Wednesday, July 3, 2024

HEAT INDICES EXPECTED TO GET WELL ABOVE 100 DEGREES TODAY

Hot weather will be covering the area today and area residents are encouraged to take precautions.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, heat index values are expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees today, depending on the timing of possible thunderstorms. A heat advisory or excessive heat warning will also be in effect today for some areas.

Most of Southeast Missouri has a slight risk of severe weather, including isolated to scattered thunderstorms today into tonight.

The next few days could see lots of rainfall, with at least most of the area receiving half of an inch. Some communities, such as Northern Wayne County and Southern Madison County, could get over three inches of precipitation.

POPLAR BLUFF TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY ON THURSDAY

Poplar Bluff residents will be out celebrating the Fourth of July holiday coming up on Thursday.

The celebration will start Thursday morning with the Red, White, and Run 5K run and walk beginning at 7:30 am. Proceeds from the run will go to the Palace of Praise Lady Ministries.

The DAR Independence Day parade will start at 9 am. The parade line will begin at 6:30 am at Sky High Indoor Park.

The day will be capped off with the annual Poplar Bluff Independence Day Fireworks display, beginning at around 9 pm in downtown Poplar Bluff.

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

Many Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas communities will be holding fireworks celebrations this week, but some area residents will also be enjoying the festivities at home.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has released some fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July.

The CPSC advises parents to never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks and always have adult supervision when kids of any age are playing with fireworks, including sparklers.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Also, never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Do not light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Also remember to check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning.

TWO IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING HIGH SPEED PURSUIT IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

A high speed pursuit came to an end in Northern Butler County on Monday.

The pursuit began in Wayne County and stop sticks were used multiple times before the vehicle finally came to rest in Butler County Monday morning.

Two people have been taken into custody. They are identified as 24 year old Deshauntay Craig and 18 year old James Williamson, both of Poplar Bluff. Both are charged with resisting arrest by fleeing, assault 3rd degree, and leaving the scene of an accident.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, the Poplar Bluff Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol all assisted with the investigation.

POPLAR BLUFF AWARDED OVER $300,000 FOR SIDEWALK ON EAST SIDE OF TOWN

More money is coming to Poplar Bluff for infrastructure improvements.

According to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, Poplar Bluff will receive $300,784 for the East Pine Crosswalk - Linc Park Connector Sidewalk crossing Highway 60 on the east side of the city.

The money comes from the 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Other southeast Missouri cities, such as Dexter and Kennett, were also chosen to receive funding for their projects.

DEADLINE IS FRIDAY TO PURCHASE TAGS FOR BULKY ITEM PICKUP

Friday is the final day for Poplar Bluff residents to purchase tags for this month’s Bulky Item Pickup.

Residents can purchase bulk item tags from the City Collector’s office at City Hall for $20. The tags entitle you to the removal of four bulk items, such as couches or refrigerators. Tires may be collected for a charge of $3 per tire with a limit of four tires.

No construction materials or small items will be picked up and the program is for residential areas only.

Friday is the final day to purchase item tags at City Hall to be included in next week’s pick up, which will be conducted on Tuesday, July 9th.

MISSOURI STATE OFFICES TO BE CLOSED FRIDAY

Missouri State Offices will not be open on Friday.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has directed state offices to be closed on July 5, to allow state team members more time with their loved ones over the Fourth of July holiday.

Governor Parson has also ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red, white, and blue the evening of July 4 in celebration of the Independence Day holiday.