WOMAN FLOWN FROM THE SCENE OF A SOUTHEAST MISSOURI CRASH
A Hayti woman was flown from the scene of a single vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 47 year old woman was driving on Route K in Pemiscot County when her vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, and then overturned.
The woman, who was not wearing a safety device, suffered serious injuries in the crash and was flown to a Memphis hospital.
DATES SET FOR OPEN HOUSE AND ORIENTATIONS IN THE POPLAR BLUFF R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT
Parents in Poplar Bluff will have the opportunity to learn more about the schools their children will be attending this fall during a series of open houses scheduled for next month.
The Poplar Bluff High School Open House is set for Thursday, August 14th, followed by Freshman Orientation on the 15th.
Early Childhood Meet the teacher visits are scheduled for August 15th, 18th, and 19th.
ELLSINORE WOMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT
A woman has been arrested in Carter County on multiple counts of child endangerment.
According to Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell, on Monday, investigators conducted a well-being check on a residence that contained very small children.
During the check, deputies discovered conditions that were deemed hazardous. Bradwell says that the environment was determined to be severely unsanitary and unfit for habitation.
FEMA DEADLINE IS TODAY TO APPLY FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE FROM MARCH STORMS
Homeowners in several Southeast Missouri counties are running out of time to apply for assistance from FEMA for damage they received in the storms this past March.
According to FEMA officials, homeowners and renters who were affected by the March 14th and 15th disaster in 18 counties, including Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne, may be eligible.
The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance from that storm system is today.
HOT AND HUMID TEMPERATURES EXPECTED THIS WEEK IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Excessive heat and humidity is expected to cause dangerous conditions this week in Southeast Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service, heat index values could reach as high as 110 degrees, for several days in a row for portions of our listening area.
The heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Everyone is reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions if you have to work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR NEW HIGHWAY PATROL RECRUIT CLASS
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is seeking applicants for its 126th Recruit Class.
Highway Patrol officials tell KWOC News that the selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure which includes a written examination, a physical fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, and oral interview board.
To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy.
The 126th Recruit Class is scheduled to begin training on April 20, 2026. For more information, go online to www.joinmshp.us.
DANGEROUS HEAT CONDITIONS TO BEGIN IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Excessive heat conditions could pose danger to many residents in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a dangerous, prolonged heatwave will begin today and continue through at least the middle of next week.
In Poplar Bluff temperatures are expected to top out in the mid 90’s, with heat index values reaching up to 105 degrees during this time period.
Officials say that dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken.
If you have to be outside for work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
NEW 11 MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY TO BRING OVER 70 JOBS TO POPLAR BLUFF
A new 85-bed skilled nursing facility is coming to Poplar Bluff, bringing over 70 new jobs to the area.
KWOC News spoke with Poplar Bluff City Manager Robert Knodell, about what this means for Poplar Bluff.
“We know that there’s been a need and a demand here in our community for additional choices when it comes to skilled nursing for elderly loved ones that’s always a difficult choice for families. We know we’ve had a number of families here locally that have taken their loved ones to facilities and other communities that they felt would best meet their needs and we want those to be met here in Poplar Bluff. Conversations began about potentially a new skilled nursing facility that would have 85 beds all private rooms they will accept patients either participate in Medicaid program or private pay and above all this represents an $11 million investment in our community here in Poplar Bluff, 70 to 90 new jobs in our community and we’re excited that the conversations that government leaders here locally began to have with potential nursing home developers came to fruition. This is a highly regulated industry and we had to complete a very difficult process to get regulatory approval from the state of Missouri. One thing about this project that’s really exciting is that the community truly came together very early on the Butler County commission adopted a resolution and support of this project as did the Poplar Bluff City Council, our Mayor, our Mayor Pro Tem wrote separate letters of support strong support from State Representative Hardy Billington, Senator Jason Bean, and our executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, healthcare leaders, and citizens that simply want this additional choice for our citizens here.”
Construction on the new skilled nursing facility is expected to begin later this year, and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.
POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL OFFICIALS RELEASE BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST FOR AREA PARENTS
We are a little more than a month away from kids returning back to school across the area.
To help parents get ready for when the school year starts, Poplar Bluff School officials have released a new “Back to School Checklist.”
Officials say the checklist provides a step-by-step guide to help parents navigate all the essential tasks for a successful start to the new school year.
The checklist includes registration details, health preparations, communication tools, and suggestions for daily routines.
You can find the checklist online at PoplarBluffSchools.net.
FEMA DEADLINE APPROACHING TO APPLY FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE FROM MARCH STORMS
Homeowners in several Southeast Missouri counties are running out of time to apply for assistance from FEMA for damage they received in the storms this past March.
According to FEMA officials, homeowners and renters who were affected by the March 14th and 15th disaster in 18 counties, including Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne, may be eligible.
The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance from that storm system is July 22nd.
RIVER RADIO BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY
Give the gift of life today at the River Radio Blood Drive in Poplar Bluff.
The Blood Drive has been scheduled for noon to 5 pm at Larry Hillis Dodge on North Westwood Boulevard.
Anyone wanting to donate can call 1-800 Red Cross or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the code RiverRadio to schedule an appointment.
SEVEN PEOPLE INJURED, INCLUDING SIX CHILDREN, IN POPLAR BLUFF AREA CRASH
Seven people were injured, including multiple children, in connection to a two vehicle crash Wednesday morning in the Poplar Bluff area.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 8 am when a Chevrolet Equinox struck a stationary vehicle on Marble Hill Road, north of White Oak Drive.
The driver of the Equinox, identified as a 46 year old Poplar Bluff man, along with six children, ages 4 to 9, all suffered serious injuries in the crash and were taken by ambulance to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY A VEHICLE EARLY TUESDAY MORNING IN POPLAR BLUFF
A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle early Tuesday in Poplar Bluff.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 29 year old man, from Poplar Bluff, was walking in the roadway in the area of Westwood Boulevard and West Pine Street when he was hit by the vehicle.
The incident occurred at around 5:20 am Tuesday morning.
PUXICO WOMAN INJURED IN EARLY MORNING SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH
A Puxico woman was injured early Monday morning in a single vehicle crash.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 48 year old woman was driving on Missouri Highway 51, shortly after midnight Monday morning, when her vehicle ran off the side of the roadway and struck a tree.
The woman suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
RIVER RADIO BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK
Reservations are now being accepted for the next River Radio Blood Drive in Poplar Bluff.
The Blood Drive has been scheduled for noon to 5 pm on Friday at Larry Hillis Dodge on North Westwood Boulevard.
Anyone wanting to donate can call 1-800 Red Cross or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the code RiverRadio to schedule an appointment.
HIGHWAY PATROL PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY TRAFFIC
With the Fourth of July coming up, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol are preparing for an increase in travelers on Missouri’s roadways.
Officials tell KWOC News that the Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. over the July Fourth holiday weekend. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists.
During the 2024 counting period, 14 people were killed and 560 injured in Missouri in 1,366 traffic crashes. Troopers also arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated.
ONE DEAD FOLLOWING CAR FIRE IN SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY
Emergency crews responded to the scene of a fatal car fire Tuesday in Southern Wayne County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle travelled off the right side of Northbound US Highway 67, nine miles south of Greenville.
The vehicle then struck a ditch, overturned, and caught fire.
POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL OFFICIALS RELEASE BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST FOR AREA PARENTS
July has started which means kids will be returning to school before you know it.
To help parents get ready for when the school year starts, Poplar Bluff School officials have released a new “Back to School Checklist.”
Officials say the checklist provides a step-by-step guide to help parents navigate all the essential tasks for a successful start to the new school year.
NEW SERVICE ALLOWS USERS TO RECEIVE KWOC NEWS AND WEATHER ALERTS VIA TEXT
A new service is available for users in the Poplar Bluff area to receive breaking news and weather alerts via their phone.
Today’s Talk KWOC is providing the service via your text message service.
To sign up to receive breaking news and weather alerts for Poplar Bluff and the surrounding area, text the word News to 573-785-3838.
EVENT TO BE HELD IN BUTLER COUNTY TO COMMEMORATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AN UNSOLVED MURDER
A special event has been scheduled for today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of an unsolved homicide case in Butler County.
18 year old Geneva Hastings was last seen leaving a party at Wolf Creek on June 27, 1975. Her body was discovered a few days later.
