Tuesday, February 17, 2026
MAN IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO CARTER COUNTY BURGLARY INVESTIGATION
Authorities in Carter County have arrested a man in connection to a multiweek burglary investigation.
According to Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell, over the last couple of weeks, his office has been investigating a burglary in the Eastwood area. The investigation has led to his team successfully recovering several stolen items.
The investigation also resulted in a warrant being served last week for Matthew Richardson, of Van Buren, on a charge of stealing.
Richardson was held on a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in a Carter County courtroom this morning.
MAN ACCUSED OF STRIKING OFFICER DURING ARREST ATTEMPT IN CORNING
A man who was wanted on a rape warrant is now facing additional charges after allegedly striking an officer during an arrest attempt.
According to the Corning Police Department, on Sunday, officers responded to a report of a potentially intoxicated individual at an area business.
An officer made contact with the subject, who became increasingly agitated and belligerent. The subject entered his vehicle and refused requests to exit.
The officers then attempted to remove the subject from the vehicle at which point, he began to resist. Officials say that during the ensuing struggle, the suspect struck one of the officers in the head.
The suspect was then subdued and taken into custody. Officers discovered that the suspect, identified as 34 year old Melvin Bell, had an outstanding felony warrant from Mississippi County for rape.
Bell was booked in the Clay County Detention Center on charges of 2nd degree battery, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
His bond was set at $500,000, cash or surety.
WOMAN FLOWN FROM THE SCENE OF A SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH NEAR ELLINGTON
A woman was flown from the scene of a single vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 75 year old woman, from Salem, was driving on Highway 21, four miles south of Ellington, when her vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway, overturned, and struck a tree.
The woman suffered serious injuries in the crash and was flown to a St. Louis hospital.
WOMAN FACING CHARGE OF STATUTORY RAPE IN SCOTT COUNTY
A Sikeston woman is scheduled to appear in court today on a charge of statutory rape.
According to Missouri Case Net, 43 year old Jennifer Van Dam has been charged with felony 2nd degree statutory rape and enticement or attempted enticement of a child.
A Probable Cause Affidavit states that a juvenile victim told authorities that they had sexual relations with Van Dam multiple times. Investigators also discovered inappropriate text messages between Van Dam and another juvenile.
A warrant was served last week on Van Dam and no bond was set in the case.
BLOOMFIELD AREA ROAD TO BE REDUCED FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIRS
Route J in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane for over a week so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can perform drainage repairs.
The work zone will be located from County Road 413 to County Road 437 near Bloomfield.
Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Friday, February 27.
CREWS TO BE TRIMMING TREES THIS WEEK NEAR ESSEX
Route 114 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews trim the trees along the roadway.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route 60 to Route FF near Essex.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.