Wednesday, May 13, 2026
DONIPHAN MAN SENTENCED ON STATUTORY SODOMY CHARGE
A Doniphan man will spend multiple years behind bars after pleading guilty to statutory sodomy.
Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Michel tells KWOC News that 37 year old Derek Hopkins has been sentenced to serve six years in the Missouri Department of Corrections on a charge of 2nd degree statutory sodomy.
Hopkins was accused of inappropriately touching a juvenile victim.
In connection to the case, Tracy Boggs-Hopkins pleaded guilty to felony tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution in 2024. Michel says that Boggs-Hopkins had attempted to coerce the victim to change their statement to aid Hopkin’s defense.
THREE NAMED TEACHERS OF THE YEAR FOR TWIN RIVERS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Three teachers are being recognized in the Twin Rivers School District for their efforts this past school year.
According to school officials, art teacher Roger McCaghren was named as the Teacher of the Year for the Qulin campus.
3rd grade teacher Sherri Hester is the Teacher of the Year for the Fisk Campus. At Twin Rivers High School, the Teacher of the Year is Kelly Westerfield, who teaches health and PE as well as serves as Athletic Director.
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK STARTS ON SATURDAY
National Safe Boating week starts on Saturday and Missouri officials are taking the opportunity to stress the importance of safety while on the waterways.
Colonel Michael Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, tells KWOC News that National Safe Boating week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season.
Boaters are encouraged to arrange for a thorough inspection of your boat prior to taking it out on the water.
The Patrol’s marine operations troopers are available to inspect the required equipment on your boat, at your request, to make sure you’re in compliance with state law.
On Saturday, Troopers will be set up at the Van Buren Riverfront Boat Ramp from 8 to 10 am and at the Redman Recreational Area Boat Ramp in Wappapello from 9 to 11 am to conduct inspections.
For more information contact your local Highway Patrol Troop Headquarters.
POPLAR BLUFF LIBRARY TO HOST EMS APPRECIATION DAY ON MAY 19TH
First responders will be celebrated during a story time event for National EMS Week.
The event is scheduled for 10:30 am and 5:30 pm on Tuesday, May 19th at the Poplar Bluff Library’s main branch.
Attendees will get a goodie bag, have an opportunity to make a thank you card for first responders, and see a Butler County EMS ambulance up close.
There will also be a story time with local heroes.
MAGNITUDE 2.2 EARTHQUAKE HITS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MONDAY EVENING
A small earthquake was reported in Southeast Missouri Monday evening.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.2 earthquake was recorded at around 7:41 pm Monday.
The earthquake was centered around five miles southwest of Caruthersville and had a depth of over six miles.
CAMPBELL ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY
Route OO in Dunklin County will be closed today as City of Campbell crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
The work zone will be located from Adrian Avenue to Maple Street.
Work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.