TWO BUTLER COUNTY SCHOOL ISSUES TO BE DECIDED DURING TODAY’S MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Voters from across Southeast Missouri will be going to the ballot box today for municipal elections.
Voters in the Poplar Bluff School District will decide on a bond question for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, renovating, repairing, furnishing and equipping new and existing school facilities in the district, including expanding the Early Childhood Center.
Twin Rivers R-X is asking for the public’s approval to borrow eight million dollars for the purpose of providing funds for the site development, construction, equipping, and furnishing of new classrooms on the High School campus to serve as the new Junior High as well as for improvements and repairs at the Qulin and Fisk elementary schools, among other projects.
Multiple school districts will also be holding competitive Board of Education elections today, including Poplar Bluff and Neelyville.
Five people are challenging for two spots on the Poplar Bluff School Board, including Cynthia Brown, Roger Hanner, Heather Rommel, Mike Moss, and Lynn McCormack.
There are three candidates for two spots on the Neelyville School board; Matt Marshall, Paige Reinbott, and Jordan Thomas.
BLACK RIVER IN POPLAR BLUFF TO BE UNDER FLOOD WARNING FOR MOST OF THIS WEEK
The Black River in Poplar Bluff is forecast to remain in the minor flood stage for most of this week.
According to the National Weather Service, the River is under a flood warning through Saturday morning.
Officials say that levels have fallen into the minor flood category at Poplar Bluff, but are forecast to remain there until later on Friday.
Very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 to 8 inches across the Black
River basin over the past week will keep river levels elevated this week.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATING OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN RIPLEY COUNTY
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer involved shooting in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Highway Patrol, shortly after 2 pm on Sunday, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance with a barricaded male subject at a residence near Doniphan.
At the scene, officers determined that the subject was armed with a knife. At around 5:30 pm, the subject, still armed with a knife, moved toward a Ripley County Deputy and a Missouri State Trooper.
Verbal commands were given to the subject to drop the knife, but he did not comply. Ripley County Sheriff Rad Talburt says that the subject moved aggressively towards the deputy and attempted to stab him multiple times. Both officers then fired their weapons, striking the subject.
Medical aid was provided, however the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s name was not released.
The investigation is being conducted by criminal investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. Upon completion of the investigation, the reports will be forwarded to the Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney for review.
PRESIDING CIRCUIT JUDGE KACEY PROCTOR SELECTED AS THREE RIVERS COLLEGE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT
A Circuit Judge is being honored by Three Rivers College.
The college has selected Kacey Proctor, the Presiding Circuit Judge of the 36th Judicial Circuit, as its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.
Three Rivers College President Dr. Wesley Payne tells KWOC News that Proctor is a respected leader in the community, and they are proud to include him in the Three Rivers family.
Former Missouri Governor Mike Parson appointed Proctor as Presiding Circuit Judge in 2023 following the retirement of Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett.
Proctor has also served as a prosecuting attorney in Carter County and Butler County, and as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Taney County and Ripley County. He was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2022 by the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
Proctor also served 13 years in the National Guard, deploying to the Middle East, and eventually earning the rank of Captain.
A public reception in his honor will be held at 4:30 p.m. on April 23rd, at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff. The award presentation will begin at approximately 5 p.m..
HOMES EVACUATED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY DUE TO FLOOD WATER
Flood waters have forced the evacuation of some homes in New Madrid County.
According to a post on the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, crews with the Little River Drainage District were responding to the floodway bank overtopping for several hours on Sunday.
Officials say the crews worked to mitigate the flow of water and reduce damage, however homes in danger were evacuated.
At the time of the post on Sunday, no other homes were believed to be in danger. Water was starting to push up to the north edge of Highway 62, but officials say that the roadway is still open.
Other roads across Southeast Missouri remain flooded and motorists are reminded to not drive through flood waters.
RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT FLOOD DAMAGE TO THE RED CROSS
Residents are being reminded to start documenting any damage you received.
If you experienced storm or flooding damage, you can report it to the American Red Cross at RedCross.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.
Also be aware of scammers who might try to take advantage of you during recovery efforts.
Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell says that there have been reports regarding someone in the area claiming they are with FEMA.
If you encounter anyone claiming to be from government agencies in relation to FEMA, SEMA or any disaster group, contact your local city and county officials and verify their credentials before letting them in your home.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED FOR STOLEN FIREARM DURING SHOTS FIRED INVESTIGATION
A Poplar Bluff man has been taken into custody after he was found in possession of a stolen firearm.
According to a report from the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Sunday, officers were dispatched to the cemetery on Main Street in reference to shots being fired and to assist another agency.
At the scene, officers made contact with 25 year old Laquarious Marshall and found him in possession of a stolen firearm.
Marshall was placed under arrest and lodged in the Butler County Justice Center.
CREWS TO REPLACE CULVERT ON ROUTE W IN BUTLER COUNTY TODAY
Route W in Butler County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
The section of roadway being closed is located from County Road 533 to County Road 536.
Weather permitting, work is expected to be completed today.
DUNKLIN COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT
Route WW in Dunklin County will be closed through this afternoon as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
The work zone is located in the Campbell area, between Route 53 and Route J.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through 4:30 p.m..
