SUSPECT SOUGHT IN POPLAR BLUFF SHOOTING
Poplar Bluff Police are searching for a suspect following a shooting early Tuesday morning.
Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley tells KWOC News that the incident happened around 2:28 am Tuesday morning in the 1000 Block of East Harper Street.
One man was airlifted to a Memphis hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police are searching for a suspect, identified as 34-year-old Lamar Cashawn Brown Jr., in connection to the shooting.
If you have any information on Brown’s whereabouts, contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.
DEXTER MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ABUSE
A Dexter man has been taken into custody after being accused of sexual abuse.
According to the Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, 41 year old Brett Mattison was charged in two cases that were filed this week, alleging numerous sexual offenses perpetrated against two minor children, which are alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2025.
Warrants have been issued for Mattison, charging him with rape, two counts of sexual abuse, two counts of child molestation, and two counts of sodomy or attempted sodomy, among other charges.
Mattison remains in custody in the Stoddard County Jail on no bond.
BLOOMFIELD HOUSING AUTHORITY SUED BY JUSTICE DEPARTMENT FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT
A Southeast Missouri housing authority is being sued by the United States Justice Department.
According to a news release, the Justice Department announced Tuesday that it filed a lawsuit against Eddie Joe Hankins and the Housing Authority of the City of Bloomfield for sexually harassing a female housing applicant in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Hankins was the executive director of the Missouri Housing Authority from 2019 through 2022.
The lawsuit alleges that in 2021, a woman living with her three children applied for public housing. After her application was denied, the complaint alleges that she went to meet with Executive Director Hankins, who made unwanted sexual advances toward her.
The suit also alleges that Hankins made sexual comments about the applicant’s appearance, conditioned housing for her family upon submission to his conduct, and that he refused to assist her with obtaining housing once she resisted his sexual advances.
The lawsuit also alleges that the Housing Authority is vicariously liable for Hankins’ unlawful conduct. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the applicant harmed by the alleged harassment and a court order barring future discrimination.
PATRONS OF THE ARTS TO PRESENT SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND AT THREE RIVERS COLLEGE
Southeast Missouri residents will get to experience the true spirit of Scotland with soaring songs, live music, and champion Highland dancers at a special performance this month in Poplar Bluff.
Three Rivers College Patrons of the Arts will present "Spirit of Scotland" at 7 p.m. on October 23, at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.
Organizers say that the show features a unique blend of music, song, and dance.
Tickets are $15 and are available online at tinnin.ticketleap.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door, if any remain.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR MIKE KEHOE AUTHORIZES MISSOURI NATIONAL GUARD TO SUPPORT ICE
The Missouri National Guard will be able to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement forces within the state according to a new order from the Governor.
On Tuesday, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he had authorized the Missouri National Guard to assist with administrative, clerical, and logistical duties at ICE processing facilities within the state.
Kehoe said that the decision comes in response to a request for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to the Department of War to ensure the resources and personnel needed to effectively enforce immigration laws and maintain operational control of the border.
Missouri National Guard service members will provide support starting today, enabling ICE personnel to focus on core enforcement and security functions. National Guard personnel who have been assigned to this mission were selected on a volunteer basis.
Military personnel are authorized to be on duty for this mission through September 30, 2026.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION REMINDS MISSOURIANS TO WATCH FOR BEARS
With Fall underway, the Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding residents to be on the lookout for black bears.
According to MDC officials, Missouri is home to an estimated over 1,000 black bears with most being in the southern part of the state. During the fall, bears are focused on fattening up and can spend up to 20 hours a day foraging for food. This can lead to conflicts between bears and people, pets, and property.
MDC Furbear Biologist Nate Bowersock said it is important that people remove or secure bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste.
He noted that intentionally feeding bears can be dangerous as it makes the bears comfortable around people. It can also lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for food.
For more information on black bears in Missouri as well as tips to avoid issues if a bear has been sighted, go to mdc.mo.gov/bearwise.
