Silver Advisory issued for missing Ripley County man with dementia

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

FAIRDEALING, Mo. (KBSI) —UPDATE: Authorities have located the individual. Authorities have issued an Endangered Silver Advisory for a missing 73-year-old man last seen Tuesday night in Ripley County. According to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, J.E. Dewayne Watson was last seen around 9 p.m. traveling eastbound on U.S. 160 from Fairdealing. Watson is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall,…

McCracken County students selected for Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — Several McCracken County High School students have been accepted into the Kentucky Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs program. Emma Nolan, Madison McKinney, Noah Hambrick and William Seaton were selected to participate in the program, while Marlee Harbison was named an alternate. The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs is a three-week residential program that introduces high school students to…

Learn how to spot mental health warning signs during sessions across southeast Missouri

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Community Counseling Center is offering a series of free training sessions in May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The courses, scheduled throughout the month at multiple locations across southeast Missouri, are designed to help participants recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Officials said the training includes…

Three Rivers cuts ribbon on new greenhouse — giving students hands-on learning space

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Three Rivers College has opened a new greenhouse designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in its agriculture program. College officials said the facility will be used for educational purposes, with plants grown in the greenhouse supporting campus landscaping and community projects in partnership with Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation, rather than commercial sales….

Perryville Police Chief retires after 37 years of service

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — The Perryville Police Department is honoring Chief Direk Hunt as he retires after more than 37 years of service to the community. Hunt began his career with the department in 1988 as a patrol officer and later served in the traffic division, where he became a corporal and earned certifications in DWI detection and crash reconstruction….

AQS QuiltWeek returns to Paducah with exhibits, classes and citywide events

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek will return to Paducah April 22-25, 2026, bringing thousands of visitors to the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center for one of the largest quilting events in the country. The event is also scheduled for April 21-24, 2027. QuiltWeek features hundreds of contest quilts and special exhibits, along with classes and lectures…

Carbondale marks Crime Victims’ Rights Week, highlights resources for victims locally and nationwide

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — Local agencies in Carbondale are recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness about the rights and resources available to victims of crime, while encouraging more people to seek help. What is Crime Victims’ Rights Week? This year marks the 45th anniversary of the observance, which was established in 1981 under President Rona ld Reagan….

From one garden to 16: Local group expands community efforts through festival

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A Southeast Missouri nonprofit is using a growing annual festival to expand its network of community gardens and provide fresh food to more families across the region. Buttheadz Growers Club, a Jackson-based nonprofit focused on building and maintaining community gardens, hosted its second annual 4/20-themed festival Sunday. Organizers say the fundraiser directly supports efforts to…

Community Counseling Center to offer free mental health training sessions in May

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Community Counseling Center will offer free training sessions throughout May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The courses are designed to help participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Officials said both Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid courses will be…

1 dead after house fire with explosions in Zeigler, officials say

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

ZEIGLER, Ill., (KBSI) — One person is dead following a house fire early Thursday morning in Zeigler, according to local officials. Fire crews were called to a home on Pine Street just after 5 a.m. for reports of a fire with explosions, Zeigler Fire Chief Ron Diuguid said. When crews arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames, and additional…

Poplar Bluff student wins essay contest, earns trip to Washington, D.C.

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — A Poplar Bluff High School junior has earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., after winning an essay contest sponsored by Ozark Border Electric Cooperative. Addison Hutson was selected April 1 and will join more than 100 Missouri students for the 63rd annual Missouri Youth Tour, scheduled for June 14-20. The weeklong trip includes visits…

Benton police seek help identifying truck, individuals in photos

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

BENTON, Ky., (KBSI) — Police in Benton are asking for the public’s help identifying the owner of a truck and the individuals shown in photos released by the department. Officials said anyone with information is urged to contact dispatch at 270-527-1333 or message the department directly. Categories: News Tags: benton, Kentucky

Weakley County arts programs help students manage stress and support learning

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WEAKLEY COUNTY, Tnn., (KBSI) — Arts programs in schools can play a critical role in helping students manage stress and improve learning, according to educator Betsi Foster. Foster said many students arrive at school already overwhelmed by stress, distractions and personal challenges, making it difficult to absorb new information. She described this as “cognitive load,” or the amount of mental…

Missouri hands-free law leads to thousands of citations as enforcement increases

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MISSOURI (KBSI) — Missouri’s hands-free driving law is showing early impacts as enforcement increases, according to a new analysis from AAA Missouri. The law, which took full effect Jan. 1, 2025, prohibits drivers from holding or manually using a phone while driving, with limited exceptions for hands-free use. Since enforcement began, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued more than…

Traffic stop in Paducah leads to drug trafficking arrest

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A traffic stop led to the arrest of a western Kentucky man after deputies found multiple drugs and cash in his vehicle, according to local authorities. Officials said a deputy conducted a stop around 4:30 p.m. April 8 on North Third Street for a moving violation. A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting…

Illinois officials urge Medicaid customers to update contact information

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is urging Medicaid customers to update their contact information to stay informed about upcoming changes to coverage. Officials said recipients should make sure their address, phone number and email are current to avoid missing important notices. Updates can be made online at abe.illinois.gov or by calling 877-805-5312. The…

LemonDrop Long Drive returns to Cape Girardeau to support cancer patients

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The LemonDrop Long Drive event returns this weekend, bringing a day of golf, entertainment and community fundraising to southeast Missouri. The event, hosted by the LemonDrop Foundation, is open to participants of all ages and skill levels and aims to support individuals and families affected by cancer. Organizers said the event will feature long drive…

Dozens of vendors bring free health resources to Sikeston community

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) — A free health fair in Sikeston brought dozens of community resources together Wednesday, aiming to make preventive care more accessible for residents. The Early Detection Health Fair, held at the Sikeston YMCA, offered a variety of free screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and mobile mammograms. Organizers said the event focused on early detection — helping…

SIU boosts student mental health through Saluki Cares Day

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – One local college is giving students a mental boost!  At SIU of Carbondale students are having some fun. They got to step outside of the classroom decompress and have a stress-free day.  Jacari Henderson is the Director of the Saluki Cares program of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, the program connects students to resources on issues such as financial stress, grief,…

SEMPO to host public meetings on transit options in Jackson, Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public input as part of a transit planning study evaluating potential bus routes in the City of Jackson and along the Nash Road corridor. Officials will host two public open houses later this month to gather feedback from residents. The first meeting will focus on transit options in Jackson…

Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Bruce Fiske to retire after 30 years

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Bruce D. Fiske, commanding officer of Troop G in Willow Springs, will retire May 1 after 30 years of service, officials announced. Superintendent Col. Michael A. Turner said Fiske joined the patrol in 1996 as part of the 71st Recruit Class and was first assigned to Troop G, serving Howell…

Illinois State Police seize nearly 100 pounds of meth in I-74 traffic stop

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois State Police seized nearly 100 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 74 and arrested a Wisconsin man on a trafficking charge. Troopers said the stop occurred just before 1 p.m. April 6 on eastbound I-74 in McLean County. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of multiple packages of suspected…

McCracken County Jail recognizes 52nd inmate to earn GED

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The McCracken County Jail has recognized its 52nd inmate for earning a GED while incarcerated, officials said. Jailer Stephen Carter said the milestone highlights the impact of education programs within the facility and their role in helping individuals prepare for life after release. Officials said earning a GED can provide access to employment, training programs and…