SEMOcon is a Comic Con-style convention that serves as a gathering for people interested in topics from anime and manga to comic books and superheroes. Another staple of these kinds of conventions is people attending in costumes of specific characters, also known as cosplay.

Meet Cocoa and Sophie, this week's pets of the week. The Poplar Bluff Animal Control shelter is located on Butler Street and is open for adoptions from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For more information call 573-686-8635...

Members of the public are expected to speak Monday at a Poplar Bluff City Council meeting regarding concerns over the location of a new city hall, police department and Municipal Court. The matter does not appear on the council’s formal agenda, but is expected to be raised during a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting...

One student has been arrested in an alleged assault that occurred Tuesday on the campus of Poplar Bluff High School. Initial interviews with the teens involved indicate it may be tied to the tragic death of another student Sept. 7, police say. Caleb Cole Holloway, 17, of the 100 block of Antler Trail was arrested shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday at the school and released on a summons. The charges were later upgraded to suspicion of third degree assault...

A two-vehicle collision blocked one lane of traffic going southbound on North Westwood Boulevard at around 4:15 Tuesday evening. One driver was taken in an ambulance and both vehicles were towed. Poplar Bluff police and fire departments responded and had cleared the scene by 4:40.

Circle your calendar now for the Butler County Exhibits & More set for Sept. 26-28 in downtown Poplar Bluff at the Black River Coliseum. Events happening at the Black River Coliseum will include agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture exhibits, home economics, 4-H, youth exhibits and the silent auction. Entries will be taken from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Black River Coliseum and from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27...

Residents in Carter County have turned out to support one of their own today. Brigg Pierson, a deputy wounded Aug. 16 in the line of duty, returned home today from a St. Louis hospital....

The ladies of the Cane Creek Community Club enjoyed a heartwarming time at their Sept. 11 meeting. Starting at 11 a.m. at Wilma Rains’ house, the five members pledged allegiance to the flag followed by reminiscing on what they had been doing 18 years ago on 9/11 2001. Roll call was answered by each telling a school memory. The members recited the 23rd Psalm as their devotional...