BERNIE MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN CONNECTION TO DEATH INVESTIGATION IN STODDARD COUNTY
Updating a story we have been following for you, a Bernie man has been charged with murder in connection to a death investigation in Stoddard County.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 26 year old Colton Jankowski has been taken into custody on a Stoddard County warrant for 1st degree murder.
The Stoddard County Major Case Squad was activated earlier this week for a death investigation. According to a probable cause affidavit, a 59 year old Malden resident had been found dead in a home after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
During an interview with investigators, Jankowski made a spontaneous utterance that he came around the corner and blasted him.
Jankowski is being held in the Stoddard County jail on no bond. He is scheduled to appear in a Stoddard County courtroom Thursday morning.
FORMER POPLAR BLUFF MAIL WORKER PLEADS GUILTY TO STEALING REBATE CHECKS
A former postal worker in Poplar Bluff has admitted to stealing rebate checks and store receipts that were mailed in for rebates.
44 year old Ron Harty pleaded guilty Tuesday in US District Court to one count of theft of mail by a postal employee and one count of possession of stolen mail.
In August of 2025, Hart purchased a fire pit and 110 patio blocks from a home improvement store using rebate checks from four victims totaling $280.95. He also used a $64.05 rebate check in his own name, 88 percent of which came from five victims who mailed receipts seeking rebates only to have their mail intercepted by Harty.
An investigation revealed six other victims who sent in nine receipts that Harty intercepted. Harty worked at the Poplar Bluff Post Office in Butler County as the lead sales and service associate at the time, as well as at the Williamsville Post Office in Wayne County.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 9th, and each charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine.
THIS WEEK IS MISSOURI WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK
With the seasons rapidly shifting from summer, to fall, to winter, now is the time to make sure you are prepared for when winter weather inevitably hits.
The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and National Weather Service are partnering for Winter Weather Preparedness Week this week.
It is suggested that you create a family emergency plan and home emergency kit. Emergency supplies should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit.
When power outages are possible, charge cell phones and other devices in advance so you are able to communicate if power is lost.
Assemble a vehicle winter emergency kit. Include extra clothes, a blanket, radio/spare batteries, snacks/water, jumper cables, flares and a shovel/sand or shingles for tire traction.
Avoid driving when conditions could deteriorate. Postpone travel if possible. If driving is absolutely necessary, keep your gas tank more than half full and your cell phone charged.
For more winter weather tips, including safe driving techniques and preparing for power outages, visit mo.gov/winter-weather-safety/.
POPLAR BLUFF FRESHMAN WINS $500 IN STATEWIDE POSTER COMPETITION
A Poplar Bluff High School student has won $500 from a statewide poster competition.
Freshman Aubree Bennett was named the overall winner of the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation school bus safety contest. Bennett secured first place out of over 50 poster submissions for grades 6-8 at the end of last school year.
The artwork, which Aubree created in Project Lead the Way design and modeling as an eighth grader, reflects the 2026 theme, ‘Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes,’ and illustrates core bus safety rules reminding students to keep a safe distance from the curb, wait for a full stop before boarding, remain seated facing forward and scan for vehicles when exiting.
The poster was evaluated by a committee from various regions of the state utilizing a blind scoring system.
36 BLACK BEARS HARVESTED DURING MISSOURI BEAR SEASON
Over 35 bears were harvested during Missouri’s 2026 black bear hunting season.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri hunters harvested 36 black bears between October 17th and 30th.
More than 5,200 hunters applied during May for 2,000 permits for the season with the maximum total harvest being 60 bears.
29 bears were harvested in Bear Management Zone one, which comprises the Southwest and South central parts of the state. Seven bears were harvested in BMZ two which includes the Southeastern portion of the state.
Of the bears taken, 34 were harvested using firearms methods and 2 were harvested with archery equipment.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE PROJECT UNDERWAY IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route ZZ in Stoddard County will be closed this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The section of roadway is located from Route 60 to County Road 612 near Dexter.
Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by Friday.
CREWS TO PAINT PARKING LINES AND CROSSWALKS IN DOWNTOWN DONIPHAN BEGINNING TODAY
Motorists in downtown Doniphan are being alerted to crews who will be in the area today and tomorrow.
City officials say that contractors will be in the downtown area painting parking lines and crosswalks.
Select areas will be blocked off for a short time and motorists are asked to use off-street parking while painting crews are in the area.
Overnight parking is also prohibited.
For more information, visit the City of Doniphan Facebook page.