Poplar Bluff native, the voice of Scooby-Doo, will host local events

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. —The character of Scooby-Doo turned 55 years old this past September, but did you know the voice of the memorable character is from Poplar Bluff? Scott Innes, a 1987 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, took over the role from Don Messick in 1997. He later took on the voice of Scrappy-Doo and Shaggy as well.

The voice-actor will be returning to town for two events on the weekend of Nov. 2-4.

From 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, Innes will be at the Walmart Supercenter on Westwood Boulevard for a signing, meet and greet, and impromptu Scooby-Doo merchandise booth in honor of the character’s birthday.

He added Tom Newman of Newman Amusements and Missouri Highlands Healthcare are sponsoring the event.

“It’s going to be a fun time,” he assured.

Innes informed there will be people dressed up as the characters for photo opportunities.

“We’re going to have a commemorative poster just for Poplar Bluff we’re bringing out,” he noted.

Innes said the poster will only be sold or signed in town. He stated the merchandise available at the signing will be a concentration of rare and hard-to-find items.

“Everything under the sun you can possibly think of Scooby-Doo from hats, t-shirts, talking toys; you name it, we will have it,” he said.

Innes said he will also perform voices for the kids.

“It’s like a homecoming,” he said.

“We will have a lot of stuff, a lot of fun,” Innes expressed, “We encourage people to come out, and get in line, and say hi to us, and get an autograph... and I’ll be there.”

On Monday, Nov. 4, he will be performing at the Holiday Inn on Westwood for the 11th annual Scott Innes Songs and Stories Gala for the benefit of the Recycling Grace Women’s Center. Innes said the event is ticket-only and is sold out every year.

He emphasized the cause of raising money for women with addictions is very close to his heart. He shared his mother, Linda Brothers, passed away as an addict.

“That’s why I do it,” Innes said.

The gala has raised $500,000 over the course of its 10-year run.

“I’m just trying to change lives, that’s all I care about,” he affirmed.

With a passion for his hometown, charitable causes, and entertainment, Innes hoped everyone will come out to Walmart to see him and support the character of Scooby-Doo.

“I just love entertaining kids,” he informed, “Poplar Bluff is a place that I cherish, and I love the people there.”