COMMUNITY MEMBERS TEAM UP TO HELP PROTECT MULES FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Players for the Poplar Bluff Mules Football team now have additional ways to stay safe during practices and games thanks to the help of local community members.
According to Poplar Bluff School Officials, several local medical practitioners, lawyers, and realtors teamed up over the summer to supply 150 Guardian Caps, a value of more than $8,000, to be dispersed between Poplar Bluff High School and Junior High.
Guardian Caps add a padded, soft-shell layer to the exterior of football helmets with energy-absorbing properties designed to reduce the initial severity of impact to the head.
Mules High School Football Coach Jeff Mannon tells KWOC News that there have been zero concussions reported during practice so far this season. Mannon added “It lets you go at full-speed with reassurance that you won’t get a concussion on Tuesday at practice, and not be able to play during the game on Friday.
The usage of the caps is optional during NFL games this year and mandated by the league for certain positions during contact practice. MSHSAA does not endorse the add-on as of right now, but Coach Mannon says that he hopes standard helmet design will eventually advance to incorporate the safeguard.
The Mules will be back in action tonight as they travel to Sikeston to take on the Bulldogs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELEASED IN CONNECTION TO WAYNE COUNTY FATAL SHOOTING
A suspect is facing multiple charges following a fatal shooting in Wayne County.
According to authorities, Eric “Quinn” Moore has been taken into custody after two people were shot during an incident on Wednesday in the Lowndes area.
One of the subjects has died while the other is in critical condition. Their identities have not been released.
Officials say that Moore is currently facing charges of armed criminal action, kidnapping, and two counts of first degree assault.
MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON ON RAPE CHARGE IN STODDARD COUNTY
A man in Stoddard County has been sentenced to two decades in prison on a rape charge.
According to Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith, defendant Patrick Varner was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years imprisonment in the Missouri Department of Corrections for a charge of rape or attempted rape and seven years imprisonment each for charges of stautory rape and possession of child pornography.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Smith says that Varner will also be required to register as a tier 3 sex offender for the remainder of his life.
NORTHSIDE NUTRITION CENTER TO HOST CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS OF PROVIDING MEALS
Northside Nutrition Center in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a celebration today.
The event has been scheduled for 10:30 am to 12:30 pm today to celebrate 50 years of serving senior citizens and veterans meals.
A meal will be served as a part of the event.
For more information, contact Northside Nutrition Center at 573-686-2074.
TRADITION TO BE CELEBRATED DURING NAYLOR HERITAGE DAY THIS WEEKEND
Area residents will be celebrating the community of Naylor’s traditions this weekend.
Naylor Heritage Day will begin at 7 am on October 5th with a breakfast at the Naylor Nutrition Center.
The parade down Main Street will follow starting at 10 am. The Heritage Day festivities will also feature a car show, historical demonstrations, live music, a foam party, and vendors.
The event will wrap up with a block party and street dance from 5 pm to 8 pm.
For more information, contact Krissie Ainley at 573-399-0052.
TWELFTH ANNUAL LIBERTY DAYS EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND
The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield is hosting its 12th annual Liberty Days event this weekend.
The two day event will be held from 9 am to 4 pm both today and tomorrow. Officials say there will be multiple events, live demonstrations, mock battles, vendors, period-accurate camps and living quarters, a pet photo contest, and more.
Admission to the event is free.
For more information, call 573-568-2055.
