Tuesday, July 7, 2026
RIPLEY COUNTY DROWNING VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS POPLAR BLUFF MAN
The identity has been released of a man who died while swimming over the weekend in Current River.
Ripley County Sheriff Rad Talburt tells KWOC News that emergency crews were dispatched to an area near Float Camp at approximately 7 pm on Sunday after receiving a report of a missing person.
According to Master Sergeant Caleb Morgan with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the body of 32 year old Byron Surrell, from Poplar Bluff, was later recovered from the river between Float Camp and Deer Leep Boat Ramp.
He was reportedly swimming in the river when he went underwater and did not resurface.
Surrell was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County Coroner Michael Jackson shortly before 9 pm.
CHARGES FILED IN CONNECTION TO WEEKEND SHOOTING IN CARTER COUNTY
A suspect is facing multiple charges in connection to a weekend shooting in Carter County.
According to Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell, 28 year old Peter Taylor, of Ellsinore, was arrested following a 14 hour manhunt that began Saturday evening after three people sustained gunshot wounds at a location on County Road 330.
According to Missouri Case Net, Taylor is facing 11 total charges, including multiple counts of assault 1st degree, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon along with a single count of endangering the welfare of a child.
He is being held on no bond and is scheduled to appear in a Carter County courtroom on July 14th.
POPLAR BLUFF BUDDY BALL TO HOST UNDER THE SEA FORMAL DANCE
Poplar Bluff Buddy Ball and PB Parks and Recreation will be hosting the Under the Sea Formal Dance tonight.
Officials say the event is being held in honor of BuddyBall participants and friends in the community with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities along with their families.
The Dance is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm at the Black River Coliseum. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25.
You can find more information on the PB Buddy Ball Facebook page.
ALABAMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BEING INVOLVED IN THEFT OF ALMOST 17,000 PILLS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
An Alabama man has pleaded guilty to being involved in the theft of thousands of pills from a Kennett pharmacy last year.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 31 year old Cornelius Bray, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty last week to one count of intent to steal a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone.
Bray admitted to acting as the driver for David Jerome Evans, who broke into a pharmacy in March of 2025. An officer attempted to stop Bray, but he sped away, eventually crashing the vehicle. Evans was arrested. Bray fled but was arrested later.
Officers found numerous pill bottles in the wreckage, as well as a large blue crowbar, a black face mask and Bray’s wallet and cell phone. Officials say that the men stole 16,800 pills, including 7,500 hydrocodone pills and 7,500 pills containing benzodiazepine drugs.
Evans, also of Birmingham, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to 78 months in prison.
Bray is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1st.
MAN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AFTER ALLEGEDLY CHOKING FAMILY MEMBER
A man is facing a felony charge in Northeast Arkansas after allegedly assaulting a family member.
According to a warrant affidavit, a victim reported to police that 45 year old Timothy Dillard Jr., of Paragould, had wrapped his hands around their neck which made them unable to breathe.
The victim also provided photos which depicted marks on their neck consistent with being choked.
Dillard was booked into the Greene County Jail on Saturday on a charge of aggravated assault on a family or household member.
His bond was set at $75,000.
RIPLEY COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED TODAY FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT
Route 142 in Ripley County will be closed today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a culvert under the roadway.
The section of roadway being closed is located at the intersection of Route E and Route 142.
Weather permitting, work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.