POPLAR BLUFF GETS READY FOR SOLAR ECLIPSE
After over a year of preparation, the eclipse is almost here.
A solar eclipse will begin in the Poplar Bluff area today at 12:39 pm, with the sun being completely covered by the moon from 1:56 to 2 pm. The eclipse will come to an end at 3:15 pm.
If you are planning to watch the eclipse, remember to wear appropriate glasses. Ensure that the solar eclipse viewing glasses you have are authentic and properly rated.
The main viewing station in Poplar Bluff will be at the Poplar Bluff High School Football Stadium. The gates will open at 9 am and entry is $5.
NUMEROUS LOCATIONS SET UP TO ALLOW FOR VIEWING OF THE ECLIPSE
Numerous locations have been set up in the Poplar Bluff area to allow for easy viewing of the Solar Eclipse today.
In addition to the main viewing location at the Poplar Bluff High School Football Field, visitors can also see the eclipse at Ray Clinton Park, the Poplar Bluff Airport, Wiseman Park, Three Rivers College, the Black River Coliseum Parking Lot, Wappapello Lake Visitors Center, Mansion Mall, and Valley Plaza.
Numerous other businesses and churches have also made their parking lots open for eclipse viewers.
To avoid the heaviest traffic when traveling for the event, you should plan to leave early and remain at your viewing location for a time after the eclipse.
Also remember to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has a full tank of gas. Also bring along water and snacks in your vehicle to your viewing location.
MOTORISTS URGED TO DRIVE SAFE AHEAD OF THE ECLIPSE
Southeast Missouri is expecting an influx of visitors today for the Solar Eclipse and officials are urging motorists to be safe.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation say that you should find a safe location to view the event and get there early.
Watch out for increased pedestrian traffic along smaller roads. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside roads in the hour before the total eclipse to get the best viewing.
Do not take photographs of the eclipse while driving and remember to turn your headlights on during the eclipse.
Also motorists should prepare for extra congestion, especially on interstates and other major roadways, for the hours immediately following the eclipse.
DEXTER POLICE OFFICER TERMINATED FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION INTO K9 OFFICER’S DEATH
A Dexter Police officer was fired following an investigation into the death of a K9 officer that he was the handler of.
On April 1st, the Dexter Board of Alderman voted to terminate the employment of Derrick Durall, who had been the K9 handler for the Dexter Police Department since December 2020.
Durall was serving in that capacity on February 18, 2024, when his K9 partner, Apollo, was discovered deceased in his kennel.
In a statement released on Friday, Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout says that an internal investigation discovered that Durall had violated department policies and was responsible for the death of Apollo and the neglect of retired K9 Knox.
Trout says that he recommended to the City Administrator and the Mayor that Durall’s employment with the Dexter Police Department and the City of Dexter be terminated.
Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith tells KWOC News that criminal charges were filed Thursday against Durall for two counts of felony animal abuse and two counts of misdemeanor animal neglect.
MAN CHARGED FOR ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTING NURSING HOME RESIDENT
Charges have been filed in connection to an assault at a nursing home in Dunklin County.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit, 32 year old Joseph Rogers, of Kennett, is alleged to have severely beaten a special needs person at the Senath Care Facility/Nursing Home on February 4th.
Rogers was a staff member at the time of the incident.
Four additional staff members were required to subdue Rogers and stop the attack.
The victim was taken to an area medical facility for treatment.
Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain tells KWOC News that Rogers has been charged with 1st degree assault. His bond was set at $75,000.
