over 540 people and has an annual economic output of $89 million dollars.
EXTREME HEAT WARNING CONTINUES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Dangerously hot conditions are continuing today in Southeast Missouri
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through 7 pm this evening.
Officials say that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat index values to reach around 115 degrees.
Officials say that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun if possible, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Multiple area communities have also opened up cooling centers to help local residents stay out of the heat.
THREE RIVERS ENDOWMENT TRUST ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS PURSUING A DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
A new scholarship will be available for Three Rivers College students pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Development.
The Three Rivers Endowment Trust has announced that the Ava Grace Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for the first time this fall. The scholarship was funded by the family of Ava Grace Felps, who passed away in 2025 at the age of eight.
“Ava danced through life with a softball in hand, chasing butterflies beneath sunny skies, singing songs from the depths of her joyful heart, and filling every room with laughter and light. Her faith was unwavering, guiding her gentle spirit and teaching her to love without limits,” Ava’s mother Michele Felps said.
“She never met a stranger, only friends she hadn't made yet, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or share one of her beautiful smiles. Though her time on earth was only 8 precious years, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the light she brought into this world will shine forever. She was a blessing, a gift, and a spark of heaven among us. Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and carried in our hearts always.”
The endowed funds will allow for perpetual awards, and the family will continue fundraising efforts to increase the annual awards.
MISSOURI SALES TAX HOLIDAY BEGINS AUGUST 7TH
Missouri’s annual back to school sales tax holiday will begin next month.
According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, the tax holiday will run from Friday, August 7th through Sunday, August 9th.
During this time, certain back-to-school purchases such as school supplies, computers, clothing and other qualifying items as defined by statute are exempt from all state and local sales tax or use tax taxes.
Eligible items include clothing that does not have a taxable value of more than $100 and personal computers that do not cost more than $1,500, among other items.
For more information, visit dor.mo.gov.
POPLAR BLUFF HOUSING AUTHORITY TO HOST BLOCK PARTY
The Poplar Bluff Housing Authority will be throwing a block party next week.
The National Night Out Block Party will be held from 5 to 7 pm on August 4th at the Housing Authority on North E Street.
The free event will include food, games, a petting zoo, music, family activities, and more.
Officials say that the Block Party is to promote strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Route 80 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge maintenance.
The work zone is located from Route V to Outer 55 Road near Matthews.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both today and tomorrow.