Wednesday, April 15, 2026
BB GUN REPORTEDLY BROUGHT ON A POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL BUS TUESDAY MORNING
A BB gun was reportedly brought onto a school bus Tuesday morning by a student.
Poplar Bluff Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman say that Tuesday morning a middle school student reported that while on the bus, a schoolmate stated they had a gun, which could be felt through the backpack.
Once notified, school administration immediately secured the backpack and detained the student.
They then found a BB gun in the backpack.
Cornman says that the district has zero tolerance for this type of inappropriate behavior, and any such violation of student code of conduct will result in disciplinary action in accordance with school board policy.
Cornman is applauding the reporting student for doing the right thing by coming forward to share their concern with a caring adult.
BROSELEY MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN CONNECTION TO DEATH OF SUSPECTS FATHER
A Broseley man has been charged with murder in connection to the death of his father.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, on April 13th, the Ripley County Sheriff's Office requested that the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control investigate a suspicious death in Naylor.
Ripley County deputies had located 71 year old Robert Manns, of Naylor, deceased inside a residence.
An investigation led authorities to Robert Manns son, 44 year old Dustin Manns, of Broseley. On Tuesday, Dustin Manns was formally charged with murder - first degree, armed criminal action, abandonment of a corpse, stealing a motor vehicle, and tampering with a motor vehicle.
He is being held without bond.
SPRING SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS NIGHT SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 20TH AT RODGERS THEATRE
Butler County residents will have the opportunity to learn more about staying safe during severe weather at a special upcoming event in Poplar Bluff.
The Butler County Emergency Management Agency and Missouri Highlands Healthcare will be hosting a Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Night on Monday, April 20th at Rodgers Theatre in Downtown Poplar Bluff. The event will be free and open to the public.
Starting at 5 pm, attendees will get to meet members of the SEMO Safety Network and visit with volunteers from the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team.
There will be a presentation and panel discussion starting at 6 pm featuring behind the scenes stories from those delivering weather updates during storms as well as tips on how to keep your family safe during severe weather.
Immediately following the discussion, Rodgers Theatre will be holding a watch party for American Idol as Southeast Missouri’s Hannah Harper takes the stage for Disney Week.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS OFFICER STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WHILE ASSISTING MOTORIST
A law enforcement officer in Northeast Arkansas was struck by a vehicle Monday while assisting a motorist.
According to Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder, Sergeant Colby Drope was assisting a tractor trailer driver that was having mechanical issues on Highway 49 North between Paragould and Marmaduke when he was struck by a passing motorist.
Drope was attempting to get the attention of a southbound tractor trailer in order to slow them down a bit to prevent another possible collision. Video released showed that the southbound tractor trailer was as far over as he could get, as he could see northbound traffic not stopping for the partial lane obstruction.
Snyder says that Sergeant Drope was transported to a local hospital and was found to have no broken bones or serious injuries.
Snyder is asking motorists to be careful when approaching any scene where flashing lights are activated.
PAVEMENT REPAIR PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route 25 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route AC to Route E in Bloomfield.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both today and tomorrow.
CREWS TO BE WORKING TODAY ON ROUTE 61 IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Route 61 in New Madrid County will be closed so crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation can perform pavement repairs.
The work zone will be located near Marston between Route 62 and County Road 314.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 a.m. today to 4 p.m. tomorrow.