Monday, June 17, 2019

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONY DRUG CHARGES

Authorities in Butler County have arrested an area man on multiple felony charges.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 34 year old Joseph Johnson, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody early Sunday morning on felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon as well as possession of a controlled substance for heroin, methamphetamine, Xanax, and Hydrocodone.

Johnson is also facing charges of possession of marijuana – less than 35 grams and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Johnson was held at the Butler County Jail.

ILLINOIS WOMAN DROWNS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

An Illinois woman died Friday while floating in Southeast Missouri.

According to authorities, 48 year old Sherrie Baker, of Granite City, Illinois was floating on a tube in Jack’s Fork River near Eminence when she struck a sunken stump and was swept underwater.

Baker was pronounced dead Friday afternoon by Shannon County Deputy Coroner Hunter Warren.

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO THE DEATH OF A FORMER NORTHEAST ARKANSAS LAWMAKER

Authorities have announced that an arrest has been made in the homicide investigation of a former lawmaker from Northeast Arkansas.

Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell KWOC News that Special Agents of the ASP Criminal Investigation Division and Deputies of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department have arrested 48 year old Rebecca Lynn O’Donnell, of Pocahontas, in connection with the homicide of former Arkansas State Senator Linda Collins-Smith and criminal charges are pending.

Officials say that the investigation is at a critical juncture and no further information will be released until authorities are confident it will not comprise the integrity of the criminal case.

SIX INJURED IN FOUR VEHICLE PILE UP NEAR POPLAR BLUFF

A four vehicle wreck Friday evening in Butler County resulted in multiple injuries.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred at around 7:30 pm on Missouri Highway 53, five miles south of Poplar Bluff.

Three vehicles were slowing when one was hit from behind initiating the wreck.

One person sustained moderate injuries, while five received minor injuries during the incident. All six people who were injured were transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE WRECK

An area man was injured in a motorcycle wreck over the weekend.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 54 year old Bobby Cooley, of Hayti, was riding a motorcycle on US 60, near Dudley, when he lost control and the vehicle overturned.

Officials say the wreck occurred at around 1:10 pm Saturday afternoon.

Cooley suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was taken by ambulance to a Poplar Bluff hospital.

BRAIN FITNESS CLASS BEGINNING THIS WEEK IN BUTLER COUNTY

The University of Missouri Extension in Butler County is offering a Boost Your Brain and Memory: Brain Fitness Class beginning this week.

The class will be held on Tuesdays for four weeks at the Extension Center on Lindsay Avenue in Poplar Bluff. The registration fee is $35.

The class will help participants implement new habits to maintain cognitive health while also practicing new skills for better memory performance.

For more information or to register for the class, call 573-686-8064.