KWOC 2024 General Election Voters Guide

Federal Government:

United States President/Vice President

Donald Trump/JD Vance -

Kamala Harris/Tim Walz -

United States Senator - Missouri

Josh Hawley -

Lucas Kunce -

W.C. Young -

Jared Young -

Nathan Kline -

United States Representative - Missouri District 8

Jason Smith -

Randi McCallian -

Jake Dawson -

United States Representative - Arkansas District 1

Steve Parsons -

Rodney Govens -

Rick Crawford -

Missouri State:

Missouri Constitutional Amendments and Propositions:

Constitutional Amendment No. 2: Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to: allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate licensed sports wagering including online sports betting, gambling boats, professional sports betting districts and mobile licenses to sports betting operators; restrict sports betting to individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21; allow license fees prescribed by the Commission and a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for education after expenses incurred by the Commission and required funding of the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund; and allow for the general assembly to enact laws consistent with this amendment?

Yes -

No -

Constitutional Amendment No. 3: Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to: establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid; remove Missouri’s ban on abortion; allow regulation of reproductive health care to improve or maintain the health of the patient; require the government not to discriminate, in government programs, funding, and other activities, against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care; and allow abortion to be restricted or banned after Fetal Viability except to protect the life or health of the woman?

Yes -

No -

Constitutional Amendment No. 5: Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to: allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue one additional gambling boat license to operate on the portion of the Osage River from the Missouri River to the Bagnell Dam; require the prescribed location shall include artificial spaces that contain water and are within 500 feet of the 100-year base flood elevation as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and require all state revenues derived from the issuance of the gambling boat license shall be appropriated to early-childhood literacy programs in public institutions of elementary education?

Yes -

No -

Constitutional Amendment No. 6: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to provide that the administration of justice shall include the levying of costs and fees to support salaries and benefits for certain current and former law enforcement personnel?

Yes -

No -

Constitutional Amendment No. 7: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to: Make the Constitution consistent with state law by only allowing citizens of the United States to vote; Prohibit the ranking of candidates by limiting voters to a single vote per candidate or issue; and Require the plurality winner of a political party primary to be the single candidate at a general election?

Yes -

No -

Proposition A: Do you want to amend Missouri law to: increase minimum wage January 1, 2025 to $13.75 per hour, increasing $1.25 per hour each year until 2026, when the minimum wage would be $15.00 per hour; adjust minimum wage based on changes in the Consumer Price Index each January beginning in 2027; require all employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every thirty hours worked; allow the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to provide oversight and enforcement; and exempt governmental entities, political subdivisions, school districts and education institutions?

Yes -

No -

Governor

Mike Kehoe -

Crystal Quade -

Bill Slantz -

Paul Lehmann -

Lieutenant Governor

Dave Wasinger -

Richard Brown -

Ken Iverson -

Danielle (Dani) Elliott -

Secretary Of State

Denny Hoskins -

Barbara Phifer -

Carl Herman Freese -

Jerome Bauer -

State Treasurer

Vivek Malek -

Mark Osmack -

John A. Hartwig, Jr. -

Reagan Haase -

Attorney General

Andrew Bailey -

Elad Jonathan Gross -

Ryan L. Munro -

Missouri Supreme Court:

Shall Judge Kelly C. Broniec of the Missouri Supreme Court be retained in office?

Yes -

No -

Shall Judge Ginger K. Gooch of the Missouri Supreme Court be retained in office?

Yes -

No -

Missouri Court of Appeals Judge, Southern District:

Shall Judge Becky J.W. Borthwick of the Southern District Court of Appeals be retained in office?

Yes -

No -

Shall Judge Jennifer R. Growcock of the Southern District Court of Appeals be retained in office?

Yes -

No -

Missouri State Senator - 25th District

Jason Bean -

Chuck Banks -

Missouri State Representative- 144th District

Tony R Harbison -

Andrew J. Eye -

Missouri State Representative- 150th District

Cameron Bunting Parker -

Kay Collier -

Missouri State Representative- 151st District

Steve W Jordan -

Donnie Lynn Hovis Jr. -

Missouri State Representative- 153rd District

Keith Elliott -

Sheila Bristol -

Arkansas State:

Arkansas Constitutional Amendments:

Issue No. 1: A Constitutional Amendment to Provide that Lottery Proceeds May Be Used to Fund or Provide Scholarships and Grants to Arkansas Citizens Enrolled in Vocational-Technical Schools and Technical Institutes.

For -

Against -

Issue No. 2: An amendment requiring local voter approval in a countywide special election for certain new casino licenses and repealing authority to issue a casino license in Pope County, Arkansas.

For -

Against -

State Treasurer

John Pagan -

John Thurston -

Michael Pakko -

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Position 1

Karen Baker -

Rhonda Wood -

Butler County:

County Commissioner - Eastern District

Ralph Stucker -

Van L. Rhodes -

Public Administrator

Jeff Darnell -

Amy Kopf -

Carter County:

Carter County Question - Shall the County of Carter exempt senior citizens aged 62 and older from increases in the property tax liability due on such senior citizen's primary residence?

Yes -

No -

Pemiscot County:

Commissioner of the County Commission District - 1st District

David Greer -

Noble Nelson -

City of Hayti Proposition for Mosquito Suppression and Control: Shall the Board of Aldermen of the City of Hayti, Missouri be authorized to increase the mosquito suppression and control assessment imposed upon each water bill issued by the City of Hayti from the current assessment of Fifty Cents ($.50) per month to an assessment of Two Dollars ($2.00) per month?

Yes -

No -

Ripley County:

Public Administrator

Donna Barnett -

Mary Dean Gray -

Ripley County Question: “Shall Ripley County levy a tax rate of thirty-six cents on each one hundred dollars valuation for road and bridge purposes, subject to the dissolution of all Special Road Districts within the County?”

Yes -

No -

Friday, October 25, 2025

Friday, October 25, 2025

PROPOSAL TO REDUCE PINE STREET IN POPLAR BLUFF TO TWO LANES WITH A TURN LANE RUNS INTO OPPOSITION FROM LOCAL LEADERS

A proposal to reduce Pine Street in Poplar Bluff is being met with opposition from city leaders.

The proposal from the Missouri Department of Transportation calls for changing Pine Street from a four lane road to a three lane road including a center turning lane.

Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Mike Moffitt tells KWOC News that he is not in favor of the change. He believes if MoDOT forces this change that traffic will be grid locked during peak times. Fire, Police, and EMS responses during these times will also be delayed due to the traffic. He feels like it would create a safety issue for motorists traveling on Business 60 as well as emergency responders.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Thursday, October 24, 2024

ENTRIES NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2024 RIVER RADIO LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

Parade lights will be shining bright in Downtown Poplar Bluff this December for the 2024 River Radio Lighted Christmas Parade.

Entries are now being accepted for the parade, which is scheduled for 6 pm on Friday, December 6th. Entry forms are available on our Facebook page and website. The deadline for entries is November 30th.

The parade route this year will run from Highway 142 at McDonalds through downtown Poplar Bluff before looping back and ending at the Black River Coliseum.

Wednesday October 23, 2024

Wednesday October 23, 2024

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING NEAR POPLAR BLUFF 

One person is dead following an officer involved shooting near Poplar Bluff. 

Sergeant Clark Parrott with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tells KWOC News, a robbery had occurred in Ripley County on Tuesday afternoon. Officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department located the suspect vehicle on Highway M near Highway 67. A pursuit ensued and the vehicle wrecked on Highway 67 near PP Highway. The suspect allegedly fired his gun towards officers. The suspect was shot during the incident. 

Sergeant Parrott added the suspect succumbed to his injuries late Tuesday evening. The investigation is being conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. At this time no names are being released. 

KWOC News will continue to provide more updates as they become available.

Tuesday October 22, 2024

Tuesday October 22, 2024

NO EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING OPENS FOR UPCOMING ELECTION 

Missouri voters no longer need a reason for submitting an absentee ballot. 

No excuse absentee voting begins today for the General Election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th. 

An absentee ballot can be requested from your local election authority. 

November’s general election will feature the race for the White House, as well as local and statewide races, including several Missouri constitutional amendments. 

Butler County Clerk Donna Hillis tells KWOC News that the Butler County Clerk’s office will be open during the lunch hour through Election Day.  

More information is available at sos.mo.gov.

Monday, October 21, 2024

Monday, October 21, 2024

POPLAR BLUFF GIRLS TENNIS TEAM TO PLAY TODAY IN STATE TOURNAMENT

The Poplar Bluff High School girls tennis team has claimed a district championship and are now turning their sights towards a state championship.

The girls won the Class 2, District 1 Team Tennis Tournament last week, defeating Notre Dame 5-2 in the championship game. It is the first tennis district championship for the Lady Mules since 2003.

The Lady Mules will travel to MICDS today to take on the Lady Rams in the MSHSAA Class 2 State Quarterfinals.

Friday, October 18, 2024

Friday, October 18, 2024

KENNETT MAN KILLED IN THURSDAY MORNING CRASH

A Kennett man has died from injuries he received in an early Thursday morning crash.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Tyler Hightower was driving on Highway 84, one mile west of Hayti, when his vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned.

Hightower, who was not wearing a safety device, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pemiscot County Coroner.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Thursday, October 17, 2024

POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NAMED CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

A Poplar Bluff High School student has been named as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship.

School officials say that senior Jack Funke is one of more than 16,000 semifinalists of the 70th annual NMS program based on his Preliminary SAT score from last year.

Funke has also been accepted into the Missouri Scholars Academy at the University of Missouri.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

WARRANT ISSUED FOR MAN IN CONNECTION TO A HIT AND RUN IN MALDEN

A warrant has been issued for a subject in connection to an alleged hit and run over the weekend.

Malden Director of Public Safety Jeff Mitchell tells KWOC News that at approximately 1:30 am on Sunday, dispatch received a call in reference to a leaving the scene accident in the 900 block of North Kimball Street.

The caller said that a female was hit by a car. At the scene, officers found the female to have extensive injuries and she was transported to an area hospital. At last update, the victim was listed as stable.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR NEW BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE HEARTLAND FACILITY

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday for a new facility to help area teens prepare for their future careers.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland Regional Workforce Development Teen Center is a 33,250 square foot facility that will allow easy access for students from more than 20 area high schools in Missouri and Northeast Arkansas participating in the organization’s Workforce Development Initiative.

The program allows for the development of critical employment skills and training and experiential learning, plus an opportunity to earn college credits.

Monday, October 14, 2024

Monday, October 14, 2024

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO SHOOTING INCIDENT IN POPLAR BLUFF

A man is in custody in connection to a shooting over the weekend in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, shortly before 6 am Saturday morning, officers responded to a residence on Victor Street in reference to a shooting.

At the home, the resident indicated that she had shot at a male subject as he entered her bedroom window.

24 year old Rondriguez Hopkins, of Poplar Bluff, was located approximately one block away and had a gunshot wound to his shoulder and hand. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Friday, October 11, 2024

FANS TO PINK OUT MULES FOOTBALL STADIUM TONIGHT

Poplar Bluff Mules Football Fans are being encouraged to wear their pinkest clothing for tonight’s game.

The Mules will be hosting the West Plains Zizzers tonight for the annual Pink Out Game.

Today’s Talk KWOC will be streaming the game tonight on both the Today’s Talk KWOC Facebook Page and the River Radio Youtube page.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024

HAWLEY RALLY IN POPLAR BLUFF TO BE CARRIED LIVE BY TODAY’S TALK KWOC

The rally in Poplar Bluff today featuring United States Senator Josh Hawley and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, will be carried live online by Today’s Talk KWOC.

The rally will be held at 5 pm on Thursday at the Poplar Bluff High School Football stadium.

The rally will be free and open to the public and concessions will be available for purchase.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN MISSOURI FOR UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION

The deadline is here to make sure you’re registered to vote in Missouri for the upcoming election.

According to the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, the last day to register to vote in Missouri for the general election is today.

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

LOCATION ANNOUNCED FOR RALLY FEATURING SENATOR JOSH HAWLEY AND KANSAS CITY CHIEFS KICKER HARRISON BUTKER

The location has been announced for a political rally this week in Poplar Bluff featuring United States Senator Josh Hawley and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.

The rally will be held at 5 pm on Thursday at the Poplar Bluff High School Football stadium.

The rally will be free and open to the public and concessions will be available for purchase.

Monday, October 7, 2024

Monday, October 7, 2024

IDENTITIES RELEASED OF VICTIMS IN BUTLER COUNTY HOUSE EXPLOSION

Two people were killed in a large explosion in rural Butler County on Friday.

The explosion occurred shortly before 9 am at a home near Highway 53 and Butler County Road 605.

While working the scene, emergency crews found two people deceased among the debris.

Friday, October 4, 2024

Friday, October 4, 2024

COMMUNITY MEMBERS TEAM UP TO HELP PROTECT MULES FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Players for the Poplar Bluff Mules Football team now have additional ways to stay safe during practices and games thanks to the help of local community members.

According to Poplar Bluff School Officials, several local medical practitioners, lawyers, and realtors teamed up over the summer to supply 150 Guardian Caps, a value of more than $8,000, to be dispersed between Poplar Bluff High School and Junior High.

Guardian Caps add a padded, soft-shell layer to the exterior of football helmets with energy-absorbing properties designed to reduce the initial severity of impact to the head.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Thursday, October 3, 2024

SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR SUBJECT IN CONNECTION TO  WAYNE COUNTY SHOOTING

A search is underway for a subject in connection to an assault in Wayne County.

Sheriff Dean Finch tells KWOC News that on Wednesday afternoon, at around 1 pm, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office received a call of an assault involving firearms in the area of County Roads 524 and 509 near Lowndes. 

An investigation resulted in Eric “Quinn” Moore being identified as a person of interest. 

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

TWO INJURED IN WAYNE COUNTY SHOOTING, SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

A suspect is in custody following a shooting Tuesday evening in Wayne County.

Wayne County Sheriff Dean Finch tells KWOC News that officers were called to the scene of a shooting at approximately 5:45 pm.

Two people were injured as a result of the shooting and one suspect has been taken into custody.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

SUSPECT IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO NON FATAL SHOOTING IN POPLAR BLUFF

A suspect is in custody in connection to a non-fatal shooting in Poplar Bluff.

According to Poplar Bluff Chief of Police Mike McClain, shortly after 4 am on September 28th, officers responded to a location on South Broadway for a shooting.

At the scene, officers located a male subject who had suffered a gunshot wound to the back. The victim was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital and then moved to a Cape Girardeau hospital for non-life threatening injuries.