ONE DEAD, TWO OTHERS INJURED FOLLOWING A COLLISION IN RIPLEY COUNTY
A crash Sunday morning west of Doniphan, has resulted in the death of a Doniphan man.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 78 year old Robert Collett, of Doniphan, was driving on Missouri Highway 142, two miles west of Doniphan, when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck another vehicle.
The wreck occurred Sunday morning shortly before 9 am. Collett was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County Coroner Mike Jackson.
The driver of the other vehicle along with the passenger, both are from Poplar Bluff received serious injuries. The driver was air lifted to a Memphis hospital, and the passenger was taken by ambulance to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
HEAT WAVE STRIKES SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Area residents are reminded to stay cool during the heat wave that is hitting Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
According to a Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service, high temperatures are forecast to reach the mid 90’s and will combine with high humidity to yield peak heat index values from 105 to 110 across a large portion of the region this afternoon.
Even more oppressive heat and humidity are expected Tuesday through Friday. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect through 10 pm on Thursday.
During the heat wave, use caution if you must be outside for any length of time. Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning and drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids.
Also remember to never leave a child or a pet in a hot vehicle, even for a short period of time.
SCHOOL YEAR TO BEGIN TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF AND OTHER AREA COMMUNITIES
The new school year is set to begin today in Poplar Bluff.
Ahead of the beginning of classes, KWOC News spoke with Poplar Bluff Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman about any nerves for the 1st day of school and bus safety.
[DR. AARON CORNMAN]
“I guess if I had anything I was nervous about it’s just making sure all of our kids get to school safe. We don’t miss anyone, that parents are just patient and kind when it comes that first day of school because what it boils down to, a lot of parents want to walk their kids first day and you know we’ve started our preschool program and kindergarten program the same day, so it’s going to be a lot of traffic congestion. So just watching out for kids and people realizing that those big yellow Cadillac’s that deliver those kids every day, be careful you know they’re stopping for a reason, if they have those amber’s on it doesn’t mean speed up, it means you need to start thinking about slowing down. Just be cognizant of the kids that are getting on those buses, don’t pass a bus we’re all in a hurry, we want to get to work but just be mindful that someone’s life is on that bus, some parent put their kid on that bus and trusted them into our care and we just want to make sure they arrive safe. So, if I have any nervousness it is kids getting to school safe and just getting the year kicked off.”
Cornman went on to say that current bus routes currently available on the school’s website at poplarbluffschools.net, and if parents have any questions about the new Here Comes the Bus App, contact the Bus Garage at 573-785-5801.
PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR 32ND ANNUAL OLD GREENVILLE DAYS
Preparations are underway for the 32nd Annual Old Greenville Days.
According to the Wappapello Lake US Army Corps of Engineers, the annual event has been scheduled for September 16th and 17th at the Greenville Recreation Area.
Officials say the event will include arts, crafts, history, and music.
For more information, contact the Wappapello Lake Management office by calling 573-222-8562.
MANY SOUTHEAST MISSOURI SCHOOLS TO RETURN TO CLASS TODAY
Numerous schools around Southeast Missouri are set to return to classes today.
At least 25 area school districts will hold their first day of school today, including Bernie, Campbell, Clarkton, East Carter County, Greenville, Kennett, Naylor, Senath-Hornersville, Sacred Heart, Shady Grove State School, and Westwood Baptist Academy.
Three Rivers College will also be having the first day of classes for the Fall Semester today.
More area school districts will begin classes on Tuesday, including Twin Rivers, Clearwater, Sikeston, Van Buren, and Malden.
MOTORISTS ASKED TO WATCH FOR STUDENTS ON THE ROADWAYS
With students returning to school this week in Missouri, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to watch for students.
Drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses and parents taking their children to school and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Also expect an increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus.
However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus.
Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
9TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR A CURE TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND
The 9th Annual Ride for a Cure Dice Run in memory of Larry Maronay has been scheduled this weekend.
Registration for the event will begin at 10 am on August 26th at the Dexter Elks Lodge, with the ride beginning at 11 am. The entry fee is $20 per bike and $10 for an additional rider with a meal included at the end of the ride.
All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information, call Brian Jones at 573-421-1771.
