Wednesday, February 4, 2026
BOND SET AT 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS FOR PARAGOULD MAN ARRESTED ON RAPE CHARGE
A Northeast Arkansas man is in custody on multiple counts of rape.
According to a warrant affidavit, a juvenile disclosed to a forensic interviewer ongoing sexual abuse that had occurred over the course of several years.
The juvenile named 61 year old Russell Hawkins Sr., of Paragould, as the offender.
Hawkins was booked into the Greene County jail on Monday on three counts of rape. His bond was set at 1.5 million dollars.
21 YEAR OLD MAN FLOWN TO HOSPITAL AFTER ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING
A man in the Missouri Bootheel was flown to an area hospital last week after accidental shooting himself.
According to officials, on January 30th, a 21 year old man was brought to the Steele Police Department with a gunshot wound to the neck.
A police captain administered first aid until EMS crews could arrive. The man was subsequently flown out via helicopter. Officials say that the man was last known to be in stable condition and recovering well.
An investigation determined that the man accidentally fired the pistol, causing a self-inflicted injury.
DEADLINE SET TO REMOVE ITEMS BEFORE ANNUAL POPLAR BLUFF CITY CEMETERY CLEAN UP
Poplar Bluff residents still have time to remove objects they want to keep before the annual city cemetery clean up.
The Poplar Bluff Cemetery Department will be cleaning both the City and Woodlawn Cemetery’s beginning on March 2nd, with the project anticipated to be completed by March 30th.
Everyone is asked to remove any flower arrangements, personal items, and decorations that you would like to keep before March 2nd.
APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING MANAGED TURKEY HUNTS AVAILABLE THIS MONTH
Missouri conservation officials say that applications are available this month for spring managed turkey hunts.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri hunters can apply online for the managed hunts during the month of February through the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/SpringTurkeyHunts.
Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on that webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15th.
Spring turkey hunting youth weekend will be April 11th and 12th with the regular spring season running April 20th through May 10th.
Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in the MDC 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet which will be available beginning in March.
MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TODAY TO DISCUSS PROPOSED ROAD PROJECT IN KENNETT
Kennett residents will have the opportunity to hear more about a proposed road project today.
The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss replacing signals and improving the intersection of Route 84 at Main and Kennett Streets in Kennett. The meeting will be held in the Kennett City Council Chamber at 200 Cedar Street.
The public meeting will be open-house style, and visitors can stop by anytime between 4 and 6 p.m.
The proposed project includes reconfiguring the direction of parking and traffic on the west side of the Dunklin County Courthouse. The improvements will feature a crossing in front of the courthouse to enhance pedestrian visibility, as foot traffic is common in this location.
In addition, a larger island will be constructed southwest of the courthouse at the Route 84/Main Street intersection to help mitigate potential driver confusion.
Tentatively, the project could be let in March of 2027, with construction beginning as early as May 2027. Once construction starts, work will be underway for approximately three months.
COALITION FOR ROADWAY SAFETY OFFERING GRANTS FOR PROJECT PROM AND GRADUATION
Schools who will be holding Project Prom and Graduation events this year can now apply for grant money to help fund the events.
The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety is offering grant funding to local schools that choose student lock-in events for Project Prom or High School graduation. Qualifying schools will receive $200 each to assist with event expenses such as location rental, food or entertainment.
The Southeast Coalition will be accepting applications through February 18th.
For more information, call 573-472-5885 or go online to savemolives.com.