Kennett Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charge

A 31-year-old man from Kennett, Missouri has been taken into custody on charges related to child pornography.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, Matthew Hammond was arrested last week for promoting child pornography. The arrest followed an investigation that began on February 8th, when authorities contacted Hammond after receiving information suggesting that he had distributed child pornography files online.

Subsequently, investigators executed a search warrant at Hammond’s residence, where they discovered compelling evidence supporting the allegations of child pornography distribution. As a result, Hammond was apprehended and transported to the Dunklin County Jail. He is currently being held on an $85,000 cash bond.

Names Released of Two People Involved in Murder-Suicide

The names of the individuals involved in a tragic murder-suicide incident last week have been released by Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder.

On February 5th, at approximately 8:40 am, Paragould Emergency Services received a call from a concerned individual about a friend who had not been heard from in several days. Responding to the call, a deputy discovered a body inside the residence. Upon further investigation, two deceased individuals were found, both having suffered fatal gunshot wounds.

The victims have been identified as 51-year-old Rebecca Edwards from Jonesboro and 49-year-old Dewayne Parnell from Paragould. Autopsy results confirmed that Edwards had sustained two gunshot wounds, while Parnell’s wound was self-inflicted, indicating that the incident was a murder-suicide.

$35,000 of HVAC Equipment Donated to Technical Career Center

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has received a generous donation of HVAC equipment valued at over $30,000.

Nortek, a renowned HVAC manufacturer, has donated seven packaged heating and cooling systems to the center’s HVAC-R program. This significant contribution will enable students to practice servicing and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment.

Previously, the program followed a five-year rotation to acquire updated units. However, with this substantial donation, the Technical Career Center can now provide students with the latest technology in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

One Dead, Another Injured Following Crash in Northeast Arkansas

A tragic head-on collision in Northeast Arkansas has resulted in one fatality and injuries to another individual.

Paul Barrett, a 45-year-old resident of Paragould, was driving on Highway 135 when his vehicle hydroplaned, causing him to cross the centerline and collide with an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle, 23-year-old Erica Edwards from Brookland, tragically lost her life in the crash.

Barrett sustained injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Shoulder Work Scheduled for Today on Highway 51 near Qulin

Motorists traveling on Missouri Route 51 in Butler County should be aware of shoulder repairs taking place near Qulin.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that a section of Highway 51, spanning from County Road 644 to County Road 659, will be reduced to one lane due to shoulder repairs. Weather permitting, these repairs will be conducted today and tomorrow, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Crews Working This Week on Interstate 55 in Southeast Missouri

Motorists in Southeast Missouri should exercise caution as crews perform essential maintenance work on Interstate 55.

Contractor crews, under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Transportation, will be installing new signage along various locations of Interstate 55, from mile marker 6.8 to mile marker 86. To facilitate this work, the shoulders of the highway will be temporarily reduced.

Motorists are advised to remain vigilant and reduce their speed while passing through the designated work areas. The maintenance work is scheduled to occur from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, concluding on Friday, weather permitting.