APPLICATIONS DISCUSSED FOR POPLAR BLUFF CITY MANAGER POSITION
The Poplar Bluff City Council discussed the vacant City Manager position Monday night.
The Council met in a closed session to discuss the applications received for the open position.
After the discussion a unanimous vote was passed to continue the closed session on December 3rd.
Interim City Manager Lori Phelps tells KWOC News that over 10 applications have been received for the position.
OVER 68 THOUSAND DEER HARVESTED DURING OPENING WEEKEND OF FIREARM DEER SEASON
Hunters across Missouri took to the woods over the weekend for the opening of the November potion of firearms deer season.
According to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation, hunters harvested 68,312 deer during opening weekend. Of the deer harvested, 42,283 were antlered bucks, 5,105 were button bucks, and 20,924 were does.
Last year, hunters checked 90,253 deer during opening weekend.
ONE DEAD FOLLOWING CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY
One person has died following a crash early Saturday morning in Butler County.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that the multi vehicle accident occurred on US Highway 60, two miles west of Fisk.
The deceased has been identified as 37 year old Nathaniel Smith, of Scott City.
A crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol says that crash occurred when a vehicle struck the rear of another vehicle. Smith, a passenger in the first vehicle was ejected, and then struck by a freightliner. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital. No injuries were listed for the driver of the freightliner.
DEER SEASON BEGINS ON SATURDAY
Hunters from across Missouri will be heading to the woods this weekend for the beginning of deer season.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation say that the November portion of the firearms deer season runs from November 16th through the 26th and the opening weekend is the most popular two days for most deer hunters in Missouri.
Hunters who harvest a deer from certain counties in the CWD Management Zone during the opening weekend must take their deer to a designated CWD sampling station.
You can find more information about deer season as well as regulations online at mdc.mo.gov.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MAN FACING OVER FOURTEEN YEARS IN PRISON ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE
An area man has been sentenced on a child pornography charge.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 40 year old Justin Wade Welker, of Bollinger County, pled guilty in August to one count of child pornography. Welker was sentenced Tuesday to 179 months in federal prison.
The investigation began after officials were alerted that Welker was uploading images and videos of child pornography to his phone.
Officials say that after serving his 179-month sentence, Welker will be placed on supervised release for a period of 20 years. Welker will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
MOTORISTS WARNED TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DEER
With temperatures starting to drop, Missouri motorists are being advised to watch for deer.
Officials say that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists at this time of year.
The majority of deer strike crashes occur in November each year, with most happening in the 6 to 7 am and 6 to 9 pm timeframes.
Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced 3,591 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. In these crashes, there were four fatalities and 420 people were injured.
Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed gradually while watching other traffic around you.
If you do strike a deer, move your vehicle to a safe location and call 9-1-1 or *55 on a cell phone and report it.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EVENT TO BE HELD IN POPLAR BLUFF
A disaster preparedness event has been scheduled for today in Poplar Bluff.
The Butler County Emergency Management Agency and University of Missouri Extension will be hosting the event from 2 to 3:30 pm at the Main Branch of the Poplar Bluff Library.
There will be door prizes provided by the Butler County EMA.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A Poplar Bluff man was killed in a motorcycle crash last week.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 8:30 pm Thursday night on Highway 142, one mile south of Poplar Bluff when a motorcycle ran off the side of the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that the driver of the vehicle has been identified as 20 year old Chase Mock, of Poplar Bluff.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN KILLED IN CRASH INVOLVING TRACTOR NEAR QULIN
A Poplar Bluff man was killed in a crash involving farming equipment Thursday morning near Qulin.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a vehicle struck the tractor from behind, crossed the center of Highway 53, and struck another vehicle.
The driver of the last vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers tells KWOC News that the deceased has been identified as 64 year old David Jones of Poplar Bluff.
DONIPHAN R-1 CLASSES CANCELED FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
School officials in the Doniphan R-1 School District have decided to cancel school for today and tomorrow due to the flooding in the area.
In a post on Facebook, officials said they hope this will help families and the community recover/clean up from any damages caused by this flood.
According to NOAA, the Current River in Doniphan is expected to crest below the major flood stage midday today.
STUCKER AND DARNELL WIN RACES IN BUTLER COUNTY
Ralph Stucker and Jeff Darnell were the winners of the contested races Tuesday in Butler County.
For County Commissioner of the Eastern District of Butler County, Ralph Stucker defeated Van Rhodes 8,873-2,388.
In the race for Butler County Public Administrator, Jeff Darnell beat Amy Kopf 13,222-4,027.
In Carter County, voters approved a question that will exempt senior citizens, aged 62 and older, from increases in the property tax liability due on their primary residence.
TODAY IS ELECTION DAY
A number of races and propositions will be voted on today by citizens in Missouri and Arkansas.
In addition to the race for the White House, voters across Missouri will also be voting on a United States Senate race along with multiple spots in the state government, including Governor.
Voters in Missouri will also be voting on five constitutional amendments and a statewide proposition.
HARRIS AND TRUMP ENTER FINAL DAY OF CAMPAIGN
We are on the final day of the campaign for the White House.
Tomorrow will see voters decide between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris on who should become President of the United States of America.
In Missouri, the race for the United States Senate will see Josh Hawley facing off against challenger Lucas Kunce.
MISSOURI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 7 WOULD PROHIBIT RANKED CHOICE VOTING
Continuing our look at constitutional amendments that will be decided in Missouri during the general election, we turn to the effort to ban ranked choice voting in the state.
Missouri Constitutional Amendment 7 would prohibit the ranking of candidates by limiting voters to a single vote per candidate or issue; require the plurality winner of a political party primary to be the single candidate at a general election; and make the Constitution consistent with state law by only allowing citizens of the United States to vote.
MISSOURI STATE CONGRESSIONAL SEATS UP FOR GRABS DURING NEXT WEEKS ELECTION
Voters in Southeast Missouri will be deciding who will be representing them in the Missouri Congress next week.
The race for State Senator of Missouri’s 25th District is down to Jason Bean and Chuck Banks.
There are four competitive races in Southeast Missouri for the Missouri State House of Representatives. For the 144th District, Tony Harbison will face Andrew Eye. The 150th District will see Cameron Bunting Parker take on Kay Collier.
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY A VEHICLE NEAR POPLAR BLUFF
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle Tuesday morning in Butler County.
According to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at around 6 am on Highway B, just west of Highway AA.
A vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway and struck 27 year old Topanga Thompson, also of Poplar Bluff. The vehicle then struck a tree.
MISSOURI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 3 WOULD REMOVE THE STATE’S BAN ON ABORTIONS
Continuing our look at constitutional amendments that will be decided in Missouri during the general election, we turn to abortion.
Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3 would establish a constitutional right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid.
The amendment also removes Missouri's ban on abortion; allows regulation of reproductive health care to improve or maintain the health of the patient; and requires the government not to discriminate, in government programs, funding, and other activities, against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care.
MISSOURI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 2 WOULD ALLOW SPORTS BETTING IN THE STATE
Beginning our look at constitutional amendments that will be decided in Missouri during the general election, we start with online sports betting.
Missouri Constitutional Amendment Number 2 asks Missourians if they want to amend the constitution to permit licensed sports wagering regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission and restrict sports betting to individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21.
The amendment also includes a 10 percent wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for educational institutions in Missouri.
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 -
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.
