AREA UNDER A RISK OF ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
Weather officials are warning that Southeast Missouri has an elevated fire danger for Thursday and Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, a very dry airmass will overspread the region, leading to elevated fire weather conditions. Officials say that dewpoints falling into the 30s will be near record low levels for June in this part of the country.
Residents are advised to avoid activities that could cause open flames or sparks. Drivers are also being asked to avoid parking on dry grass and to not throw cigarettes from a vehicle.
Also check your trailers for any dragging chains.
MAN ARRESTED IN STODDARD COUNTY FOR FAILING TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER
A Dexter man is scheduled to appear in court this morning for failing to register.
Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 42 year old Lloyd Anderson was arrested this week on a Stoddard County warrant for failure to register as a sex offender.
According to the Missouri Sex Offender registry, Anderson was convicted in 2016 of 1st degree sexual abuse. The victim was 17 years old at the time of the offense. Anderson was released from confinement in April of 2022.
According to Missouri Case Net, the warrant was served on Tuesday and Anderson is scheduled to appear in court this morning for arraignment.
EXCEL CENTER GRADUATION SET FOR TONIGHT IN POPLAR BLUFF
11 students will be receiving their high school diplomas tonight in Poplar Bluff.
The Poplar Bluff Goodwill Excel Center graduation is scheduled for 6:30 pm this evening on the patio of the center on North Westwood Boulevard.
The MERS Goodwill Excel Centers are accredited tuition-free high schools that provide adults with the opportunity to earn their high school diploma as opposed to a GED. The centers also provide life coaches, night classes, transportation assistance, and free childcare for their students.
TWO TRACK AND FIELD TEAM MEMBERS NAMED POPLAR BLUFF ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
Two stars of the Poplar Bluff track and field team have been named as May Athletes of the month.
The Mules Booster Club chose Kennedy Zgaynor and Darius Graham for the honor.
Incoming senior Zgaynor, a track and field javelin thrower, was named All Conference, All District and All State. She was the previous javelin record holder for PBHS, and qualified for sectionals.
Incoming senior Graham, a track and field high jumper, won the recent MSHSAA Class 5 State Championship, clearing 2.09 meters to set the high jump record. He was also a state qualifier in the triple jump, finishing 12th.
FREE MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY AT THREE RIVERS COLLEGE
Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a free Mental Health Conference today.
The Community Resource Council and the Mental Health Coalition are leading the conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the TRC campus.
Topics will include an an overview of mental health; welcoming, inclusive, safe, and equitable service environments; Conversations for Suicide Safer Homes; and more.
Lunch will also be provided.
Registration is required and you can find more information on the Three Rivers College facebook page.
DEXTER POLICE ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT OPERATION
The Dexter Police Department has announced the results of a seat belt enforcement operation that finished last weekend.
Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout tells KWOC News that the Dexter PD participated in Missouri’s 2023 Click It or Ticket mobilization from May 22nd through June 4th.
During the enforcement effort, officers issued a total of 45 traffic tickets and warnings, including 13 seat belt violations, six speeding violations; and six other traffic violations.
Missouri has an 88.87 percent seat belt use while the national average is 91.6 percent. Teens and pick-up truck drivers are among those least likely to buckle up at 71.8 percent and 74.4 percent, respectively.
Five out of 10 people killed in 2022 Missouri traffic crashes were unbuckled.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE TO BE REDUCED FOR INSPECTIONS
Drivers crossing over the Mississippi River into Tennessee should expect delays for part of this month.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation tell KWOC News that North and Southbound Interstate 155 in Pemiscot County will be reduced as construction crews inspect the Mississippi River Bridge.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Monday, June 26th.
