SEARCH ONGOING IN BUTLER COUNTY FOR MISSING WOMAN
Authorities in Butler County are still searching for a woman who has been missing since Tuesday night.
According to Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs, a 911 call was made Tuesday night by 44 year old Ginger Myers, of Arkansas. During the call, Myers said she thought she was on 53 Highway and water was coming into her vehicle, but the call suddenly ended.
Dobbs says that she was driving a silver or light blue Lincoln Town Car.
Crews were out searching the area for Myers; however they have been unable to locate her. Dobbs says that the search will resume this morning.
Anyone with information on Myers whereabouts is asked to contact their local law enforcement.
BLACK RIVER FALLS BELOW FLOOD STAGE
The Black River at Poplar Bluff has fallen below the flood stage.
According to the National Weather Service, the river was at 14.56 feet at 4:15 am this morning. The minor flood stage is at 16 feet. Officials say that the river crested Tuesday night at just over 20 feet.
Even though river levels are going down, there are still multiple roads flooded this morning in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, portions of Routes 53, 158, 142, and N in Butler County have been closed.
Roads closed in Ripley County include Routes AA, H, W, and 142.
In Wayne County, crews have closed Route FF.
Motorists can check the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map to find out if there are any road closures in their area. The map is available at modot.org.
EAST PRAIRIE TEEN ARRESTED ON DRUG RELATED WARRANT
Authorities in Stoddard County say an East Prairie teenager has been arrested on a drug related warrant.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 19 year old Clarissa Urchison has been taken into custody on a warrant for delivery of a controlled substance at an incarceration facility and distribution of a controlled substance.
Her total bond has been set at $75,000 and she reportedly remained in jail as of this morning.
MAN ARRESTED ON STATUTORY SODOMY WARRANT
A Cape Girardeau man has been taken into custody on a statutory sodomy warrant.
According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 52 year old Leonard Gadberry was recently arrested on a warrant for 1st degree statutory sodomy.
As of this morning, Gadberry remained in jail and his bond has been set at $25,000.
16TH ANNUAL SCHOOL READINESS EVENT TO BE HELD TODAY AT BLACK RIVER COLISEUM
The South Central Missouri Community Action Agency will be holding the 16th Annual School Readiness Event today from 9 am to 3 pm at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.
The event, previously known as the Back to School Fair, is an annual event targeting children of low income families in Butler County. During the event, various vendors provide free services to low-income children returning to school.
Services include health screenings, safety and health information, fingerprinting, and educational information for parents. The SCMCAA also provides free school supplies to all children in attendance.
For more information, call the SCMCAA at 573-785-4727.
NEW DAY MINISTRIES TO HOST FEED AND SEED EVENT
New Day Ministries in Poplar Bluff will be hosting a feed and seed event on today from 3 to 5 pm.
The event is first come, first serve, and packs will be limited to one per family. New Day Ministries is located at 703 Franklin Street on the south side of Poplar Bluff.
If you would like more information, contact Pastors Vernon and Nancy Wolverton at 573-718-4578.
MOTORISTS REMINDED TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR STUDENTS
The new school year has started or will be starting soon for students across Southeast Missouri and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that this often brings a change to traffic patterns.
School buses and parents taking their children to school will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.
Afternoons can be especially dangerous. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers in 2015 occurred between 3 and 4 pm, when school typically lets out.
Drivers should also be mindful around school busses. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus.
However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Remember to stay alert as children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.
Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
