Thursday, August 6, 2026
SPECIAL EVENT TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF TO FEATURE ROOFUS THE KANGAROO
A special event will be held today in Poplar Bluff featuring Roofus the Kangaroo.
Roofus went viral last week after being reported missing in Stoddard County. After a multi day kangaroo hunt, Roofus was recovered safely and returned to his owners.
Roofus will be at Barkers Towing and Auto Repair on South Westwood Boulevard this afternoon from 3 to 5 pm. Attendees will be able to get their picture taken with Roofus.
POPLAR BLUFF PARENTS ASKED TO FILL OUT FORM IF THEIR KIDS WILL BE RIDING A SCHOOL BUS THIS YEAR
Poplar Bluff parents are being asked to fill out a form to help the Poplar Bluff school district build and adjust routes for the upcoming school year.
A link to the form is available on the Back to School Checklist at PBMules.com.
Parents of Poplar Bluff students in grades K through 12, as well as the Early Childhood Center, who will be riding a school bus are asked to complete the form by August 7th.
STUDENTS ARE STARTING TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
August is underway and students are starting to return to classes in Northeast Arkansas.
The Paragould School District is one of the first schools to start welcoming back students, with today being the first day of school.
Officials say that starting earlier will allow for some breaks during the year, including a full week off in October and a four-day weekend in February.
Next week will see more school openings in Northeast Arkansas, including Maynard and Hoxie in the early parts of the week.
RUN 4 THE ARTS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 12TH
A date has been set for the 11th annual Run 4 the Arts hosted by Three Rivers College.
The four-mile run or walk, along with the walk and wag, will be held at 8 am on Saturday, September 12th at the College’s Poplar Bluff Campus. The course will begin and end in front of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.
Funds from the event will go to benefit Three Rivers fine arts scholarships.
You can register online at TRCC.edu.
WATER RELATED FATALITIES UP DRAMATICALLY THIS YEAR IN MISSOURI
Water related deaths are up dramatically this year in Missouri.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, during the first seven months of the year, the Patrol responded to 27 drownings and 30 total water fatalities. That is an 80 percent increase in state-wide drownings, and more than 36 percent increase in total water fatalities from this time in 2025.
One of the most important things you can do when around water is remembering to wear a life jacket. Officials say that it is common for teens and even adults to overestimate their swimming ability, so even if a person chooses not to wear a life jacket, keeping a life jacket or other adequate flotation within reach is crucial.
Only one of the 30 water fatalities so far this year was confirmed to have been wearing a personal flotation device. The best practice is to always wear a life jacket while on the water.
MOTORISTS ASKED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MOWING CREWS
Missouri motorists are asked to be careful when approaching mowing crews along Missouri’s highways.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, major and minor routes will be mowed at least three times throughout the year.
Motorists are asked to be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, around 2 to 5 mph. When you approach one of these vehicles, slow down and focus on the road ahead of you.
Crews may also use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers.
Be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.