DONALD LAFFERTY FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE ATTEMPTED MURDER
A Stoddard County jury has convicted a Vermont man on multiple charges including 1st degree attempted murder.
Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver tells us that Donald Lafferty was found guilty Friday on felony charges of 1st degree attempted murder, 1st degree arson, armed criminal action, and financial exploitation of the elderly.
Lafferty’s sentencing was scheduled for March 9th.
MARK RICHARDSON TO TAKE OVER AS POPLAR BLUFF CITY ATTORNEY
A new Poplar Bluff city attorney has been announced.
Mark Richardson will take over for the departing Robert Smith in February. Richardson was appointed to the post by city manager Mark Massingham.
Richardson is an attorney with over 35 years experience and had been the Poplar Bluff city attorney in the late 1980’s. Richardson has also served as assistant prosecuting attorney for Butler County and circuit judge for the 36th Judicial Circuit Court.
METHAMPHETAMINE AND PARAPHERNALIA FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN RECTOR
A man was arrested Friday night in Northeast Arkansas after deputies found methamphetamine during a traffic stop.
Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that deputies stopped the vehicle shortly after 9 pm Friday in Rector. The driver, 50 year old Franklin Brawley, of Paragould, was then detained for a warrant from the Greene County Sheriff's Office.
While searching the vehicle, deputies reportedly found several items of paraphernalia and methamphetamines.
Miller says Brawley is facing multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamines, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony tampering with evidence.
VAN BUREN MAN ARRESTED ON DISTRIBUTION WARRANT
Authorities in Carter County have taken a Van Buren man into custody on a felony distribution warrant.
According to authorities, 61 year old Randy Ninneman was arrested Friday afternoon on a felony Carter County warrant for distributing a controlled substance near schools.
Following the arrest Ninneman was lodged in the Carter County Jail.
STEVE WHITWORTH AWARDED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AT POPLAR BLUFF CHAMBER BANQUET
An area businessman was announced as Citizen of the Year at the 78th annual Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce banquet held over the weekend.
Steve Whitworth was named Citizen of the Year Saturday night at the banquet. Debby Norris was chosen as Volunteer of the Year.
The 2015 Gateway to Leadership graduates were also recognized at the event.
SEMO FOOD BANK FOOD GIVEAWAY IN POPLAR BLUFF RESCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND
A new date has been set for the Mobile Food Pantry food giveaway in Poplar Bluff.
The event by the Southeast Missouri Food Bank will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 30th in the River Radio Parking Lot on West Pine Street. Attendees should bring their own bag or box.
The event was rescheduled following the winter storms that hit Poplar Bluff last week. If you have questions about the event, contact Missy Rice at 573-703-3019.
TREE TRIMMING TO CAUSE DELAYS THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY
Route M in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can trim trees along the roadway.
The section of roadway to be reduced is located from Route 25 to Route PP.
Weather permitting; work will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Friday.
