POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT
Authorities in Poplar Bluff say that a man is in custody in connection to an alleged sexual assault.
According to Lieutenant Josh Stewart with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, shortly before noon on November 30th, officers responded to the Holiday Inn on North Westwood Boulevard for a reported sexual assault.
The victim was reportedly attacked by a male suspect in the women’s restroom. The victim was able to flee from the suspect and alert others to the situation. She was later transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the assault.
Following a search, the suspect, identified as 30 year old Austin Davis, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody without incident.
Davis is being held in the Butler County Justice Center pending the filing of formal charges.
APPOINTMENTS BEING ACCEPTED FOR POPLAR BLUFF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER SCREENING
The Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center is now scheduling screening appointments for the 2025/26 school year.
According to school officials, they are currently making appointments for dates starting in February at the 1202 Camp Road Campus.
To be eligible, children must be between the ages of three and five on July 31st, 2025. The parent or legal guardian must be the person who makes the appointment and brings the child to the appointment.
Students must also live in the Poplar Bluff School District.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 573-785-6803.
CHRIS JANSON TO HEADLINE 2025 VALENTIES FOR VETERANS CONCERT
The artists have been announced for the 2025 Valentines for Veterans concert in Poplar Bluff.
According to the Wake Foundation, the concert, featuring Chris Janson and Billy Yates, will be held on Thursday, February 13th at the Black River Coliseum.
Tickets for the concert are free for military members and veterans as well as their families. Tickets can be picked up at the Black River Coliseum, the Stars and Stripes Museum, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, and the Wake Foundation beginning on January 6th. You must show a military ID when picking up your tickets.
For more information, contact the Wake Foundation at 573-281-5140.
MINGO JOB CORPS TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT
Anyone wanting to learn more about the Mingo Job Corps will have the opportunity to attend an event tonight.
The Mingo Job Corps quarterly Community Relations Council meeting will be held at 6 pm this evening at the Mingo Job Corps Center outside of Puxico.
This will be an opportunity to visit the center, speak with staff, and hear about recent activities. For more information, call 573-222-3537.
KENNETT SCHOOL OFFICIALS SEEKING PARENTS INPUT ON POSSIBLE FOUR DAY SCHOOL WEEK
Kennett School Officials are asking for input from parents and community members about a possible change to the school week.
A survey has been released asking Kennett #39 School District residents about a four-day school week for the 2025-2026 school year.
If the plan is implemented, school would not be in session on Mondays for students. Officials say that a major factor in considering a four-day school week would be to attract highly qualified staff and to retain qualified staff members.
You can find a link to the survey on the Kennett #39 School District Facebook page and website.
PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT TO DISCUSS FUTURE INTERSTATE 57 PROJECT IN CLAY COUNTY
A Public Meeting will be held tonight to discuss the Future Interstate 57 project in Northeast Arkansas.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation will conduct a public involvement meeting from 4 to 7 p.m. to gather input on the proposed design of the 4.9-mile new location highway that will extend north from Highway 67 near Corning and terminate at the Missouri state line.
The meeting will be held at the M.B. Ainley Community Center in Corning.
