HEAT INDEX VALUES TO REACH NEAR OR OVER 110 DEGREES ACROSS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Weather officials are warning of high heat index values today across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
The National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee, has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for most of Northeast Arkansas as well as Dunklin and Pemiscot counties in Southeast Missouri for 10 am this morning to 8 pm on Tuesday.
Officials say that heat index readings of greater than 110 degrees are expected this afternoon and evening as well as on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Some locations could see readings around 115 degrees.
For most of the rest of Southeast Missouri, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that will be in effect from 11 am this morning to 8 pm this evening.
Weather officials say that they expect heat index values to reach 105 degrees and peak near 110 degrees this afternoon and into the early evening hours.
Cooling centers have been established in Poplar Bluff at the Butler County Health Department, and Poplar Bluff Public Library. Cooling Centers are also available at the Fisk Community Library and the Qulin Senior Center. A tool to find cooling centers for Missouri residents is available at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
DEXTER MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK
A Dexter man was killed in a single vehicle wreck over the weekend in Stoddard County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38 year old Casey Perry was driving on Missouri Highway 114 Sunday morning when his vehicle ran off the road, overturned, and caught fire.
Perry was pronounced dead at the scene by Stoddard County Coroner Kenny Pope.
VEHICLE CATCHES FIRE AFTER STRIKING BRIDGE NEAR PORTAGEVILLE
Authorities in Portageville responded to a report of a car fire Friday morning.
According to Portageville Fire and Rescue, a small car had struck a bridge on County Road 355 and caught fire. Crews extinguished the vehicle and found nobody inside.
Officials say that the vehicle’s occupant returned to the scene a short time later and had not suffered any injuries.
OPEN HOUSES SET FOR TODAY 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 to begin today.
Open houses will be held for the Kindergarten, 5th and 6th grades today. The 7th grade orientation has also been scheduled for today.
Classes are set to begin in the Poplar Bluff School District on Thursday.
Early Childhood parent orientation is also scheduled for today, with the Early Childhood Open House and first day occurring on August 21st.
For more information, visit the Poplar Bluff School District website.
DONIPHAN MAN ARRESTED ON WEAPON AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGES
A Doniphan man has been taken into custody on weapon and controlled substance charges.
According to the Malden Police Department, on Friday officers arrested 25 year old Joshua Van Cleave on charges of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon.
A felony warrant was obtained with a bond of $25,000 cash or surety and Van Cleave was transported to the Dunklin County Justice Center.
DRIVERS REMINDED TO BE AWARE OF CHANGING TRAFFIC PATTERNS WITH SCHOOL STARTING
Many schools in Southeast Missouri will be restarting this week, and drivers are being reminded that this will cause changes to traffic patterns.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the changes will be due to school buses and parents taking their children to school joining other motorists on the road and affecting the morning and afternoon commutes.
Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. Last year, five people were killed and 457 people were injured in 969 traffic crashes involving school buses.
When you see a stopped school bus, remember to stay alert as children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
If your child rides a bike, make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
OVERLAY PROJECTS TO BEGIN TODAY ON HIGHWAY 60 IN CARTER COUNTY
Multiple sections of Highway 60 in Carter County will be reduced beginning today for repair projects.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, eastbound US 60 will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction from just east of County Road 125 to just west of Parson's Drive as well as from just east of County Road 163 to just west of Route J so crews can perform a pavement overlay.
Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place from 7 am to 7 pm daily through Monday, October 7th, including weekends as necessary.
