Thursday, September 17, 2026
DONIPHAN MAN IN CUSTODY ON CHILD MOLESTATION AND SODOMY CHARGES
Authorities in Ripley County have arrested an area man on a child molestation charge.
Ripley County Chief Deputy David Sutton tells KWOC News that 30 year old James Brooks, of Doniphan was arrested Tuesday at the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office on charges of sodomy 1st degree - aggravated sexual offense and child molestation 3rd degree.
Following the arrest, Brooks was held in the Ripley County Jail.
THREE PEOPLE CHARGED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI FOR MEDICAID FRAUD
Three people in Southeast Missouri are among 17 statewide that have been charged by the Missouri Attorney General in connection to separate medicaid fraud cases.
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway tells KWOC News that Maci Legrand was barred from serving as a caregiver after her Good Cause Waiver was denied due to her criminal history.
Legrand then enlisted her friend Christal Calhoun to pose as the official attendant on paper while they split over $27,000 in Medicaid payments for care that was not provided as claimed.
Calhoun claimed to provide services to a Medicaid recipient who showed up to the hospital disheveled and soiled, and was diagnosed with cellulitis following supposed care.
In a separate case, Gwen Fennell was charged for false claims totaling over $4,800.
MOTORISTS AND FARMERS URGED TO STAY ALERT ON ROADWAYS
Many area farmers will soon be starting or are already in the process of harvesting their crops and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be prepared for heavier farm machinery traffic, especially on rural highways.
When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, remember to slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.
Officials say that collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, instead may be preparing to make a wide left turn.
Be sure to watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TEAM UP FOR POPLAR BLUFF DOWNTOWN STRAWMAN COMPETITION
Multiple Poplar Bluff organizations are teaming up for the third annual Downtown Strawman Competition.
Strawmen will be placed on a tree or light post on the two blocks encompassing Main, Cedar, Broadway, and Vine Streets. Judges will evaluate each entry and choose a winner.
Contestants can reserve their spot for $20 and all entry forms must be received by September 22nd.
Everybody will be able to vote on their favorite Strawman from October 9th to the 22nd on the Poplar Bluff Library Facebook page.
More information, including a link to register is available at PoplarBluff.org/strawman.
FEED AND SEED EVENT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY
New Day Ministry in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event today.
The event is from 3 to 5 pm, and is first come, first serve, with packs limited to one per household.
New Day Ministry is located at 703 Franklin Street in Poplar Bluff. For more information, call 573-718-4578.
INTERSTATE REPAIRS UNDERWAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY
Northbound Interstate 55 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement replacement.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from mile marker 50.6 to mile marker 52.1.
Weather permitting, work will take place today and tomorrow, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.