Rare sighting: American Eel spotted in Mississippi River near Festus, MO

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed the presence of eels in the state’s waters, thanks to a photo submitted by Steve Hite of Environmental Restoration, LLC. The photo shows an eel caught and released Monday in the Mississippi River south of Plattin Creek, near Festus. Interestingly, all eels found in Missouri are female. Female eels…

Saint Francis nurses have quick response to patient suffering stroke symptoms when being discharged from hospital

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Saint Francis Healthcare System praised two nurses, Grace Hellman, RN, and Taylor Heskett, RN, for swiftly identifying stroke symptoms in a patient ready for discharge. Their prompt action led to the patient receiving TNK, a clot-busting medication that restores blood flow and minimizes brain damage when administered quickly. Categories: News Tags: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Perry County authorities searching for missing man with autism

PERRY COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing 25-year-old white male. The individual, who is approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds, was last seen Monday at 6 p.m. walking near the intersection of Hwy B and Hwy K in Shakertown. He was wearing a multicolored hoodie, blue jeans and…

Authorities seek public’s help in locating wanted sex offender

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating Marissa Roe, a convicted sex offender wanted for failing to register. Roe, who was convicted in 2010 in Nebraska for enticement of a child, was last registered at 710 Smith Ave. in Sikeston, Missouri. She failed to comply with her 90-day registration obligation, which was due April…

Perryville High School class of 2025 secures $1.6 million in scholarships

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — The Perryville High School Class of 2025 has accepted $1.6 million in post-secondary scholarships, announced during the Senior Signing Day celebration at Perry Park Center on May 16. The event recognized students enrolling in trade schools, colleges, universities, internship programs, and those joining the United States Armed Forces. Students’ Post-Secondary Plans: American Welding Academy: Brandon Stephens…

Inter-agency cooperation leads to drug bust in Scott County

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – What started as a traffic stop quickly led to an arrest on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Multiple Agencies worked together over the weekend in an arrest that led to the seizing of a large amount of methamphetamine. Scott County Sheriff Derick Wheetley says this arrest shows the importance of inter-agency cooperation. “This is a great…

Stabbing attack at homeless shelter sends 11 people to hospital, man in custody

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A man was arrested on suspicion of stabbing multiple people at a homeless shelter Sunday night, injuring 12 people and sending 11 to the hospital. Five men who were still in the hospital Monday with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after the stabbing attack at the Union Gospel Mission, Deputy Chief Treven Upkes said. Officers were called…

Vandals target Iron Mountain junction’s Western Village

CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Volunteers at Iron Mountain Junction’s Western Village discovered significant damage from vandalism on Saturday. The village, a popular stop for passengers on weekly rail excursions, has undergone substantial growth and development over its 20-year history. Volunteers have invested considerable time, money and effort into expanding and maintaining the village, including a newly expanded jailhouse…

Paducah police investigate Sunday morning shooting

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The Paducah Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday morning in the 5200 block of Parkside Drive. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and found evidence of the shooting at an apartment. The victim, who had been transported to a local hospital by private vehicle, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released. Detectives identified…

Bear sighting reported in Ste. Genevieve County

STE. GENEVIEVE COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) – A recent bear sighting in Ste. Genevieve County has prompted reminders about safety precautions and reporting procedures. A resident reported seeing a large brown bear in the Valle Spring area near the south Ste. Genevieve city limits. The Missouri Department of Conservation urges residents to report bear sightings to their local conservation office. In this…

Missouri Blue Alert issued for Thomas Eugene Tolbert

LEES SUMMIT, Mo., (KBSI) — A Blue Alert has been issued for Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, who is suspected of shooting an officer during a domestic disturbance response. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at 3560 SW Hollywood Dr. in Lees Summit at approximately 11 p.m. on June 1. After a short foot pursuit, Tolbert allegedly…

Radio legend, “The Bear on the Air,” Shane Parker dies

METROPOLIS, Ill., (KBSI) — Shane Parker, known to listeners as “The Bear on the Air,” has died. Parker was a beloved radio personality in southern Illinois, with a career spanning multiple stations and decades. Parker began his career in Chicago but returned to his southern Illinois roots, finding success with an evening show on WDDJ 97 FM. He later worked…

Carbondale native Dakota Holden makes Grand Ole Opry debut

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Dakota Holden, a Carbondale native, has achieved a career milestone with his debut performance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, sharing the stage with Lukas Nelson. Holden’s journey from Southern Illinois to the Opry stage serves as a testament to the potential for small-town roots to yield legendary accomplishments. To celebrate, Holden performed on…

Heat-related illnesses pose summer threat

SOUTHERN, Ill., (KBSI) – As summer approaches, Southern 7 Health Department is reminding residents that hot, humid weather can be hazardous to their health. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, heat-related illnesses are preventable. Older adults and those with illnesses are at greater risk. Symptoms of…

Hangar 9 to reopen in August under new ownership

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Hangar 9, a Carbondale institution, is set to reopen in August after a major revamp and change in ownership. Southern Illinois University alumni Andrew Perlmutter and Scott Moller acquired the venue from longtime owner Sally Carter, who will remain involved as a consultant. The new owners have launched a two-phase revitalization plan. Phase 1, currently underway,…

Community Counseling Center hosts inaugural Community Impact Luncheon

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Community Counseling Center hosted its inaugural Community Impact Luncheon on May 30, honoring Mental Health Awareness Month and celebrating the impact of behavioral health services in Cape Girardeau County. Attendees learned about the center’s services and updates, heard a recovery story from a consumer and celebrated the work of Cape Girardeau Public Schools, which was…

Scott City man charged with second-degree assault

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A Scott City man has been charged with second-degree assault after a disturbance early Wednesday. Brendan Arnold, 25, was taken into custody after returning to the scene of the disturbance in the 100 block of North Main Street, police said. Arnold was charged through the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with a Class D…

McCracken County man arrested, charged with drug trafficking offenses

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A traffic stop attempt led to a pursuit and the seizure of methamphetamine, firearms and other evidence, resulting in the arrest of a McCracken County man. Matthew Ingram, 30, was taken into custody on May 30 after detectives executed a search warrant at his residence. Ingram is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and…

Dunbar Park celebrates grand opening in Mayfield

MAYFIELD, Ky., (KBSI) — The Dunbar Park grand opening event drew a crowd on a picturesque day, capping off a two-year community effort to revitalize the historic site. Attendees celebrated the park’s renewal, which was made possible by contributions from numerous individuals and organizations over the past couple of years. Categories: News Tags: Kentucky, Mayfield

Motorcyclist killed in collision with SUV

PILOT OAK, Ky., (KBSI) — A motorcycle driver was killed in a collision with an SUV at the intersection of KY 129 and KY 94 on May 29. Tina M. Mouser, 52, of Dukedom, was operating a 2002 Harley-Davidson when she crossed the center line and collided with a 2025 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Monica Yoder, 25, of Dresden, Tennessee….

Perryville High School football fields to undergo restoration after tornado damage

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Restoration work will begin soon on the Perryville High School football fields damaged by a tornado on May 14. The fields were littered with broken glass and debris, prompting concerns about safety. Despite cleanup efforts, remnants of glass remain on the sidelines, sidewalks and bleacher areas. To address the issue, the school district’s insurance provider has…

McCracken County Sheriff’s Office acquires advanced 3D laser scanner

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office has acquired a Trimble X9 3D laser scanner, valued at nearly $70,000, thanks to donations from the Paducah Women’s Club and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Foundation. The scanner will be used to reconstruct collision and crime scenes, streamlining the process and minimizing road closures. The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office is the…

Sikeston man arrested, charged with stealing in connection with vehicle thefts

SIKESTON, Mo., (KBSI) — Sikeston police received reports of thefts from multiple vehicles in the 900 block of Cambridge Drive and Stanford Drive on May 27. The thefts occurred overnight, and home security video showed a male suspect checking door handles for unlocked vehicles. Officers identified the suspect as Curtis P. Williams Jr., 33, of Sikeston, who was wearing the…

Faulkner County authorities investigate possible sighting of escaped inmate

CONWAY, Ark., (KBSI) — The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshals Service and Arkansas Department of Corrections on Tuesday in investigating a potential lead regarding escaped inmate Grant Hardin. The lead suggested Hardin was spotted near Hwy 65 and Cadron Bridge in Faulkner County on Sunday evening. Personnel cleared the area, and the lead’s credibility remains under investigation….