Stories from Wednesday, March 27, 2024

KENNETT — A jury simultaneously found a Stoddard County man both guilty and not guilty of murder due to a clerical error during a 2023 trial, according to a judgment entered Wednesday with Dunklin County courts. The error was not immediately discovered by the prosecution or defense until nearly a year later, and Melvin D. Anderson will now receive a new trial. In the judgment, Judge Mark Preyer noted that the matter has “traveled a difficult, unexpected, and tragically unique road.” The Stoddard County case was adjudicated in a Dunklin County court on a change of venue.

With four fires investigated as arson in December of last year, it could appear the crime is on the rise. But analyzing data provided by Chief Mike Moffitt of Poplar Bluff’s Fire Department tells a different story. While the department cannot make the official determination, Moffitt keeps data on instances referred to the State Fire Marshal as potential arson. ...

The Poplar Bluff Fire Department responded to a house fire at 420 Spruce St. at 1:16 p.m. Wednesday. Chief Mike Moffitt was the first on the scene. He stated the house was fully involved upon arrival. “We were in a defensive position the moment we arrived,” Moffitt recounted...

Find Easter events for everyone in this weekend’s MAIN EVENT. WE ARE ONE: Community Worship is holding a Good Friday service in downtown Poplar Bluff. Everyone is welcome to join them at 7 p.m. at the Ed DeGaris Memorial Farmer’s Market across from the Black River Coliseum. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs. On Easter evening, Silverline Trailers hosts an egg hunt with prizes for kids and grown-ups, starting at 6 p.m...

Vaden Shane Woolard, son of Vaden Woolard and Leta Counts Woolard of Mill Springs, Missouri, was born July 2, 1982, in Ellington, Missouri, and departed this life March 25, 2024, near Puxico, Missouri at the age of 41 years. Mr. Woolard was self-employed in the construction and roofing business with his brother. ...

Small-town politics create big drama on this date, from an alleged school board conspiracy to a heated fire district election. Thankfully, 1949 has much better news: a Michigan woman receives a flood of support from Southeast Missourians after she’s injured in a car wreck on Highway 67...