DROUGHT CONDITIONS WORSEN IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Drought conditions continue to worsen across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
According to the latest United States Drought Monitor, most of our area is now classified as being in a severe drought.
Officials with the National Weather Service are hoping that a weather system coming early next week will bring some much needed rainfall to the area.
PB SCHOOL OFFICIALS STRESS SAFETY DURING NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK
This week is National School Bus Safety week and officials at the Poplar Bluff School District are taking extra steps to ensure the safety of students.
Poplar Bluff Transportation Director Jon McKinney tells KWOC News that bus drivers have been reviewing bus safety with student riders and performing emergency bus evacuation drills this week.
Additionally, McKinney says that they are looking into installing crossing-arm stop cameras on district buses in the near future to increase student safety.
Video footage from drivers who go through the bus stop sign while students are being dropped off or crossing roadways could then be submitted to area authorities.
McKinney also thanked all of the Poplar Bluff R-1 bus drivers and aides for all they do to ensure the safety of the students.
DONIPHAN SOFTBALL TEAM FALLS IN STATE QUARTERFINAL
Doniphan has been eliminated from the Class 3 State Softball tournament.
The Donettes Softball team traveled to the St. Louis area on Thursday for their state quarterfinal matchup against Westminster Christian Academy.
Westminster came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to an error on the Donettes in the 5th inning. Doniphan finishes their season with a 17-10 record.
ELK STRUCK AND KILLED BY A VEHICLE IN STODDARD COUNTY
An elk was struck and killed by a vehicle last week in Stoddard County.
According to authorities, the animal was hit on US Highway 60, east of Highway 25, in the early morning hours of October 13th.
No injuries were reported for the occupants of the vehicle.
Matt Wilkerson with the Missouri Department of Transportation says that animals are moving more this time of year as the temperature cools down. Motorists should be extra careful and watch for animals while driving.
CORNING HARVEST FESTIVAL SET FOR THIS WEEKEND
The city of Corning will be coming together this weekend.
The Corning Harvest Festival has been scheduled for 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday at Wynn Park. There will be an arts and craft show, carnival, car show, BBQ cook off, and more.
Anyone wanting to participate in the 5K run and walk should preregister on the Corning Harvest Festival Facebook page.
HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF
A hunter education class will be held next week in Poplar Bluff.
The Hunter Education Fall Skills Session has been scheduled for Monday, October 24th at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center from 5 to 9 pm. Students can sign in beginning at 4:30 pm.
The event is open to the public at no cost, but students must preregister online by October 23rd. You can preregister online at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/
Class participants must bring proof of completion of the knowledge portion of the hunter’s education course along with a copy of their birth certificate or some other proof of age if under the age of 16.
Anyone with questions is asked to send them to CharlesKinsey@pb.k12.mo.us.
TODAY IS BUCKLE UP, PHONE DOWN DAY IN MISSOURI
Missourians are being inspired to drive safely today for Buckle Up, Phone Down day.
Officials are encouraging motorists across the state to take two simple actions to save lives on the state’s highways – fasten their seat belts and put their phones down while driving.
Missouri’s 2022 Seat Belt Usage Survey showed 89 percent of vehicle occupants use a seat belt, matching the highest rate the state has ever recorded.
But the unbuckled 11 percent make up a majority of the state’s roadway fatalities, which reached a 15 year high in 2021.
Cellphone use continues to be one of the most concerning behaviors for all roadway users. In 2021, over half of the distracted driving fatalities in Missouri claimed the life of someone besides the distracted driver.
REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS ON HIGHWAY 61 NEAR SIKESTON FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH
Route 61 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction lane for the rest of this month as contractor crews perform pavement repairs.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the section of roadway is located from Larcel Drive to County Road 824 near Sikeston.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Monday, October 31st.
