THIS WEEK IS LIGHTNING SAFETY WEEK
This week is Lightning Safety Awareness week and weather officials are wanting residents to be prepared.
According to the National Weather Service, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week started in 2001 in order to call attention to lightning being an underrated killer. Since then, U.S. lightning fatalities have dropped from about 55 per year to less than 30.
During a thunderstorm or lightning storm, go to a basement if available. If not, go to the lowest level of the building and move to a small interior room or hallway. Stay away from doors and windows.
If time permits, move your vehicle into a garage or carport to help prevent damage. Avoid traveling in a severe thunderstorm – delay your travel plans until the storms pass or get off the road and seek shelter in a building.
Weather officials also say that there is really no safe place to go if you are outdoors when it is lightning. You must move to a building or an enclosed vehicle.
RIPLEY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TO HOST FREEDOM FEST ON JUNE 29TH
Multiple events will highlight Freedom Fest 2024 at the Ripley County Fairgrounds this weekend.
The celebration is scheduled for June 29th with gates opening at 2 pm.
Organizers say that there will be a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house park, escape rooms, laser tag, and more.
The night will end with a performance by Kentucky Headhunters and a fireworks show.
Tickets will be available at the gate for $15, with children 12 and under getting in for free.
For more information, contact the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce at 573-996-2212.
WAPPAPELLO MAN GRADUATES FROM HIGHWAY PATROL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY
One new State Trooper has been assigned to Southeast Missouri.
Colonel Eric Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, tells KWOC News that a total of 21 troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, June 21st.
One of the graduates was from Southeast Missouri.
William Vanmatre, of Wappapello, was assigned to cover Stoddard County.
Trooper Vanmatre will report to duty in Troop E on Monday, July 8th.
MIGRATION TO BE SHOWN AT MOVIE IN THE PARK NIGHT THIS FRIDAY
The Spillway Recreation area at Wappapello Lake will be converted to a movie theater this weekend.
Movie in the Park will begin at dusk on Friday at the Spillway Recreation Area.
The film Migration will be shown, free of charge, and there will also be one free snack and drink available per person. Attendees should remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
The Spillway Recreation area is located off of Highway T right before the dam.
5K RUN AND WALK TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF ON INDEPENDENCE DAY
A 5K Run and Walk will be held in Poplar Bluff on the 4th of July to raise money for an area church.
The Red, White, and Run 5K run and walk will begin at 7:30 am on Thursday, July 4th. Registration will begin at 7 am and the entry fee is $25.
There will be medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age division as well as a special prize for the best patriotic attire. You can register by going to PB Realty Downtown on Vine Street.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Palace of Praise Lady Ministries.
POPLAR BLUFF PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST BACK TO SCHOOL BASH IN AUGUST
The Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department has started preparations for the end of summer event.
The Free Back to School Bash has been scheduled for 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, August 3rd at Whiteley Park in Poplar Bluff.
There will be music, yard games, food trucks, and fun for the entire family. Registration is open for food trucks as well as for local organizations who want to give away school supplies at the event.
For more information, go to the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
