MOTORISTS ENCOURAGED TO DRIVE SAFELY OVER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Many Missouri residents are getting ready to get on the road to see their family over the Thanksgiving holiday, but officials are urging motorists to keep safety in mind.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 11 people were killed and another 634 were injured in 1,594 traffic crashes.
During the holiday weekend, troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and making themselves available to assist the public.
The Highway Patrol’s Emergency Report line 1-800-525-5555, or (star) 55 on a cellular phone. Motorists should use the emergency line if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.
POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOLS TO BE OUT REMAINDER OF WEEK FOR THANKSGIVING
Poplar Bluff students will be getting out of class the remainder of the week for Thanksgiving.
Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill tells KWOC News that classes will be dismissed for the Poplar Bluff R-I school district today through the 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Dill says the regular class schedule will resume on Monday, November 30th.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AUTO TOUR TO OPEN THIS WEEKEND
The official opening of the 28th Annual Festival of Lights Auto Tour is set for Friday.
The Wappapello Lake Area Association and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be partnering for this year’s event at the Redman Creek East Campground from November 27th through January 3rd.
The free tour will be open on weekends from 5 to 9 pm through December 13th, and then every night from December 18th through January 3rd.
For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562.
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.
Children and pets also bring an increased chance of accidents and should be kept away from the cooking area.
BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSTING COVID-19 TESTING SITE NEXT MONDAY
The Butler County Health Department will be hosting a COVID-19 testing site next Monday.
According to the department, they will be having first come, first serve coronavirus tests to anyone who wants to get tested. The tests will be performed through a nasal swab, and participants will stay inside their vehicles while the test is performed.
You will also be asked questions about any potential symptoms you may or may not have.
To get tested, visit the Whiteley Park at the intersection of Highway 53 and 142 from 9 am to 3 pm. The tests are free and available to all Missouri residents, and you do not need an appointment to be tested.
DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR ENTRY INTO THE RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE
The deadline has been extended to get your entry in for the 2020 River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm on Friday, December 4th. Entry forms are available on our Facebook page and website. The deadline to submit your float entry has been extended to December 3rd.
The parade route this year will run from Highway 142 at McDonalds through downtown Poplar Bluff before looping back and ending at the Black River Coliseum.
Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. For more information, call 785-0881.
