ARRESTS MADE IN CONNECTION TO FATAL SHOOTING IN BUTLER COUNTY

Authorities in Butler County have made arrests in connection to a fatal shooting from May.

Butler County Coroner Jim Akers says that 37 year old Earnest Luellen was found dead at the scene of a shooting on Sturgeon Lane on May 19th.

Butler County Investigator Eddie Holloway tells KWOC News that Melina Obarr, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested on Friday on charges of murder 2nd degree, robbery 1st degree, and two counts of armed criminal action.

SAM A. BAKER STATE PARK TO HOST 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Sam A. Baker State Park will be hosting a celebration for its 100th anniversary this weekend.

According to officials, the celebration on Saturday will feature a variety of activities relating to the park’s natural and cultural history.

The CCC Lodge will be open for self-guided tours, and van tours will take visitors up to the Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower. There will also be exhibits and demonstrations, old-time games, bluegrass music, and more from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

BERNIE MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING

A Bernie man was pronounced dead early Sunday morning following a single vehicle crash.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 41 year old man was driving on Missouri Highway 25 at around 1 am Sunday when his vehicle ran off the side of the road, hit a fence, and overturned.

The driver was pronounced dead by Stoddard County Coroner Brent Stidham shortly before 2 am.

BLUFF’S ALL-AMERICAN WEEKEND BEGINS TODAY

Poplar Bluff will be celebrating America’s 250th Birthday at a special event this weekend.

Bluff’s All American Weekend has been scheduled for today and Saturday at Ray Clinton Park.

Tickets for today are $5 and will include a family friendly demolition derby, monster trucks, a drone show and more. Gates open at 5 pm.

Saturday will be a free family day at the event, with bounce houses, food trucks, a hot dog eating contest, and more. The dog show at the Downtown Dog Park will begin at 9 am, with the gates opening at Ray Clinton Park at 11 am.

CITY OF POPLAR BLUFF TO HOST FISCAL FORUM THIS EVENING

The City of Poplar Bluff will be holding a public forum this evening to discuss particulars of the city’s finances.

The Poplar Bluff Fiscal Forum is scheduled for 6 pm at the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

Poplar Bluff city department heads and staff will give a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, along with an overview of services provided, key accomplishments, and future goals.

ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED, FOLLOWING SOUTHEAST MISSOURI CRASH

Three people were involved in a single vehicle crash on Monday in Southeast Missouri that left one person dead.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Highway 21 in Reynolds County when an 18 year old man lost control of his vehicle.

The vehicle then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

PORTAGEVILLE BULLDOGS TO PLAY IN THE MISSOURI CLASS 2 STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TODAY

The Portageville Bulldogs will be playing this afternoon to be state baseball champions.

Portageville prevailed over the Eugene Eagles 1-0 on Monday in the Class 2 semifinal at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex in Ozark.

The Bulldogs will face Faith Christian Academy in the Class 2 Championship game, with first pitch set for 1 pm this afternoon.