NORTHEAST ARKANSAS MAN KILLED IN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
One man is dead in connection to an officer involved shooting in Northeast Arkansas.
Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell KWOC News that Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies and Arkansas State Troopers responded to a call at 3:45 PM of a man firing a gun indiscriminately in an area neighborhood.
After arriving at the scene, a sheriff’s deputy and two state troopers observed 40 year old William Chad Newman, of Portia, standing inside a shop building with a handgun and rifle.
Law enforcement officers made repeated attempts requesting Newman to drop the guns and surrender. Officials say that Newman refused to comply and pointed one of the guns at the officers who then fired on Newman.
Newman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Special agents of the state police Criminal Investigation Division were called to the residence and are conducting an investigation of the incident.
The two state troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave per state police policy.
MISSOURI VOTERS TO DECIDE ON RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA
Missouri voters will decide in November whether to allow recreational marijuana use in the state.
The secretary of state's office on Tuesday announced the campaign received enough voter signatures to go on the November ballot. Missouri already allows medical marijuana use.
Efforts to legalize recreational marijuana have failed to pass in the Republican-led Legislature, so advocates are turning to voters for approval.
Recreational marijuana is already legal in 19 states.
Another Missouri proposal that would allow ranked-choice voting failed to make it on the ballot.
MOTORISTS ASKED TO WATCH FOR STUDENTS ON THE ROADWAYS
With students returning to school soon, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to watch for students.
Drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses and parents taking their children to school and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Also expect an increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus.
Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
FIRST PHASE OF FUTURE I-57 PROJECT TO BEGIN THIS MONTH IN BUTLER COUNTY
The first phase of the U.S. Route 67/Future I-57 project will begin soon in Butler County.
Missouri Department of Transportation officials say that this includes upgrading the Route 160/158 interchange south of Poplar Bluff.
The interchange will be reconfigured with two roundabouts in place of the current loop ramps in the northwest and southeast quadrants.
Initially, work will consist of pipe extensions and earthwork for the new merge ramps. During this stage of construction, Route 160/158 and Route 67 will be minimally impacted.
Work is set to begin on Monday, August 22nd, with completion anticipated by November 2023.
Additional information detailing impacts to traffic will be released prior to the start of paving. Tentatively, paving is anticipated to begin in 2023.
TWO ARRESTED ON METH AND GUN CHARGES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Two Poplar Bluff men were taken into custody early Tuesday morning on multiple felony charges.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 52 year old Gordon Gipson and 35 year old Jessie Brumfield were each arrested shortly before 2 am Tuesday on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.
They both are also facing charges of possession of a controlled substance – marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
Following the arrest, both were held at the Butler County Jail.
CURRENT RIVER CLEANUP SET FOR NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE
AmeriCorps Senior will be hosting a clean-up of Current River for the National Day of Service on September 10th.
The event will be from 10 am to 4 pm, spanning from Watercress Spring to Big Spring.
There will be food, music and prizes as a part of the event as well.
For more information, call 573-686-8624.
