POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS) - The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce is encouraging each business (especially along business Highway 67/60) to maintain their property adjacent to the main roadway.

They say many curbs are in need of constant attention, especially this time of the year. These areas are the most visible and heaviest traveled by potential first-time visitors.

The chamber said:

"We have all read about the recent cutbacks from the Missouri Department of Transportation. We have also never been a community to sit back and wait for the state or federal government to solve our problems."

They say they will contine to work with MoDOT and the City Street Department on issues such as grass cutting and weed maintenance, but they see the need for the business community to step up and help keep the community looking good at all times.

(KFVS) - Ameren Missouri has joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in an initiative to promote the importance of wearing life jackets while boating on the Lake of the Ozarks.

The main focus is children, but the initiative will also educate boaters of all ages about the life-saving importance of life jackets.

“Safety is our primary concern, and teaming with the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides a tremendous opportunity to emphasize the importance of wearing life jackets on Missouri’s lakes and waterways,” said Jeff Green, supervisor of shoreline management, Ameren Missouri.

Ameren Missouri is providing the troopers with T-shirts bearing the message, “I got caught wearing my life jacket.” Troopers will hand out the T-shirts as a reward to children “caught” wearing their life jackets during the early summer boating season.

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS)- Officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department responded to an apartment in the 400-block of North 2nd Street in Poplar Bluff, in reference to an arson complaint.

Police want to talk to Calvin Kersey after a fire was found following a reported altercation with an acquaintance. It happened early Thursday morning around 3 a.m.

Anyone with information regarding Calvin Kersey’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Brainard at the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776, or Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigator Dunn at 800-392-7766.

Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.