EARLY VOTING IS UNDERWAY FOR ARKANSAS PRIMARY
Early voting began Monday for Arkansas' primary election, which features crowded races for a Senate seat and some of the state's top offices.
Voters can begin casting ballots early for the May 24th election, which will also include nonpartisan races for the state Supreme Court and other judicial seats.
The top races include Republican Senator John Boozman's reelection bid. He faces a challenge from former NFL player Jake Bequette, conservative activist Jan Morgan and pastor Heath Loftis. Natalie James, Dan Whitfield and Jack Foster are seeking the Democratic nomination.
The election also features open primaries for the governor's office. Sarah Sanders, who served as former President Donald Trump’s press secretary, is running against former talk radio host Doc Washburn for the Republican nomination.
Chris Jones, Anthony Bland, James Russell, Supha Xayprasith-Mays and Jay Martin are running for the Democratic nomination.
Two of the state’s Supreme Court justices also face challenges in the nonpartisan race for their seats.
DIRT BIKE WRECK LEAVES AREA TEENAGER WITH SERIOUS INJURIES
A teenager was flown from the scene of a dirt bike wreck Sunday in Ripley County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 16 year old male from Doniphan was riding the bike on County Road U-5 when the vehicle slid on the gravel and ejected the teen.
The driver suffered serious injuries and was flown to a St. Louis hospital.
APPROXIMATELY 16 TONS OF ILLEGAL TRASH REMOVED FROM AREA FOREST LAND
A group of contractors recently worked to remove over 100 cubic yards of illegal trash from southeast Missouri forest land.
According to the National Forest Service, in early March a six person crew filled up three and a half 30-yard dumpsters full of debris from the Poplar Bluff and Eleven Point Ranger Districts of Mark Twain National Forest.
It was estimated that the crew removed about 16 tons of trash. They also found, removed, and properly disposed of almost 200 tires from the Forest.
If you see illegal dump sites on national forest land, or see people dumping trash, officials are asking that you notify the appropriate Forest Service district office.
WAPPAPELLO LAKE KIDS TO PARKS DAY SET FOR MAY 14TH
Officials with the Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers have announced that the annual Kids to Parks day will be this weekend.
The free event is a national initiative to connect kids and families to their public lands. There will be an obstacle course, scavenger hunt, nature painting, lunch, and more.
Kids to Parks day has been scheduled for 10 am to noon on Saturday, May 14th at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center.
For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office by calling 573-222-8562.
CULVERT REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BUTLER COUNTY ROAD
Route M in Butler County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
The section of Route M to be closed is located from County Road 451 to County Road 462.
Work will take place today from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MULTIPLE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY
Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be at multiple locations in Stoddard County today for bridge maintenance.
According to officials, Route 114 near Dexter as well as Routes AA, E, and 25 near Bloomfield will all be reduced today for the maintenance projects.
Crews will be on site at each location beginning at 8 am.
