Friday, July 31, 2026
POPLAR BLUFF PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST BACK TO SCHOOL BASH ON SATURDAY
The Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department is holding their big end of summer event this weekend.
The 2026 Back to School Bash has been scheduled for 9 am to noon on Saturday 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.
PROPOSED RIPLEY COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT TO BE VOTED ON DURING PRIMARY ELECTION
Residents in Ripley, Stoddard, and Wayne Counties will head to the polls on Tuesday.
Voters in Ripley County will decide if the County should incorporate a Fire Protection District.
There are also competitive races for the Republican nomination for Recorder of Deeds between Christi Kirby and Donnie Johnson Jr, as well as Doniphan Township Committeeman between Steve Collins and Jerry Lynxwiler.
In Stoddard County, the battle for the Republican nomination for County Clerk will see Courtney Aslin take on Larry Sandage.
Moving to Wayne County. Republicans will decide between Jason Street and Cindy Thompson for the Presiding Commissioner nomination. The race for the nomination for County Collector is between Gracie Alberson and Landon Smith.
STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE BEGINNING THIS AFTERNOON
Chances of severe weather will return to the region today.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a few strong to severe storms will be possible in Southeast Missouri this afternoon into the evening.
Most of the region is listed as having a slight risk of severe weather today.
GATEWOOD MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH NEAR DONIPHAN
A Ripley County man was flown to a regional hospital Wednesday night following a motorcycle crash.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 49 year old Gatewood man was driving on Missouri Highway 142 when he swerved to avoid an animal on the roadway and overturned.
The man suffered serious injuries in the crash and was flown to a Memphis hospital for treatment.
GOAT TO BE SHOWN AT MOVIE IN THE PARK TONIGHT
An area at Wappapello Lake will be converted to a movie theater tonight.
Movie in the Park will begin at dusk at the Spillway Recreation Area.
The film Goat will be shown, free of charge, and there will also be hot dogs for sale. Attendees should remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
The Spillway Recreation area is located off of Highway T right before the dam.
MENARDS HOSTING FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES
A Poplar Bluff area business is accepting food donations to be distributed to the community.
The Poplar Bluff Menards is partnering with area food pantries by serving as a drop off location for donations. Today is the final day to submit donations for the food drive.
Menards also offers a wide variety of non-perishable food items that can be donated immediately in their grocery department, such as boxes of cereal and cans of soup.
Beginning Saturday, the Poplar Bluff Menards will serve as a drop off location for pet supply donations through September 30th.