NAYLOR SCHOOLS TO BE OUT FOR THE REST OF THIS WEEK DUE TO ILLNESS

Widespread illness has forced the cancellation of classes for the rest of this week in a Southeast Missouri School District.

Officials with the Naylor R-2 School District say that school will be dismissed from today through Friday of this week. On Monday, teachers sent home AMI work or instructions to access work home with the students who were present.

If your child was absent and did not receive their work or know how to access it, they can follow up with teachers next week to get caught up.

POPLAR BLUFF LINEBACKER NAMED TO THE ALL STATE TEAM

A key member of the Poplar Bluff Mules Football defense has been named to the All-State team.

According to school officials, Linebacker Logan Hite was chosen for the All-State 2nd team.

In addition, 12 members of the Mules Football squad were also selected to the academic all-state team.

RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE IS TONIGHT

Christmas lights will be shining bright tonight in Downtown Poplar Bluff.

The 2023 River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin at 6 pm with line up starting at 4:30 pm at the Sky High Indoor Park parking lot.

The parade route this year will run from Highway 53 at McDonalds, north along Ditch Road into Downtown Poplar Bluff, then east on Vine Street, before circling back on Main Street. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

JUVENILE FACING 1ST DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN CONNECTION TO NORTHEAST ARKANSAS HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

Updating a story we brought to you earlier this week, a juvenile is in custody in connection to a homicide investigation in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Paragould Police Department, on November 27th, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Reynolds Road and Country Club Road in reference to a male subject waving down and hitting cars.

Officers located the subject at the intersection and determined that he was possibly under the influence of drugs and/or in need of a mental health evaluation. The subject made multiple statements about his grandfather and officers went to an address given to them to conduct a welfare check.

ONE KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH NEAR ESSEX

One person is dead in connection to a single vehicle crash late Monday night in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 30 year old Caleb Cockrell, of Puxico, was driving on Route KK when his vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a tree.

Cockrell was pronounced dead at the scene by Stoddard County Coroner Brent Stidham.

Officials say the crash occurred at around 10 pm, three miles south of Essex.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING FATAL SHOOTING, SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

One person is dead following a shooting on Monday.

Jason Elms with the Paragould Police Department tells KWOC News that shortly before 11 am Monday morning, Paragould Emergency Services received a 911 call of a male subject waving down motorists and attempting to get into any vehicle that would stop.

The subject was detained by police for possible impairment or mental health concerns. The subject indicated to police that his father may be experiencing health issues at their residence.

RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS FRIDAY

Christmas lights will be shining bright this Friday night in Downtown Poplar Bluff.

The 2023 River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin at 6 pm on Friday. The line up will begin at 4:30 pm at the Sky High Indoor Park parking lot.

The parade route this year will run from Highway 53 at McDonalds, north along Ditch Road into Downtown Poplar Bluff, then east on Vine Street, before circling back on Main Street. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

MOTORISTS ENCOURAGED TO DRIVE SAFELY DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY PERIOD

Many Missouri residents are getting ready to get on the road to see their family for Thanksgiving, but officials are urging motorists to keep safety in mind.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, nine people were killed and another 482 were injured during the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Officials are urging motorists to be vigilant, always buckle up, obey posted speed limits, and never drive impaired or distracted.

THANKSGIVING COOKING SAFETY TIPS

Thanksgiving is almost here, and the American Red Cross is reminding you to stay safe while you prepare the holiday dinner.

The Red Cross advises that cooks should avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while preparing the holiday meal.

You should also never leave the stove unattended – if the cook has to leave the kitchen even for a short time, they should turn off the stove.

Remember to clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup and keep anything that can catch fire, including pot holders, oven mitts, and food packaging, away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

NEW PROSECUTOR AND CIRCUIT JUDGE SWORN IN FOR BUTLER COUNTY

A new judge and prosecutor have been sworn in for Butler County.

Former County Prosecutor Kacey Proctor was sworn in Friday as the Presiding Circuit Judge of the 36th Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to the position earlier this month by Governor Mike Parson to take over for the retiring Michael Pritchett.

With Proctor’s appointment, that created a opening for the Butler County Prosecutor position, which was filled Friday morning when Paul Oesterreicher was sworn in.

LINE UP LOCATION CHANGED FOR RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

The line up location has been changed for the upcoming River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade.

Line up will begin at 4:30 pm on Friday, December 1st at the Sky High Indoor Park parking lot, which used to be the location of Hydro Adventures.

The parade will begin at 6 pm and run from Highway 53, north along Ditch Road, then east on Vine Street, before circling back on Main Street.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE THREATS MADE IN CONNECTION TO POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL

Authorities are investigating a threat made on social media concerning Poplar Bluff High School.

Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman tells KWOC News that the school district has been made aware of a Snapchat posting that shared an image of an A.R. style rifle resting on the tailgate of a truck with comments indicating possible threats to the High School.

School officials acted immediately to investigate and maintain the safety of all Poplar Bluff students, staff, and families. Law enforcement officials have made contact with the students involved in the incident.

COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING TO BE HELD IN DOWNTOWN POPLAR BLUFF ON DECEMBER 1ST

Downtown Poplar Bluff will be filled with the spirit of Christmas this December.

The lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, brought to you by Missouri Highlands Health Care, has been scheduled for 6 pm, on Friday, December 1st.

The Christmas Tree will be located in front of the Black River Coliseum and the lighting of the tree will be broadcast on the Today’s Talk KWOC, Clear 94, Z95 the Bone, and Hot 92.9 Facebook pages, as well as the River Radio Youtube page.

OVER 90 THOUSAND DEER HARVESTED DURING OPENING WEEKEND OF FIREARM DEER SEASON

Hunters across Missouri took to the woods over the weekend for the opening of the November potion of firearms deer season.

According to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation, hunters harvested 90,334 deer during opening weekend. Of the deer harvested, 53,159 were antlered bucks, 7,163 were button bucks, and 30,012 were does.

POPLAR BLUFF SWIMMER FINISHES IN 15TH PLACE DURING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

A Poplar Bluff swimmer placed in the top 15 at the state swimming championships.

Poplar Bluff’s Carson Todd finished in 15th place Friday in the 50 Freestyle during the MSHSAA Class 1 State Swimming Championship at St. Peters.

Todd also set new school records in the 50 and 100 freestyle. New school records were also set by the Mules in the 200 medley relay as well as by Poplar Bluff’s Owen McDaniel in the 100 breaststroke.