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New Madrid, Mo. – Today, the Public Service Commission delivered what is expected to be a fatal blow to the area’s largest employer, Noranda Aluminum, by denying a compromise rate adjustment that would have kept the plant in business. The commission, made up entirely of members along the I-70 corridor, sided with Ameren UE in stating that the loss of 1,000 jobs in the poorest part of the state was not worthy to take action on. “This is a very, very difficult public policy decision and the impact would be felt statewide. Noranda failed to show that their current rate is causing a crisis of liquidity. I hope the parties can continue to work together to solve this issue,” said

County Commissioner's meeting.  From left to right: Jim Hager (Field Spotter Coordinator), Frankie Casteel (Communications director at Sheriff’s office), Rick Shanklin (Warnings Coordinator - NWS - Paducah), Jeff Shawan (Butler County EMA Director) and Craig Meador (Director of PBSWRT)  ​ Poplar Bluff, Mo. - Craig Meador and Jim Hager, of the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team, have been chosen by the National Weather Service office in Paducah, KY, to be their ambassadors representing storm spotters from the entire Paducah Region at their open house being held at the NWS Office on September 20th. In a phone interview today Meador said, "I consider it a great honor that the weather service has chosen our team out of the entire area to represent the

KENNETT, Mo. - The Kennett City Council, Tuesday, discussed a number of issues and inked a deal with NewWave Communications to provide telephone service to the city. Kennett Police Department Chief Johnny Dennis approached the council with the proposal citing a net savings to the city of close to $10,000 annually. The 60-month contract costs the city approximately $36,600 plus taxes per year opposed to a bill of approximately $45,000 last year, Dennis said. The communications company will use a portion of Kennett's City Light, Gas and Water infrastructure to provide telephone service, which includes backup capabilities in case of disaster or emergencies, the chief added. The contract was approved by a 7-2 vote, with council members Nick Weathermax and

Poplar Bluff, Mo. - The Friends of the NRA held their 22nd Annual Fundraising Banquet Saturday at Poplar Bluff's Black River Coliseum. Albert Boeving, one of the organizers of the event, noted that this year's event set a record in terms of the net amount raised per attendee. “Our attendance was down slightly because of many competing events going on this weekend,” said Boeving. “But we actually set a record with the amount of money raised per attendee.” The event netted over $75,000 and attracted about 550 attendees. The event included social time and a live auction of several items. Over 90 guns were won in raffles or bought by attendees at the event. “Really, it is amazing that we

The Poplar Bluff City Council welcomed new City Manager Heath Kaplan at the conclusion of his first day on the job, and also took care of a number of pieces of city business Monday evening. As it happened, his first day on the job was also Kaplan's birthday. After being serenaded with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” by the council members and crowd at the meeting, Kaplan, thanked the citizens of Poplar Bluff for his warm reception. Mayor Angela Pearson greeted Kaplan, and also thanked interim City Manager Mark Massingham for his service to the community. Council Votes NO on Property Tax Increase Kaplan admitted his first day on the job had been very busy. One of his first items