DANGEROUS HEAT CONDITIONS TO BEGIN TODAY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Excessive heat conditions could pose danger to many residents in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
River Radio Chief Meteorologist Dan Holiday tells us more about what we can expect over the next couple of days.
“We've been hearing a lot about the really hot weather down in Texas and that is due to a strong high pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere. It's been over the southern part of the country for quite a while now but it's finally going to be lifting Northeast, and that's why we are going to be affected by it. So temperatures will be above 100 degrees on Thursday. One of the reasons that a heat advisory has been issued. you combine that with the dew point temperatures, which are in the low 70s. That’s that very warm and muggy feeling. It will make it feel like 110. Same story again for Friday, our high around 100 to 105 and again the heat index well above 100, around 110. Once we get towards the weekend, Saturday is going to be another hot day, but we'll start to see a little bit of a change by Sunday as a frontal boundary pushes through and some relief with chances of showers and a few thunderstorms.”
Early forecasts for the Fourth of July are forecasting mostly sunny skies with chances of showers and thunderstorms.
MAN SENTENCED FOR THE ASSAULT OF A FOREST SERVICE EMPLOYEE AND FOR SETTING FIRES IN MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST
An Iron County man has been sentenced for setting fire to National Forest lands in Butler County and assaulting a forest service employee.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 37 year old Lucas Henson was sentenced Wednesday to 12 and a half years in prison and ordered to pay $7,200 for the cost of fighting the fires he set.
In October of 2022, Henson stole a pickup truck and burglarized a home in Butler County. While involved in a chase with law enforcement, Henson crashed the truck in Mark Twain National Forest, then started a fire and burned items that he had stolen before fleeing into the forest.
Officers then began tracking Henson with dogs. When they got close, he started a fire to prevent being captured. He started a second fire when they approached him again.
Later, he pointed a crossbow at a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer, as well as other officers, before fleeing again. Henson was eventually caught near the Black River.
The fires burned a total of 7.61 acres of land. Henson pleaded guilty in March to assaulting a law enforcement officer, arson, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
STAY SAFE DURING THE SCORCHING HOT TEMPERATURES
With the hot temperatures entering the area today, now is the time to make sure you are prepared to stay safe.
River Radio Chief Meteorologist Dan Holiday tells us more about how you can help ensure the safety of yourself and your family during these dangerous heat conditions.
“Most of us think we're pretty tough when it comes to heat like this, but when you get above 100 degrees and you have high dew points and the heat index is hovering around 110, it doesn't take much to wear you out no matter how old you are. So it's important to start work early if you can. If you work outdoors and end early in the day, maybe start just right around sunrise and wind down by early to mid-afternoon. Because the real window for hot weather is going to be between two and five, that's when we have peak heating going on. Same story goes for keeping an eye out for elderly neighbors that may have issues with air conditioning or don't have an air conditioner. May not remember to turn on the fan, they can become very warm and overwhelmed quickly. And also watch your pets, livestock as well too, because it won't take long for them to be overheated. And if you've got somebody staying in the car while you run inside, maybe making an errand or something, make sure and keep the air conditioner on high while you're away. So this is nothing to mess around with. The heat is really going to be exceeding our normal values, mainly Thursday, Friday, and again on Saturday. “
You can find a map of cooling centers in your area by going online to data.mo.gov and searching Cooling Centers.
POPLAR BLUFF TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY ON TUESDAY
Poplar Bluff residents will be out celebrating the Fourth of July holiday coming up on Tuesday.
The celebration will start that morning with the Red, White, and Run 5K run and walk beginning at 7:30 am. Proceeds from the run will go to Christway Ministries Women’s Center.
The DAR Independence Day parade will start at 9 am. The parade line will begin at 8 am at Whiteley Park.
The day will be capped off with the annual Poplar Bluff Independence Day Fireworks display, beginning at around 9 pm in downtown Poplar Bluff.
POPLAR BLUFF JUNIOR EAGLES HOSTING FOOD DRIVE THIS WEEKEND
A Poplar Bluff organization is hosting a food drive this weekend.
The Poplar Bluff Junior Eagles are conducting the food drive from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday at the Eagles Lodge on Ditch Road.
Organizers say that anyone who needs assistance with food can bring a box, tote, or laundry basket to the event.
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 weekend. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists.
During the 2022 counting period, 11 people were killed and 449 injured in Missouri in 1,069 traffic crashes. Troopers also arrested 146 people for driving while intoxicated.
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.
Last year there were nine boating crashes, which included five injuries and one fatality during the holiday weekend.
The 2023 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th.
RIPLEY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TO HOST FREEDOM FEST ON SATURDAY
Multiple events will highlight Freedom Fest 2023 this weekend at the Ripley County Fairgrounds.
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, with gates opening at 2 pm.
Organizers say that there will be a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house park, escape rooms, a super slide, laser tag, and more.
The night will end with a performance by Confederate Railroad and a fireworks show.
Tickets will be available at the gate for $10, with children 12 and under getting in for free.
For more information, contact the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce at 573-996-2212.
