BUTLER COUNTY JOINS NATIONAL GUARD IN HOSTING FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITE

The Butler County Health Department will be joining with the Missouri National Guard to offer free COVID-19 testing next week.

According to the Department, the testing will be performed at the Three Rivers College’s Libla Sports Complex, and the tests will be open to all state residents. You do not have to be experiencing symptoms or have a doctor’s note to be eligible for testing.

When arriving, you will be asked questions, including potential symptoms you may have. Members of the Guard will then collect and send the test to a laboratory for processing. Patients will receive their results from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services within 7 days.

The testing will be held from July 7th from 10 am to 6 pm, July 8th from 7 am to 3 pm, and on July 9th from 7 am to 1 pm. You can register online by visiting www.Health.Mo.Gov, or by calling 877-435-8411.

MULTIPLE EVENTS PLANNED TO CELEBRATE 4TH OF JULY IN POPLAR BLUFF

There are multiple events planned for Saturday in Poplar Bluff to celebrate Independence Day.

The Black River Coliseum will be the host for the Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker 4th of July Pageant. Registration will begin at 10 am with the pageant beginning at 11 am.

There will be music, vendors, and food available from 4 to 9 pm at the Farmer’s Market area located across from the Black River Coliseum.

The fireworks display is scheduled to start at approximately 9 pm.

RIVER RADIO BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK

There will be an opportunity next week to give blood and help save lives.

The River Radio Blood Drive has been scheduled for noon to 6 pm on Friday, July 10th at the Sacred Heart Catholic School Gym in Poplar Bluff.

Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter the code RiverRadio to schedule an appointment.

All presenting donors will receive a free commemorative St. Louis Cardinals Blood Drive T-shirt.

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. All available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists.

In addition, a 2020 Independence Day DWI Enforcement operation will be in effect during the long weekend. Troopers will strictly enforce Missouri statutes addressing driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, possession of intoxicating liquor by a minor, and intoxication by a minor.

Troopers will also be working on the state’s waterways to enforce Missouri’s boating laws and provide assistance where needed. Missouri’s boaters are being asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water.

SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR PETS DURING THE INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY

While fireworks are a great treat for many during the Fourth of July, your pets might not enjoy them as much as you do.

The Humane Society of Missouri says that the loud noises can cause dogs and cats to act out of character. A startled dog or cat may hide or try to escape the noise by digging under, chewing through or climbing over fences.

The Humane Society has released some tips for keeping your pet happy during the holiday.

Give your pet a quiet, cool place to retreat inside where sounds are less intense.

Keeping them inside will also protect them from stray fireworks. Their retreat could be a basement or an interior room like a bathroom with access to clean, cool water.

12TH ANNUAL MULE SKINNER GOLF TOURNAMENT SET FOR NEXT WEEK

The 12th Annual Mule Skinner Golf Tournament is just over a month away.

The 4 person scramble tournament will be held on Friday, August 7th at the Westwood Hills Country Club in Poplar Bluff. Organizers say the entry fee is $500 per team, which includes a cart and lunch. Hole sponsorship’s are available for $100 per hole.

All proceeds will go to benefit Poplar Bluff Mules athletics programs.

A banquet and auction will be held following the tournament. For more information, contact the Poplar Bluff Mules Booster Club at 573-776-4358.