Friday, April 17, 2026

MULTIPLE COMMUNITIES REPORT HAIL FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON STORMS

Numerous communities have reported receiving hail during the storm system that crossed the area on Thursday.

Hail with an estimated diameter of 2.75 inches was reported in Stoddard County around the Advance area.

In Butler County, trained spotters measured one inch hail near Poplar Bluff.

Thunderstorms also caused powerlines to be knocked down near Marble Hill.

RIPLEY COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY FINDS NO WRONGDOING IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING OF A DOG EARLIER THIS MONTH

No wrongdoing has been found in connection to an investigation of an officer involved shooting of a dog.

According to Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Michel, on April 7th, his office was notified of an incident that occurred earlier that day involving a Doniphan Police Officer discharging a firearm at a dog.

Michel says that following a review of body camera footage from both officers involved, it was determined that neither officer engaged in any wrongdoing.

The footage depicts both officers calmly conversing with two individuals at the Doniphan soccer fields, with no raised voices or signs of escalation during the initial interaction. Both officers were positioned several feet away from the individuals and the dog.

Without warning, the dog suddenly rose and charged towards one of the officers. In response, the officer attempted to retreat, however, the dog continued its aggressive approach.

At that point, the officer discharged a single round from his service weapon to stop the threat. The dog sustained injuries but has since received veterinary care and is reported to be recovering. Doniphan Police Chief Mark Rogers says that all costs associated with treating the dog were covered by the city of Doniphan.

THREE RIVERS COLLEGE NAMES TEACHER AND ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

Three Rivers College is celebrating its Teacher and Adjunct Instructor of the year.

Tiechera Samuell, a Three Rivers English Instructor, has been selected by TRC as the 2025-26 recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

According to officials, Samuell has worked behind the scenes for more than a decade to support the College, her students, and her co-workers. She helps with policy compliance, web changes, new programs, and accessibility needs for students with disabilities.

In addition, James Gracey, Adjunct Instructor of Forestry, was named by the College as its Adjunct of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Officials say that Gracey has grown the Forestry program and has gone above and beyond to ensure his students can participate in hands-on learning that increases their knowledge in the field.

He has also created strong networking relationships with community partners to help students find successful careers after completing the Forestry program.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE PROJECT TO BEGIN TODAY ON BUSINESS 60 IN POPLAR BLUFF

Business 60 in Butler County will be reduced to one lane with a 13-foot width restriction for almost a month as construction crews perform bridge maintenance.

According to MODOT, the section of roadway being reduced is located from Riverview Drive to Old Highway B in Poplar Bluff.

Weather permitting, the westbound lanes will be worked on beginning today and continuing through Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m.

The work zone will remain in place 24 hours a day until work is completed.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SHOOTING OF BALD EAGLE IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Authorities in Southeast Missouri say an investigation is under way into the illegal shooting of a bald eagle.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking information about a juvenile bald eagle that was found shot southeast of the intersection of East 8th Street and Bushey Avenue in Caruthersville on April 13th.

Officials with the Caruthersville Police Department say that anyone with information about how the eagle was killed is urged to contact Pemiscot County Conservation Agent Hunter Ridenour at 573-757-8357 or Operation Game Thief at 800-392-1111.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY MAKE STOP IN DEXTER

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe were in Southeast Missouri on Thursday.

The First Family made a stop at Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic in Dexter for their Mansion on a Mission initiative.

According to the Missouri Government website, Mansion on a Mission is a community-based initiative dedicated to serving Missourians as the First Family leads efforts to provide resources and support to those in need of a helping hand.

QULIN CITY WIDE CLEANUP SCHEDULED TO BEGIN TODAY

The Qulin City-Wide Cleanup is beginning today.

According to city officials, the event has been scheduled for today through April 20th and dumpster use will be limited to residents in the city limits only.

Curbside pickup will also be offered.

For more information, including a list of disallowed items, visit the City of Qulin Facebook page.

TIME RUNNING OUT TO SIGN UP FOR DOUBLES PICKLEBALL LEAGUE IN POPLAR BLUFF

You still have time to get registered for the Summer Pickleball Doubles League in Poplar Bluff.

Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation is hosting the leagues starting May 5th and they are open to all skill levels.

Women will play on Monday evenings, while men will play Tuesday evenings.

Registration is $20 per person and will be available through today.

For more information, visit PBParks.RecDesk.com.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL TO HOST FIESTA AUCTION THIS WEEKEND

Sacred Heart School’s 29th Annual Fiesta Auction has been scheduled for this weekend.

Officials say the event will be held on Saturday at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

There will be both a live and a silent auction. Doors are set to open at 5 pm, with dinner beginning at 6 pm.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 if purchased at the door. Each ticket includes dinner and two adult beverages.

For more information, call 573-785-5836 or visit the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School of Poplar Bluff Facebook page.

47TH ANNUAL OLD GREENVILLE RENDEZVOUS BEGINS SATURDAY

The 47th Annual Old Greenville Rendezvous will begin on Saturday.

The event, presented by the US Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Wappapello and East Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, will be held on April 18th and 19th at the Greenville Campground.

There will be multiple events and entertainment options available and admission will be free to the public.

For more information, visit the East Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

MISSOURI SHOW ME GREEN SALES TAX HOLIDAY BEGINS APRIL 19TH

Missouri’s annual Show Me Green sales tax holiday begins this weekend.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, the tax holiday starts on April 19th and will run through April 25th.

During this time, state sales tax will be waived on qualifying Energy Star certified appliances. This certification indicates that a product has been independently verified to meet strict standards – which can mean superior performance and long-term energy savings.

Clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and refrigerators with the Energy Star certification are just some of the items that are exempt from state sales tax on the first $1,500 of each appliance purchased.

For more information, visit dor.mo.gov.