Friday, March 20, 2026
POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SELECTED AS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
A senior at Poplar Bluff High School has been selected as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
According to school officials, Poplar Bluff’s Claire Funke is one of just over 15,000 top students from across the country to reach this stage.
Claire earned a perfect ACT superscore on her college admissions test earlier this school year and also helped secure the championship in the Senior Quiz Bowl at the National Beta Convention over the summer in Orlando.
Claire is president of the PBHS Beta, Literary and Math clubs, she is varsity team captain of the Academic Team, serves as drum major in the Sho-Me Marching Band, is first chair oboist in the Wind Ensemble, and a two-year varsity letterman for the Swim Team. Additionally, she was selected to attend the Missouri Scholars Academy through the University of Missouri Honors College.
She is the second straight National Merit Scholarship Program finalist from Poplar Bluff High School, following her brother Jack Funke last year.
National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.
DONIPHAN DONETTES ARE THE GIRLS CLASS FOUR STATE RUNNERS-UP
The Doniphan Donettes quest for back to back state championships has come to an end.
Despite a strong effort from the team, the Donettes were defeated by the Strafford Indians 75-55 Thursday in the Class 4 Girls State Championship game.
The Donettes finish the season with a 29-3 record.
Another Southeast Missouri team will take to the court today in their journey for a state championship. The Sikeston Bulldogs are in Columbia for the boys Class 5 State Semifinal, where they will meet Raytown South at 6 pm this evening.
A win will see the Bulldogs advance to the state championship game at 8 pm on Saturday.
MULTI AGENCY OPERATION LEADS TO OVER A DOZEN ARRESTS IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
Multiple agencies teamed up for a coordinated warrant roundup in Dunklin County.
According to the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the operation occurred Wednesday morning and included the SEMO Drug Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Dunklin County Sheriff's Office, Kennett Police Department, Malden Department of Public Safety, and Campbell Police Department.
Thirteen people were arrested on drug related warrants. Three others had previously been charged as a part of the operation.
During the operation, officers also seized methamphetamine from multiple residences, uncovered evidence related to a recent burglary and a stolen firearm, and recovered additional stolen property. Officials say that additional search warrants and arrests are ongoing.
Individuals Arrested Wednesday:
• Kyle Gunn, 48, Kennett – Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class D), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class E); persistent felony drug offender; bond: $40,000 cash only.
• Kenneth Manuel, 61, Malden – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); bond: $15,000 cash only.
• Nellie Madron, 66, Malden – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); bond: $15,000 cash only.
• Candy Moore, 68, Kennett – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); bond: $15,000 cash only.
• Brandi Newman, 43, Kennett – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); persistent felony drug offender; bond: $50,000 cash only.
• Ricardo Rivera, 52, Risco – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); persistent felony drug offender; bond: $60,000 cash only.
• Christina Gates, 54, Campbell – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); bond: $15,000 cash only.
• James Crossfield, 33, Campbell – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); bond: $15,000 cash only.
• Lateesha Craft, 47, Kennett – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); persistent felony drug offender; bond: $40,000 cash only.
• Jessica Bridges, 46, Kennett – Two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); persistent felony offender; bond: $30,000 cash only.
• Josephine Kirkwood, 49, Malden – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); bond: $40,000 cash only.
• Angela Holland, 63, Campbell – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); persistent felony drug offender; bond: $50,000 cash only.
• Ryan Page, 46, Malden – Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class D); persistent felony offender; bond: $10,000 cash or surety.
Individuals Previously Charged as Part of the Operation:
• Trask Laden, 36, Kennett – Trafficking of a Controlled Substance – 1st Degree (Class A); bond: $65,000 cash only; case now before the Honorable Joshua D. Underwood in Pemiscot County.
• Rodney Newman, 63, Kennett – Two cases of Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); bond: $45,000 cash only per case.
• Harry Rhines, 48, Kennett – Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Class C); persistent felony offender and convicted sex offender; bond: $65,000 cash only.
KIWANIS PANCAKE DAY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY
The Kiwanis Club of Poplar Bluff will be hosting a Pancake Day this weekend.
The event will be held on Saturday, from 6 am to noon at the Poplar Bluff Junior High.
Tickets for the event are $10 per person, which will get you pancakes, sausage, and drinks. Kids five and under eat for free and carry out will also be available.
Proceeds go to support the Kiwanis Club of Poplar Bluff.
For more information, call 573-609-8830.
LUCKY LEPRECHAUN ROTARY RAMBLE 5K COMING THIS WEEKEND
A sea of green will be overtaking McLane Park in Poplar Bluff this weekend.
The Lucky Leprechaun’s Rotary Ramble 5k has been scheduled for Saturday at McLane Park. Check-in will begin at 9:30 am, with the run starting at 10 am.
The cost to enter is $30 with proceeds going to benefit Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
More information is available on the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation facebook page.
MODOT ACCEPTING FEEDBACK ON PROPOSED BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS IN BUTLER COUNTY
Time is running out for Butler County residents to submit their feedback on three proposed bridge projects.
According to MoDOT, plans are underway to replace the U.S. 67 bridge over Harviell Ditch between County Road 340 and County Road 352. Prior to the start of construction, the new four-lane section of Future I-57 will be completed just south of this structure. During construction, existing U.S. 67 will be closed in the vicinity of the bridge. Travelers will utilize the upgraded section of U.S. 67 during this time.
Officials also plan to replace the U.S. 67 bridges located over Hart Ditch, south of Route MM/County Road 350, and over Neelyville Ditch, north of Route 142. During those projects, temporary bypasses will be constructed adjacent to the existing bridges.
Tentatively, the three bridges will be let in November 2026, with construction beginning as early as spring 2027. Construction will be underway for approximately four months at each structure.
For information about the projects, contact MoDOT Project Manager Chris Crocker at 573-380-1658.