ROBERT KNODELL APPOINTED AS POPLAR BLUFF CITY MANAGER
A new city manager has been appointed for the City of Poplar Bluff.
Robert Knodell was appointed to the position Monday night by a unanimous vote of the Poplar Bluff City Council.
Knodell will take over for City Clerk and Treasurer Lori Phelps, who has served as interim city manager following the resignation of Matt Winters, who announced his resignation in August to take the City Administrator position in Jackson.
Winters formally stepped down on September 20th.
Knodell has served on the staff of the Missouri General Assembly as well as the Governor in budgetary, policy, and leadership roles. In October 2021, he was named the acting director of the Missouri Department of Social Services. In June 2023 he was appointed by
Missouri Governor Mike Parson to be the full-status Director.
Knodell will officially start as Poplar Bluff City Manager on January 27th.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson tells KWOC News “Robert has been a tremendous asset to the State of Missouri and a dedicated public servant for over a decade. He has been a trusted member of my Cabinet, a key partner in advancing our initiatives, and also a dear friend. I remain ever grateful that regardless of the challenges, Robert answered the call to serve in leadership within both DSS and the Department of Health and Senior Services. Teresa and I wish him, along with his wife Mandy and their daughter, the best in this new opportunity to serve his beloved hometown, Poplar Bluff."
In a statement, United States Congressman Jason Smith says “Congratulations to Mayor Shane Cornman and the Poplar Bluff City Council on bringing Robert Knodell home to Poplar Bluff and the Eighth District. Robert has been a respected cabinet leader and public servant in our state for many years, and someone I’ve worked with closely to make southeast Missouri the greatest place in America to live and work. He will certainly help lead Poplar Bluff to even greater heights.”
Poplar Bluff Mayor Shane Cornman tells KWOC News “As Mayor of Poplar Bluff, I am honored to have been given the opportunity alongside the City Council to bring someone of Robert's stature to our community. I believe he will bring an unparalleled amount of experience and knowledge to lead our City into the next several years of growth and prosperity. I feel the City is so privileged to have someone from the highest levels of state government to lead our community and I am looking forward to working with him on this next chapter.”
DEXTER POLICE INVESTIGATING MULTIPLE REPORTS OF VEHICLE TAMPERING
Authorities in Dexter are investigating multiple reports of stolen vehicles.
According to Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout, shortly after 5 am on Sunday, officers responded to Saddle Spur Road to a report of someone tampering with a motor vehicle.
At least five other reports of vehicle tampering were received by Dexter police on Sunday which included at least two cars being stolen. One of the cars was later recovered.
Monday morning, officers took another report of a vehicle that had been tampered with and a firearm was stolen.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Dexter Police Department at 573-624-5512.
FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS SET FOR 37TH ANNUAL POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN
The first round matchups have been set for the 37th Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown.
The three day tournament will start on Thursday, December 26th at Poplar Bluff High School.
The first round will see McCracken County take on Izard County at 4 pm, followed by Vashon vs. Trinity Christian at 5:30 pm, Poplar Bluff against Urbana at 7 pm, and the day will finish with Maumelle vs. Staley at 8:30 pm.
Poplar Bluff Athletics Director Kent Keith tells KWOC News that tickets are on sale in the High School Athletic Department for eight dollars per day.
Every game of the 37th Annual Poplar Bluff Showdown will be broadcast live on the KWOC Facebook Page and River Radio PB Youtube page.
PARAGOULD MAN ARRESTED ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGE
A Paragould man has been arrested on a sexual assault charge.
According to the Paragould Police Department, earlier this month the mother of the victim told officers that her 15 year old daughter had been having a sexual relationship with 24 year old Corwin White.
White was later interviewed at the Police Department where he gave self-incriminating statements.
White has been charged with felony sexual assault in the 4th degree. His bond was set at $10,000.
STODDARD COUNTY ROAD CLOSED AFTER BRIDGE WASHES OUT
Heavy rains have caused the closure of a County Road in Stoddard County.
According to the Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency, a bridge has washed out on County Road 436. The bridge was located west of WW Highway.
Area motorists should seek alternate routes and use caution if you do have to drive in that area.
CULVERT REPLACEMENT TO FORCE CLOSURE OF COOTER AREA ROAD
Route H in Pemiscot County will be closed this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
The closure will be located from County Road 548 to County Road 556 near Cooter.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through Friday.
