Perry County School District #32 welcomes back middle school students after devastating storms

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Students at Perry County School District #32’s middle school returned to class, nearly two weeks after a devastating storm tore through the area, causing widespread destruction and disrupting the educational routine. The storms, which struck on March 15, brought high winds, heavy rainfall, and large hail, resulting in significant damage to several buildings within the district,…

Carbondale Community High School unveils Career and Technical Education building

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Carbondale Community High School District 165 celebrated the addition of its new Career and Technical Education Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. The event showcased the school’s programs, including its CNA training, and highlighted the positive impact it has had on students. Melanie Nelson, CNA program instructor, emphasized the importance of compassion in healthcare,…

Arrest made in connection with suspicious fire at Barton’s

FireKENNETT, Mo., (KBSI) — An arrest has been made in connection with a suspicious fire at Barton’s on March 26. The Kennett Fire Department responded to the possible structure fire around 5:45 p.m. and quickly extinguished the flames, preventing damage to the structure. An investigation was launched immediately, and due to swift collaboration between law enforcement and fire investigators, a…

Community rallies around Perry County schools after tornado

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — The Perry County School District is expressing gratitude to the community for its outpouring of support following the March 14 tornado that damaged district schools. In response to numerous offers of assistance, the district has established new funds to accept donations, in addition to its existing Perry County Children’s Fund. These funds allow donors to designate…

Task force arrests 3 in Clinton, Ky. meth bust

CLINTON, Ky., (KBSI) — A search warrant executed by the River Counties Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force on March 26 led to the arrest of three individuals on methamphetamine-related charges. The warrant was served at a residence in the 100 block of North Jefferson Street, following an investigation prompted by citizen complaints. Task force officers had conducted undercover purchases…

Community gathers to honor veterans at send-off event

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The community is coming together today to honor veterans at a send-off event hosted by VFW Post 3838 and The Wake Foundation. The event, a show of gratitude and pride, allows attendees to thank veterans for their service and sacrifices. The community is invited to attend and show their support. 50 local veterans, thier families…

Fire departments extinguish out-of-control field fire

ADVANCE, Mo., (KBSI) — Fire departments from Bell City, Advance and Bloomfield responded to an out-of-control field fire Wednesday afternoon. The fire, which was reported around 2:50 p.m., engulfed an outbuilding and surrounding brush. Crews worked together to extinguish the flames. Fire officials reminded residents that dry conditions and windy weather make burning hazardous and urged caution until the area…

Mt. Vernon police arrest 3 in connection with homicide

MT. VERNON, Ill., (KBSI) — Three people have been arrested and charged in connection with a homicide investigation in Mt. Vernon. Police responded to a residence in the 600 block of S. 15th Street on March 24, 2025, at approximately 5:53 a.m. and discovered the body of Patrick Williamson, 57, with visible signs of injury. An investigation led by the…

Police seek public’s help in identifying theft suspect

BENTON, Ky., (KBSI) — Authorities are seeking assistance in identifying a man involved in a recent theft investigation. The individual, whose image is below, appears to have a skull tattoo on his hand. Anyone with information is asked to contact the agency at 270-527-1333 or via messenger. Categories: News Tags: benton, Kentucky

MUSIC Executive Director tours tornado-damaged Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Ron Orr, Executive Director of the Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC), toured the tornado-damaged Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center on Monday. Orr was joined by R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman and Assistant Superintendent of Business Charles Kinsey to assess the destruction. Crews from Cotton Global Disaster Solutions installed temporary roofing at the facility over the…

Livingston County Middle School sixth graders graduate from D.A.R.E. program

SMITHLAND, Ky., (KBSI) — The sixth-grade class at Livingston County Middle School celebrated their completion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program with a graduation ceremony on March 24. D.A.R.E. Officer Greg Moyers addressed the students, highlighting the skills they learned, including responsible decision-making, resisting peer pressure and understanding the dangers of drug use. Principal Mark Fenske encouraged students…

Vandalism damages Sikeston Sports Complex bathrooms

SIKESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — Two bathrooms at the Sikeston Sports Complex were damaged over the weekend in an incident of vandalism. The Sikeston Parks and Recreation department is working to repair the damage. The bathrooms will remain closed until the repairs are completed. Authorities are seeking information about the incident. Anyone with knowledge of the vandalism is asked to contact…

Blodgett hosts Kelly Grade School field trip

BLODGETT, Mo., (KBSI) — More than 60 second graders from Kelly Grade School visited Blodgett on March 7 to learn about the town’s history. The students were particularly interested in Blodgett’s reputation as the “watermelon capital of the world” in 1901, which is reflected in paintings on the museum walls. During the tour, the students saw a replica of the…

Pulaski County deputies respond to report of suspicious device

WAYNESVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — A potentially hazardous item was discovered at a Pulaski County residence on Saturday, prompting a response from local authorities and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. Deputies from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a home on Columbia Road at approximately 1:17 p.m. after the homeowners, Kyle and Jaden Wright, reported finding what appeared to…

Benton police seek person of interest in aggravated battery investigation

Police car lights in night time, crime scene, night patrolling the city. Abstract blurry image.BENTON, Ill., (KBSI) — Authorities are seeking information on the whereabouts of Keith E. Redmon Jr., 29, of Benton. Redmon is a person of interest in an aggravated battery investigation, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Benton Police Department at 618-724-2424. Anonymous…

Jackson R-2 Schools announce program details for IGNITE program

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – Jackson R-2 Schools are paving a path to student success through new IGNITE Program. Program details were announced at the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast where it was explained that the program is a profession-based learning program offered at Jackson Highschool to give students the opportunity to explore many different career options. According to…

Poplar Bluff Fire Department battles three structure fires

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — The Poplar Bluff Fire Department had a busy morning Thursday, responding to three separate structure fires that kept firefighters on their toes. Firefighters were dispatched to the first fire on Arkansas Lane before dawn, where they worked to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage. Poplar Bluff Fire Department Batallion Chief Jeffrey Hale said it…

Missouri firefighters battle hundreds of wildfires amid critical fire danger

COLUMBIA, Mo., (KBSI) — Firefighters across Missouri have battled hundreds of wildfires in recent weeks due to dry vegetation, low humidity and windy conditions. New fires ignited Tuesday night in Douglas, Howell, Shannon and Reynolds counties, fueled by extreme winds. Firefighters, aided by local and state agencies, worked through the night to contain the blazes. The Missouri Department of Conservation,…

Crews contain Stoddard County field fire sparked by downed power lines

BELL CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Firefighters responded to a field fire in Stoddard County late Wednesday night, battling windy conditions to contain the blaze. The Bell City Fire Rescue department was dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:40 p.m. Due to the strong winds, mutual aid was requested from the Advance Fire Department and Bloomfield Department of Public Safety. Crews…

Community comes together: Local heroes thanked for selfless service after storms

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) – The community is extending its gratitude to several individuals and groups for their roles in facilitating the recent donation of snacks and drinks to local students. Their efforts involved transporting donations from Bluff First and the Convoy of Hope truck to the Middle School. Additionally, numerous teachers are contributing to community cleanup initiatives and volunteering…

New Madrid County Ambulance District thanks agencies for evacuation assistance

NEW MADRID, Mo., (KBSI) — The New Madrid County Ambulance District is expressing gratitude to local agencies that assisted with the evacuation of Delta South Skilled Nursing Facility. The district said the evacuation was accomplished in a timely and efficient manner thanks to the support of the following agencies: New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office New Madrid Police Department Stoddard County…

Franklin County authorities seek public’s help in locating wanted individuals

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating three individuals wanted on various charges. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department warns that some of these individuals may be considered armed and/or dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department at 618-438-4841. Tips can also be…

Photos show more Poplar Bluff cleanup underway after storm

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Cleanup efforts are underway in Poplar Bluff, with crews working to remove trees and debris from the area. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out for help. Crews will work until dark and resume efforts tomorrow. Photos sourced: (Hope International/Facebook) Categories: News Tags: Missouri, Poplar Bluff, tornado