St. Louis Zoo’s baby elephant Jet explores new habitat

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) — Baby Asian elephant Jet hit a milestone last week, exploring the Staenberg Group Elephant Woods, the St. Louis Zoo’s largest behind-the-scenes elephant habitat. Jet, living up to his name, zoomed around and “tagged” his mom, Jade, and “auntie” Sri. In his first months, Jet has shown himself to be a quick learner with a spunky…

Perryville community bands together for cleanup after storm

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) — A Perry County school district and several homes are recovering after a late Friday night storm caused widespread damage. The Perryville community is rallying together for cleanup efforts, embodying the motto “Perry County Small but Mighty.” Community responds to help clean up, a local volunteer, shared how hugs, handshakes, and hard work can heal heartache. Over…

Storms leave path of destruction in small Iron County town

DES ARC, Mo. (KBSI) – Storm victims continue to pick up the pieces in Wayne County and Iron County. There have been 6 deaths confirmed in Wayne County which is just about 12 miles away from Des Arc in Iron County. The National Weather service is still surveying the area for the type and size of storm that gave direct…

Video shows destruction by Castor River, drive through River Valley Campground

MARBLE HILL, Mo., (KBSI) – Video footage from our NOW Local News App captures the devastating aftermath of recent storms in the Castor River area, revealing widespread destruction along the river and the road leading to River Valley Campground. The Glenallen area has been particularly hit hard, with residents suffering significant losses due to the weather this last weekend and…

Storm devastates Perry County Missouri: Community unites for recovery as schools and homes face extensive damage

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) – Storms that ravaged Perry County on Friday left behind significant damage, destroying homes, disrupting the Perry County School District #32, and challenging local leaders as they plan for recovery. Perryville Mayor Larry Rhiney, Superintendent, Dr. Fara Jones, and Perry County Presiding Commissioner Mike Sauer are all focused on two key concerns: rebuilding the community and being…

‘Many hands make light work’ – volunteers picking up the pieces of Poplar Bluff

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) – Recovery efforts are underway in Butler County after severe weather Friday night caused extensive damage in the area.  More than 500 households were hit by the storm and at least fifty businesses, that’s according to Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers who said officials are still assessing the damage. Sunday, crews worked to repair…

Poplar Bluff trailer park destroyed

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (KBSI) – A trailer park in Poplar Bluff is destroyed after storms left behind debris and destruction on the night of Friday March 14, 2025. Residents of the Poplar Bluff trailer park located off PP Highway are sharing their gratitude after they say a church, New Covenant Fellowship allowed residents to come into their storm shelter as…

Storm leaves trail of destruction: Aerial footage shows devastating impact on Poplar Bluff

  POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Aerial footage captured by SEMO Drone Service LLC reveals the devastating impact of last night’s storm, which tore through Poplar Bluff and left a trail of destruction in its wake. The footage, taken from a drone flying overhead, shows widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Roofs were ripped off buildings, trees were uprooted…

Governor Mike Kehoe to visit Poplar Bluff, Mo

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is scheduled to arrive in Poplar Bluff at 10:50 a.m. to survey damage from powerful storms that struck the area, resulting in reported fatalities. The governor’s visit comes after a devastating outbreak of severe weather swept through the region, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Emergency management officials and first…

Severe weather response team director says don’t shrug off weather warnings

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) – Poplar Bluff’s severe weather response team closely monitors storms that move through the area. Director of the Poplar Bluff severe weather response team, Craig Meador was busy Friday as he checked in with his team of storm spotters and others in the community. When he’s keeping an eye on a storm, Meador checks a number…

Latest on significant severe weather expected late tonight – March 14-15, 2025

There is a level 4 “Moderate Risk” for severe storms Friday into early Saturday, March 14-15, 2025. Surrounding the Moderate Risk is the level 3 “Enhanced Risk”, level 2 “Slight Risk”, and level 1 “Marginal Risk”. For the latest severe weather alerts, go HERE.   For up to the minute radar, go HERE.   For a live look from our weather cam network, go HERE.   The time to…

Orange Barrel March 14th

(KBSI) – Route E in New Madrid county will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway. The area is between Route W and Route D near Lilbourn. If the weather cooperates work will begin Monday the 17th and run until Friday the 28th. In Graves County KYTC crews plan to shut down KY58…

Field Trip Friday – Orchard Drive Elementary

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) – On this week’s Field Trip Friday, FOX23 travels to Orchard Drive Elementary in Jackson to spread the word about a healthy diet, with our nutrition expert: Hannah Schellman. “We’re going to talk about why we eat the things that are good for our bodies and what they do for us,” said Schellman to the class. For…

Fire Department conducts training exercise at Station II

GORDONVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) – Many area fire departments are completing fire training and gearing up for those summer months as they say we often see more fire incidences throughout the summer. Michael Gentry is the fire chief of the Gordonville Fire Protection District. He says they complete training to help them prepare for different fire scenarios.  Gordonville Fire Protection District members…

Butler County braces for severe weather

BUTLER COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – Local officials are bracing for severe weather this weekend, with the National Weather Service predicting damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes. Emergency responders say this storm could be one of the most intense the area has faced in years. Teams from Poplar Bluff and Butler County, including weather, medical, and community experts,…

Orange Barrel March 13th

  (KBSI) – KYTC crews plan to close a section of KY 1820, starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 7th, for roadway repairs. KY 1820 will be closed at the 4.45-mile marker, near the community of Melber. Crews will remove an existing concrete box culvert that carries a tributary of Mayfield creek under the roadway and replace it with…

People are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the deadliest tornado in U.S. history

MURPHYSBORO, Ill., (KBSI) – The Jackson County Historical Society is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the deadliest tornado in U.S. history with several special events. The kick-off began Thursday, March 13, beginning with remarks from Jackson County Historical Society President Scott Johnson. “The tri-state tornado, 100 years ago, changed the face of Jackson county — Murphysboro, Gorham, and DeSoto —…

Flight Nurse Lisa Pittman reaches 500 Patient Flights

PERRYVILLE, Mo,.(KBSI) — Flight nurse Lisa Pittman has spent years flying through the skies, providing critical care to patients in their most vulnerable moments. Now, after completing her 500th patient flight, she reflects on the impact of her work, thousands of lives touched, countless families given more time with their loved ones. “A huge accomplishment,” Pittman said. “You don’t think…

Severe storms likely Friday into early Saturday, March 14-15, 2025

There is a level 4 “Moderate Risk” for severe storms Friday into early Saturday, March 14-15, 2025. Surrounding the Moderate Risk is the level 3 “Enhanced Risk”, level 2 “Slight Risk”, and level 1 “Marginal Risk”. For the latest severe weather alerts, go HERE.   For up to the minute radar, go HERE.   For a live look from our weather cam…

Hornersville community on edge after car break-ins, store burglary linked to same suspects

  HORNERSVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A small community is grappling with a recent crime wave after several vehicles were allegedly tampered with, and a local grocery store was burglarized. Authorities say surveillance video from the store is proving critical in helping to solve the case. Elisa Johnson, a Hornersville resident, said she feels a deep sense of violation after learning…