ALMOST $100,000 OF DAMAGE REPORTED AT AREA HIGHWAY REPAIR SITE

The Butler County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a report of significant property damage.

Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that on May 30th, HR Quadri Contractors reported damage to two of their Caterpillar Haul Trucks and two of their Caterpillar Excavators that were involved in the repairs on Highway 67 South.

The estimated repair costs are over $93,000.

Anyone who has information in connection to the investigation is asked to contact the Butler County Sheriff’s Department at 573-785-8444.

SUBJECT TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER LEADING POLICE ON A PURSUIT IN A BACKHOE

An unusual pursuit this week has resulted in one man being taken into custody.

Clay County Sheriff Ronnie Cole tells KWOC News that earlier this week a deputy observed 40 year old Rodney Thrasher driving a backhoe across a yard along Highway 139.

The deputy knew that Thrasher had a warrant and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, at which point the backhoe fled down a field road.

The pursuit continued down different field roads and the subject allegedly tried ramming the deputies truck twice with the backhoe.

The deputy was eventually able to get beside the backhoe and pepper spray the subject in the side of the face. Thrasher then stopped on County Road 513, where he was arrested.

Sheriff Cole says that Thrasher was transported to the Clay County Detention Center for aggravated assault, criminal mischief, fleeing, and possession of controlled substance as well as the warrant out of Piggott for unlawful distribution of sexual image on recording.

POPLAR BLUFF STREET TO BE CLOSED TODAY

Crews are closing a Poplar Bluff street today for road work.

According to the Poplar Bluff Street Department, Fair Street will be closed this morning so crews can replace a culvert.

The closure will be located south of Dorris Plumbing.

Officials say that the road will be reopened later this afternoon.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO TEAM UP FOR BLOOD DRIVE

The Poplar Bluff Police and Fire Departments are teaming up for a blood drive today.

The “Battle of the Badges” Poplar Bluff Community Blood Drive has been scheduled for 12:30 to 5:30 pm at the Poplar Bluff Police Department Multi-Use Room on Shelby Road.

You can call 1-800-Red Cross or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter PoplarBluffCommunity to schedule an appointment.

POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOL AWARDED $1,000 GRANT

A Poplar Bluff school was recently awarded a grant to help with an athletics program.

According to school officials, Poplar Bluff Junior High was among 50 schools nationwide, and only two in Missouri, to be awarded a $1,000 Thomas R. Brown Athletics grant.

The funding will go toward the Girls Basketball program to replace outdated and worn uniforms, basketballs, and ball racks.

WAYNE COUNTY MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE

Authorities in Wayne County have arrested an area man on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 54 year old William Kinnamore, of Piedmont, was taken into custody Tuesday evening on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine.

He is also facing a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Kinnamore was held in the Wayne County Jail.