Tuesday, June 9, 2026
ARRESTS MADE IN CONNECTION TO FATAL SHOOTING IN BUTLER COUNTY
Authorities in Butler County have made arrests in connection to a fatal shooting from May.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers says that 37 year old Earnest Luellen was found dead at the scene of a shooting on Sturgeon Lane on May 19th.
Butler County Investigator Eddie Holloway tells KWOC News that Melina Obarr, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested on Friday on charges of murder 2nd degree, robbery 1st degree, and two counts of armed criminal action.
Her bond was set at $75,000 and she has since posted bond.
Two 16 year old juvenile males and one 15 year old juvenile female were also taken into custody. Their charges were not released.
HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT TODAY
Heat index values could reach over 100 degrees today in Southeast Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a heat advisory will be in effect from 11 am through 8 pm today.
Officials say that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat index values to reach up to 105 degrees.
If you have to be outside for work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
HALL OF FAME GOLFER AND POPLAR BLUFF NATIVE BUDDY GODWIN PASSES AWAY
A Hall of Fame golfer from Poplar Bluff has passed away.
Luther “Buddy” Godwin died on Saturday at the age of 89.
Godwin won over 100 tournaments during his career, including the 1973 Missouri Amateur and a record nine Ozark Invitationals.
He was among the second class inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 1982, was inducted in the Missouri Golf Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2025 with sons Ben and Bobby Godwin.
Brian Rosener, president of the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame, tells KWOC News that “Buddy made everyone feel welcomed to the game of golf and Ozark Ridge Golf Course. His passion for the game and pride for this community nurtured a love of golf that led to state championships by the Mules and countless other wins by Poplar Bluff golfers.”
BRIGGS AND STRATTON CELEBRATES 100 MILLIONTH ENGINE PRODUCED IN POPLAR BLUFF
A Poplar Bluff area factory is celebrating over three decades of work.
On Monday, Briggs & Stratton in Poplar Bluff produced their 100 millionth engine.
Officials say that the factory opened its doors in 1989.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO PEOPLE IN DEXTER
Authorities in Dexter say that two people have been taken into custody in connection to a child abuse and neglect investigation.
Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout tells KWOC that on June 2nd, officers responded to a report that a young child had come to a neighbor's residence appearing hungry, dirty, and in need of care.
A search warrant was executed in connection to the investigation that led to the arrests of 48 year old Lesa Nehrkorn and 38 year old Kevin Dudley, both of Dexter.
Both have been charged with felony 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child, and abuse or neglect of a child.
Trout says that Nehrkorn and Dudley are being held at the Stoddard County Jail on no bond warrants.
The child involved was transported to the hospital to be evaluated and later placed into protective custody.
KENNETT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HIS PART IN TWO 2024 ARMED ROBBERIES
A Kennett man has pleaded guilty to his part in the armed robbery of two businesses and their patrons in 2024.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, 41 year old Tarrence Raybon pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on Monday to two counts of robbery and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Raybon admitted that he and two other men robbed a tobacco and liquor store in Kennett on January 17, 2024. Four days later, Raybon and two other men robbed another business in Kennett.
On February 27, 2024, Raybon and two other people were in a stolen car during a pursuit with Pemiscot County Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Portageville Police Department.
After Raybon fled on foot, GPS data from Raybon’s ankle monitor placed him in the vehicle during the chase and tracked him as he fled.
Raybon is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8. Both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Raybon’s lawyer have agreed to recommend 20 years in prison.
WEEKEND EARTHQUAKE SHAKES SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
An earthquake was reported over the weekend in Southeast Missouri.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.4 earthquake was recorded at around 2:37 am Saturday morning.
The earthquake was centered approximately four miles west of Williamsville and had a depth of over eight and a half miles.
CREWS CLOSING ROUTE 162 IN NEW MADRID COUNTY TODAY
Route 162 in New Madrid County will be closed today as construction crews replace a culvert under the roadway.
According to MODOT, the section of roadway being closed is located from County Road 417 to Route TT near Portageville.
Weather permitting, work will take place today through 4:30 p.m.