Monday, June 13, 2022

RECORD BREAKING TEMPERATURES POSSIBLE THIS WEEK IN POPLAR BLUFF

A heat wave is crossing Southeast Missouri and weather officials say that Poplar Bluff could reach close to record temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service, an excessive heat warning will be in effect until 8 pm Wednesday for multiple Southeast Missouri counties, including Butler and Stoddard. A Heat Advisory will be in effect for the rest of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas through Wednesday. 

Weather officials say the worst of the heat wave will occur today when widespread heat index values of up to 110 degrees or higher will occur. Heat index values will reach 105 to 110 on Tuesday and 95 to 105 on Wednesday.

The city of Poplar Bluff is expected to reach near the record high temperatures for the date, today and tomorrow. The previous record high for June 13th was 100 degrees set in 1925. The previous record high for June 14th was 99 degrees, which was set in 1987. 

OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION WITH RISING TEMPERATURES AND HEAT INDEXES

Officials with the American Red Cross are urging Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas residents to be cautious with the rising temperatures and humidity this week.

According to the Red Cross, everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.

Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Everyone is advised to take extra precautions if you plan to work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

You can find more information online at RedCross.org. 

TWO BUTLER COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS SET FOR THIS WEEK

Road crews will be conducting multiple projects this week in Butler County.

Route PP in Butler County will be closed from Route TT to County Road 425 today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway. 

Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also this week, Eastbound U.S. Highway 60 in Butler County will be reduced beginning today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge repairs. 

The work zone will be located between Route DD and Highway 51 near Fisk.

Work is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Thursday.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE SHOOTING DEATH IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

An investigation into a possible shooting death is underway in Southeast Missouri.

According to authorities, a woman, identified as Wayneasha Carter, was found suffering from a gunshot wound Saturday night in Caruthersville.

She was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.

There is at least one person of interest in connection to the investigation, which is ongoing.

TWO POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON TRAFFICKING CHARGES 

Two Poplar Bluff residents were taken into custody Saturday afternoon on trafficking charges.

 Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 30 year old Jaleel Gipson and 25 year old Justin Gipson were each arrested on felony charges of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Following their arrests, both were transported to the Ripley County Jail. 

ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WRECK NEAR POPLAR BLUFF 

A Southeast Missouri man was seriously injured over the weekend in a wreck near Poplar Bluff.

According to authorities, the crash occurred Sunday morning on US Highway 60, 10 miles west of Poplar Bluff, when a vehicle failed to yield and struck another vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle, 41 year old Jeremy Bibbs, of Hornersville, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

No injuries were listed for the driver of the first vehicle. 

DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED THIS WEEK FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS

Route DD in Dunklin County will be closed this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.

The section of roadway to be closed is located from Route 53 to County Road 223, near Campbell.

Work is set to take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Thursday.