MISSOURI SUPREME COURT PASSES ORDER MANDATING FACE MASKS AT ALL COURTS

An order has been passed by the Missouri Supreme Court, which will mandate that all courts require face masks.

The order was announced last week, and states that all participants in Missouri court proceedings and public court areas will be required to wear a face mask or covering. It also states that courthouses may be placed under extended safety precautions if an employee tests positive for the coronavirus.

These changes will go into effect on Saturday, and will continue until otherwise stated.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT

The Poplar Bluff Police Department is searching for a suspect in a local theft.

According to the department, they are currently seeking the whereabouts of Nikki Asher, who is a suspect in a theft that took place at a local business. A picture of her is available at the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Facebook page.

If you have any information on her or her location, you are asked to contact the department by calling 573-785-5776.

MISSISSIPPI MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN NEW MADRID ON MULTIPLE CHARGES

A man from Jackson, Mississippi was arrested in New Madrid County on Tuesday on multiple charges.

According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, 24 year old Ervin Potts was charged on a Hinds County Warrant on possession of a stolen firearm, as well as possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, he was transported to the New Madrid County Jail.

NEELYVILLE RELEASES BACK TO SCHOOL PLAN FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

The Neelyville R-IV school district has joined other districts in a back to school plan for the upcoming school year.

The plan includes three potential options for returning students, including at home classes in a remote learning program, a blended learning plan, and in-class schooling with extensive health precautions.

There will also be extra cleaning and safety protocols throughout the district, including a focus on proper sanitization of the district's lunch tables, buses, and playground equipment.

SIX NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN BUTLER COUNTY; MISSOURI TOTAL NOW REACHING 45,000

Six new cases of the coronavirus were reported in Butler County, while Missouri’s total cases reached 45,000.

According to the Butler County Health Department, the new cases have risen the County’s total to 191. Of them, 154 have recovered, one is hospitalized, and 33 are still in self-isolation. The department will be working with the CDC to contact anyone who may have been exposed to the virus while the patients were active and infectious.

In Missouri, as of Tuesday, there are a total of 44,823 cases of the virus in the state, and 1,213 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of the coronavirus, including shortness of breath, fever, or persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency room.

PARAGOULD MAN ARRESTED FOR MULTIPLE RAPE CHARGES

A man from Paragould was taken into custody on multiple rape charges.

According to the Paragould Police Department, 45 year old Shanny Grady was arrested on five felony charges on rape, after authorities received information from one of his victims about the crimes, which is suspected to take place between March and June 8th.

Following his arrest, Grady was transported to the Greene County Jail.