Massive fire engulfs former hotel in Ullin, Illinois; arson investigation underway
ULLIN, Ill., (KBSI) — UPDATE: A fire at a vacant hotel brought a response from approximately 65 firefighters, who worked to extinguish the blaze until around 3 a.m. No injuries were reported. The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire as a precaution. Multiple fire departments responded to a massive fire at the former Quality Inn/Cheekwood Inn Hotel…
Gordonville Fire Protection District responds to two electrical structure fires
GORDONVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — The Gordonville Fire Protection District responded to two structure fires in the district this week, both caused by electrical issues. On May 21, crews contained a fire in the 200 block of South Forester to the basement area, with the main floor sustaining smoke damage. No injuries were reported. On May 23, firefighters responded to a…
Carbondale police seek public’s help in locating missing 13-year-old
CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — UPDATE: The Carbondale Police Department announced Tuesday that missing 13-year-old Larry Williams has been located safe and in good health. The department thanked the public for their assistance in the search. The Carbondale Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Larry L. Williams, who was last seen Friday at approximately 4 a.m. in…
Former Eldorado School District employee faces multiple felony charges
SALINE COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Isaac J. Murray, 23, a former employee of the Eldorado school district, made his initial court appearance today on multiple felony charges, including predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and aggravated kidnapping. Murray faces at least 10 felony counts, with some classified as Class X felonies. The charges were filed on May…
Poplar Bluff educator honored for 33 years of service
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Patty Robertson, outgoing assistant superintendent of curriculum, was recognized by the Missouri House of Representatives for her 33 years of dedicated service to the Poplar Bluff school system. Robertson, a graduate of the Poplar Bluff school system, began her career as a special education aide at Williamson-Kennedy Elementary in 1992. She went on to teach…
Franklin County man charged in connection with rural business burglaries
BENTON, Ill., (KBSI) — A 44-year-old Buckner man has been charged in connection with a series of burglaries that occurred at rural Franklin County businesses in late 2024 and early 2025. Bryan F. Parks was charged May 21 with possession of burglary tools, three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and two counts of criminal damage to property. The…
Dollar General donates $5,000 to support Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center recovery
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Dollar General Corporation has donated $5,000 to the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center to aid in recovery efforts following a devastating tornado in March. The donation will support the school’s efforts to reopen in time for the new school year. Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman expressed cautious optimism that students will return to the Kindergarten Center in…
Eldorado School District employee charged with aggravated kidnapping, sexual abuse
ELDORADO, Ill., (KBSI) — A 23-year-old Eldorado man has been charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and other offenses following an Illinois State Police investigation. Isaac Murray was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, aggravated kidnapping and kidnapping, according to the Saline County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation began May 20, when the Eldorado Police Department…
Christ Episcopal Church to host free community meal on May 25
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Christ Episcopal Church will host a free community meal from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 25. The meal, featuring pulled pork and sides, will be served at the church, located at 101 N. Fountain St. Categories: News Tags: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Man arrested in Ledbetter after disturbance at apartment complex
LED BETTER, Ky., (KBSI) — Authorities responded to a disturbance at an apartment complex early Tuesday, leading to the arrest of a 36-year-old man. Zachary Marlar was taken into custody after deputies determined he was under the influence and had allegedly entered a neighboring apartment, causing property damage and assaulting a family member. Marlar faces charges including second-degree burglary, second-degree…
United Way of Southeast Missouri announces 2025-2026 funding partners
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) has announced its funded partners for the 2025-2026 cycle, marking a strategic shift toward supporting working families and individuals. The new funding model prioritizes programs addressing obstacles such as transportation, affordable childcare, and access to healthcare, aiming to create long-term pathways to financial independence. According to Elizabeth Shelton, Executive…
Missouri man sentenced to over 9 years in prison for burning down church
MISSOURI (KBSI) – A Missouri man, Christopher Scott Pritchard, 49, has been sentenced to 111 months in prison for burning down a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints house of worship in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in 2021. Pritchard pleaded guilty to one count of arson and one count of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act. He admitted to setting…
Woman charged in Franklin County after allegedly shooting husband
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A 49-year-old woman has been charged in connection with a domestic violence incident that left a man injured. Clarissa R. Schilly, of Mount Vernon, was taken into custody Sunday night after a traffic stop in Jefferson County. According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call around 9:05 p.m. from a…
Man arrested, charged in connection with multi-county vehicle thefts
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A suspect has been charged in connection with a string of vehicle thefts across multiple counties in southern Illinois. Wesley J. New was arrested May 10 after a stolen motorcycle was recovered in Cambria. New has been charged with multiple counts of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, theft, burglary and violation of pre-trial release….
New Madrid County authorities seek missing person Caleb Powell
NEW MADRID, Mo., (KBSI) — Authorities are searching for Caleb Powell, a New Madrid resident considered missing and possibly endangered. Powell was last seen driving a gray Chevrolet Silverado. He was wearing a dark-colored T-shirt and dark pants. Anyone with information on Powell’s whereabouts is asked to contact the New Madrid Police Department at (573) 748-5901 or call 911. Categories:…
Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help in identifying counterfeiting suspect
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect who used a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase lottery tickets at a local store. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m. when the suspect passed the fake bill through the drive-thru. Anyone with information about…
Matt Huber joins Lorimont Commercial Real Estate After Departing Liberty Utilities
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Matt Huber, a seasoned business leader and commercial real estate professional, has joined Lorimont Commercial Real Estate full-time after departing from Liberty Utilities. Huber, a Southeast Missouri native, brings extensive experience in economic development, corporate leadership and utilities management. His expertise will focus on helping businesses grow and invest in the region. “I’m excited to…
Semi-truck fire contained in Marshall County, driver uninjured
MARSHALL COUNTY, Tenn., (KBSI) — Emergency responders rushed to the scene of a semi-truck fire after the vehicle overturned while unloading and caught fire. The driver escaped without injury. The truck had approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel on board. Firefighters decided to allow the diesel to burn out, as the vehicle was already destroyed. The spill was contained on…
Crews battle house fire in Cape Girardeau’s Hillcrest subdivision
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Fire crews are responding to a house fire at the corner of South Forester and Oak Lane in the Hillcrest subdivision. Categories: News Tags: Cape Girardeau, Hillcrest, Missouri
MDC warns Missouri drivers of snakes under car hoods
MISSOURI (KBSI) — A Missouri woman got a slithery surprise while driving her son to baseball practice recently. LeAnna Binkley, a teacher at Cole R-5 in Eugene, was behind the wheel when a young black rat snake suddenly appeared on the hood of her vehicle. Binkley and her son, Grady, tried to coax the snake out, but it retreated into…
Man faces charges following alleged incident at Cape Girardeau AA Center
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A 78-year-old man has been charged with second-degree kidnapping and sexual assault after an incident at the Cape Downtown Alcoholic Anonymous center. According to police, the victim reported that James E. Hoover assaulted him on May 17 at the center. The victim stated that Hoover locked the door and prevented him from leaving before the…
Scott County Sheriff’s Office receives prestigious Missouri Blue Shield Designation
BENTON, Mo., (KBSI) — The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has received the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The designation recognizes communities that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement. The program was created by Governor Kehoe through Executive Order 25-03 in January 2025. “This designation is a testament to the…
Southern 7 Health Department announces June wellness clinic schedule
ANNA, Ill., (KBSI) — The Southern 7 Health Department has announced its June schedule for Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van Clinics in southern Illinois. The clinics will offer free and charged services, including health screenings, vaccinations and testing for various conditions. The clinics will be held: — June 4: Tamms Village Hall, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. — June…