DEBBIE SLIGER NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR BY POPLAR BLUFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A familiar face in Poplar Bluff has been honored as the 2023 Citizen of the Year.

Debbie Sliger was presented the award during the annual Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce Banquet that was held on Saturday at the Black River Coliseum.

Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter tells KWOC News, that Sliger is the owner of Myrtles Place and embodies the spirit of success, has unwavering determination, and a heart that beats for the betterment of downtown Poplar Bluff. Her business stands not just as a testament to her hard work but also as a symbol of her commitment to the community.

THREE ARRESTED FOLLOWING STEALING REPORT IN STODDARD COUNTY

Three people have been taken into custody in connection to a report of stealing in Stoddard County.

According to Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner, on Wednesday, his office received a call in reference to stealing on State Highway 153 near Essex.

At the location, a deputy located a white pickup truck and trailer loaded with scrap metal. During the investigation it was determined the scrap metal items on the truck and trailer had been stolen from the property.

ALUMINUM SMELTER IN NEW MADRID COUNTY TO NO LONGER REQUIRE MOST EMPLOYEES AFTER JANUARY 28TH

Employees at an aluminum smelter in New Madrid County could be without jobs before the end of the month.

Magnitude 7 Metals told their employees on Wednesday that most employees will not be required after January 28th.

Operations at the plant will be curtailed over the next few days due to the abnormally cold weather that have impaired operations.

POPLAR BLUFF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS COMPETITION

Poplar Bluff students recently took part in a Special Olympics competition in Wentzville.

The Winter Special Olympics Basketball Tournament was held on Sunday Wabash Elementary and saw Poplar Bluff place 2nd in the 5v5 tournament.

Poplar Bluff’s Caden Hubbard also placed first in his individual skills competition.

COUNTERFEIT 100 DOLLAR BILLS FOUND IN CIRCULATION IN POPLAR BLUFF

Counterfeit 100 dollar bills are reportedly in circulation in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the bills all have the same serial number of B71 555 538D.

Anyone who suspects they have received fake money is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department as soon as possible.

MAN IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING STODDARD COUNTY PURSUIT

A man was taken into custody following a pursuit in Stoddard County.

According to the Dexter Police Department, a patrolman attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle Friday afternoon on Highway 25 when the driver attempted to flee.

A pursuit was initiated which finally came to an end when the driver drove into a ditch on State Highway BB.

The driver, 37 year old Joseph Fowler, of Arnold, was found to have multiple outstanding felony warrants and was taken into custody.

WIND CHILL ADVISORY TO BE IN EFFECT TONIGHT FOR MOST OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Wind chill temperatures are expected to dip back below zero degrees tonight.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a wind chill advisory will be in effect from 9 pm tonight to 9 am tomorrow morning for most of Southeast Missouri.

Very cold wind chills are anticipated with wind chill values as low as 10 to 14 degrees below zero.

Residents are advised to use caution while traveling outside, including wearing appropriate clothing as well as a hat and gloves.

NEELYVILLE TO TRIAL FOUR DAY SCHOOL WEEK NEXT YEAR

Neelyville will be the latest area school to move to a four day school week.

The Neelyville R-4 School Board voted Tuesday night 5-1 to move to a four day school week beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

Officials say that next year will be a trial period to assess the shortened week, which will see students no longer having classes on Monday.

MAN WHO WAS SHOT DURING ALLEGED BURGLARY ATTEMPT IN BUTLER COUNTY HAS DIED

Updating a story we brought to you earlier this week, a man was shot during an alleged burglary attempt early Saturday morning in Butler County has died.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that at around 3 am Saturday morning, deputies responded to a residence on Strawberry Lane in Qulin in reference to someone being shot.

At the scene, deputies were told that an intruder had tried to break into the residence and the homeowner had shot the suspect five times.

ONE IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO RIPLEY COUNTY HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

Updating a story we have been following for you, one person is in custody in connection to a Ripley County homicide investigation.

According to Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton, a white male is being held in the Ripley County Jail after a couple was found dead inside their rural Ripley County home on Saturday.

The victims have been identified as Eric and Kathryn Pudivitir.

WITH SNOWFALL MOSTLY DONE, AREA PREPARES FOR EXTENDED COLD TEMPERATURES

Snowy weather on Sunday will give way to colder temperatures this week.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, most of Southeast Missouri saw snow accumulation of one to two inches Sunday afternoon and evening, with higher amounts reported in Northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel.

Now that the snow is mostly done, very cold temperatures will engulf the area and continue through the early part of this week.

PLUNGING TEMPERATURES TO FOLLOW WINTER WEATHER TO SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A winter weather system could potentially drop multiple inches of snow on Southeast Missouri this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, there is a forecast for accumulating snow beginning during the day on Sunday and continuing throughout the night and into Monday. Snowfall totals could reach around four inches.

This will be accompanied by rapidly falling temperatures, with overnight lows getting close to zero early next week and wind chill values falling below zero.

TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO FATAL SHOOTING IN POPLAR BLUFF

Two people are in custody following two fatal shootings in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, shortly after 3 pm on Tuesday, officers of the Poplar Bluff Police Department were notified of a shooting victim being brought to an area Emergency Room. At the hospital, officers learned that a 34 year old Poplar Bluff resident had succumbed to his injuries and been pronounced dead.

The preliminary investigation indicated that the shooting occurred at a residence in the 600 block of North Main Street. At the scene, officers located a second victim who was also deceased. The second victim was a 23-year-old Poplar Bluff resident.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN POPLAR BLUFF

An investigation is underway into a shooting in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, shortly after 3 pm on Tuesday, officers were dispatched to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for a gunshot victim.

During the investigation, it was learned that the shooting occurred at a residence on North Main Street.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY A VEHICLE NEAR MALDEN, DRIVER IN CUSTODY

A woman was hit and killed by a vehicle early Monday morning in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 18 year old Rylan Trout, of Malden, was driving on Route J shortly after 2:30 am when he ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a pedestrian, identified as 49 year old Deborah Moore, also of Malden.

Moore was pronounced dead a short time later by Dunklin County Coroner James Powell.

Trout was taken into custody shortly before 8 am on felony charges of driving while intoxicated - drugs and leaving the scene of an accident.

WINTERFEST KICK OFF SET FOR THIS WEEKEND

A kick off to Winterfest event has been set for this weekend in Poplar Bluff.

The Winterfest Kick-Off will begin at 10 am on Saturday at Hendrickson Park. There will be sledding, snowball fights, food trucks, a hot chocolate stand, and more.

The event will continue until 2 pm and then move to the Black River Coliseum beginning at 4 pm for a pool party.

SNOW POSSIBLE WITH UPCOMING WEATHER SYSTEM

We could be seeing our first snow of the new year this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, there is a tiny chance of some accumulating snow tonight northwest of a line extending from Poplar Bluff to Cape Girardeau. Officials say that it looks like this storm system will bring mostly rain.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN KILLED IN CRASH ON US HIGHWAY 60

One man is dead in connection to a crash involving a tractor trailer on US Highway 60 in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 49 year old James Ray, of Poplar Bluff, was driving on Highway 60 when he struck a tractor trailer in the rear and then traveled off the roadway.

The crash occurred at around noon, two miles east of Poplar Bluff.

AREA OFFICER RECOGNIZED FOR SAVING MAN’S LIFE

An area police officer has been recognized for saving a man’s life.

According to the Paragould Police Department, Sergeant Jeff Shirley was awarded the Life Saving Award for saving a male who was inside a garage with his foot stuck on his vehicle’s accelerator.

Officials say the car was up against the wall with the tires spinning. Smoke and fire were emerging from the wheels causing the garage and house to be filled with smoke.

NEW MADRID COUNTY CENTRAL TAKES HOME PB SHOWDOWN CROWN

New Madrid County Central are the new champions of the Poplar Bluff Showdown.

The Eagles defeated Vilonia 88-67 Saturday night to win the 36th Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown.

In the 3rd Place Game, Christian Brothers beat Memphis East 53-49. McCracken County took home the Consolation Championship with a 53-48 win over Urbana.

The Poplar Bluff Mules won the 7th Place Game over Germantown 76-74.