Wednesday, April 1, 2026
MONDAY NIGHT CRASH NEAR PIEDMONT RESULTS IN ONE DEATH
A Piedmont man has died following a single vehicle crash Monday night.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 21 year old man was driving on AA Highway in Wayne County when his vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Both the driver and a passenger, who were reportedly not wearing safety devices, were ejected during the crash.
The driver was pronounced dead by Wayne County Coroner Mark Smith.
The passenger, identified as a 20 year old man from Piedmont, suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital.
SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH KILLS ONE IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Authorities in Southeast Missouri responded to a single vehicle crash Monday night in Bollinger County.
Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a 31 year old man from Marble Hill was driving on Highway B when his vehicle ran off the roadway, overturned, and ejected him.
The driver was reportedly not wearing a safety device at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bollinger County Coroner.
RIPLEY AND WAYNE COUNTY ELECTION PREVIEWS
Continuing our previews of next week’s Municipal Election in Southeast Missouri, we are taking a look at competitive races in Wayne and Ripley Counties.
Voters in the Clearwater School District will be deciding if school officials can borrow over three million dollars to provide funds to address deferred maintenance needs, repair or replace roofs, and other repairs.
Wayne County voters will also decide to exempt eligible taxpayers from certain tax increases on their primary residence as well as a tax levy for the University of Missouri Extension. Greenville and Williamsville residents will decide on election related questions.
The race for Greenville Mayor is between Michael Montgomery and Dave Ritzu. Voters will choose two of Rachel Wood, Jeremy Watson, and Marc Crane for the Greenville Alderman at Large seat.
In Piedmont, Donnie Townsend and Tessa Hutchinson are running for the two year term as Piedmont Ward One Alderman. A second race for a one year unexpired term as Piedmont Ward One Alderman will see Townsend and Hutchinson joined by Denise Shoemaker. For Alderman of Piedmont Ward Two, voters will choose between Eric Shearrer and Jeanie Webb.
Moving to Ripley County, three people are running for Mayor of Doniphan, Dennis Cox, Riley March, and Heather Jones.
2ND DEGREE MURDER CHARGE SOUGHT IN CONNECTION TO DEATH OF ELDERLY NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN
Updating a story we have been following for you, a 2nd degree murder charge is being sought in connection to the death of an elderly Knobel man who was allegedly assaulted by his son.
According to Clay County Sheriff Ronnie Cole, 91 year old Joe E. Dodd passed away after being hospitalized from injuries he suffered in a domestic abuse incident at his residence.
The victim had told medical personnel and deputies that his son, 71 year old Joe Ray Dodd, beat him up.
The night of the assault, deputies took Joe Ray Dodd into custody and transported him to the Clay County Detention Center, where he was booked on a charge of domestic battery 1st Degree. Sheriff Cole says that his office has requested for the charge to be amended to 2nd degree murder.
Dodd’s bond has been set at 1.5 million dollars.
CAMPGROUNDS OPENING TODAY IN MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST
With April beginning today, multiple campgrounds will be available in Mark Twain National Forest in Southeast Missouri.
Officials say that the Pinewoods Lake Campground in the Poplar Bluff Area as well as the Deer Leap and Float Camp Campgrounds in the Eleven Point and Doniphan Area will be opening for the season today.
The Markham Spring and Watercress Campgrounds won’t be opening until May 1st.
You can find more information on the Mark Twain National Forest website.
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY ON INTERSTATE 55
Northbound Interstate 55 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The work zone is located from mile marker 62.4 to mile marker 62.8.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through 3 p.m.