Tuesday August 18, 2026
POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL VOTES 6-1 TO ENTER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ICE
The Poplar Bluff City Council voted 6-1 to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement related to the 287(g) program.
City officials say the agreement is needed in order for the Poplar Bluff Police Department to apply for related grant funding.
Poplar Bluff Police Chief JR Keirsey says that being a part of the ICE program is a prerequisite for the Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide grant program.
Keirsey says that the Department is applying for grants through the program to replace the department’s tasers, to acquire two drones, and join Axon Era, which would allow their newest body-worn cameras the ability to translate languages while on scene with a citizen, and a report writing program.
FRESHMAN ORIENTATION SET FOR TODAY AT POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL
Freshman orientation is today at Poplar Bluff High School.
Officials say that orientation will begin at 1 pm and students will get to learn more about life at the High School, get their class schedule, pick up their school laptop, learn the layout of the campus, and meet their advisory class.
Orientation will be followed by the Poplar Bluff High School open house from 5 to 6:30 pm.
If you have any questions, contact the Poplar Bluff High School at 573-785-6471.
RESERVATIONS FOR MANAGED WATERFOWL HUNTS TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 1
The Missouri Department of Conservation will be accepting reservations for managed waterfowl hunts beginning September 1st.
MDC offers managed waterfowl hunting on more than a dozen conservation areas specially managed with a focus on wetlands. Hunters can apply for a reservation or participate in a daily morning drawing for opportunities to hunt at these areas. MDC also offers waterfowl hunting in other conservation areas.
The pre-season reservation period will run from September 1 to the 18th.
Missouri residents and qualifying non-residents, such as students from out of state or members of the military stationed in Missouri, can apply online for a reservation to guarantee them an opportunity to hunt on a specific day in a specific area.
Residents and nonresidents can also arrive at a managed waterfowl hunting area the morning they wish to hunt and participate in the daily morning drawing for the possibility of getting a hunting spot.
Applicants for waterfowl reservations must have their required permits to apply, and their Federal Duck Stamp to hunt.
For more information, or to apply, visit mdc.mo.gov.
BUTLER COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED BEGINNING TODAY FOR BRIDGE DECK REPLACEMENT
A Butler County road will be closed until after Thanksgiving for a bridge project.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route MM in Butler County will be closed beginning today so contractor crews can replace the bridge deck over Harviell Ditch between County Roads 355 and 373.
The project’s completion is anticipated by Monday, November 30th, weather permitting.
MOTORISTS ASKED TO WATCH FOR STUDENTS ON THE ROADWAYS
With Missouri students returning to school next week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to watch for students.
Drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses and parents taking their children to school and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Also expect an increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus.
Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
AREA RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THEIR INPUT ON TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AT A MEETING IN POPLAR BLUFF
The public is invited to join the Missouri Department of Transportation this week in Poplar Bluff to discuss high-priority unfunded transportation needs.
MoDOT, working with its regional planning partners, has outlined a draft High-Priority Unfunded Needs listing, which identifies $1.3 billion in annual unfunded transportation needs for the system.
The list was created to guide the development of needs into funded projects as state and federal transportation funds become available in future years.
Officials say that the public is invited to review the list and provide feedback on the order of priorities and additional needs that could be funded in the future.
A meeting to discuss the draft list in Southeast Missouri will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 20th at Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission in Poplar Bluff.
Meeting materials will also be available online at modot.org.
POPLAR BLUFF STUDENT COUNCIL BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK
Poplar Bluff residents can give back next week by donating at the Poplar Bluff Community Blood Drive.
The event is scheduled for Friday August 28th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Poplar Bluff High School Auxiliary Gym.
Everyone who donates can also receive a $20 Amazon Gift card, while supplies last.