Wednesday, January 25, 2017

ARBYRD MAN DIES FOLLOWING WRECK IN DUNKLIN COUNTY An Arbyrd man has died following a single vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 76 year old Edmond Hatley was ejected from his vehicle after it ran off the side of Missouri Highway 164 and overturned.

Hatley was pronounced dead at the scene by Dunklin County Coroner James Powell.

  TWO KILLED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WRECK Two people were killed in a three vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Greene County, Arkansas.

Officials with the Arkansas State Police tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 2:30 pm on Highway 49. A vehicle, driven by 48 year old David Nolen, of Marmaduke, reportedly struck the back of a vehicle before crossing the center line of the highway and hitting another vehicle head on.

Nolen was killed in the wreck, as was the driver of the third vehicle, 29 year old Stadford Mace, of Edwards, Mississippi.

No other injuries were listed in connection to the wreck.

  DOWNTOWN POPLAR BLUFF PARKING GARAGE TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC Officials say that the parking garage in downtown Poplar Bluff will be closed to traffic beginning tomorrow.

According to the Poplar Bluff Fire Department, there is a large crack in the upper slab along the north wall, near the entrance on the upper level.

From below, daylight can be seen through the crack with only corroded reinforcing steel connecting the concrete slab to the support beam.

Officials say the garage will be closed to traffic until it is repaired.

  MULTIPLE BURGLARIES REPORTED AT VETERINARY CLINIC Authorities in Kennett are investigating multiple burglaries at a local vet.

According to the Kennett Police Department, on January 16th and 24th, officers took burglary reports from KenMo Veterinary Clinic.

It was reported that suspects entered the building and stole an undisclosed amount of money.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department at 573-888-4622.

  MULTIPLE PIPE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN WAYNE COUNTY Multiple pipe replacement projects have been scheduled for today in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, both Route E and Route P in Wayne County will be reduced today for the projects.

The work zone on Route E will be located east of County Road 501, while the work zone on Route P will be south of County Road 504.

Both projects are scheduled to be done from 7 am to 3 pm.

MODOT CREWS TO BE WORKING ON MISSOURI ROUTE 114 IN STODDARD COUNTY THIS WEEK Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in Stoddard County for the rest of this week for repairs on Route 114.

During the repairs, Route 114 will be reduced to one lane as crews replace a culvert pipe under the roadway.

Work will take place today through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily and officials say the work zone will be located between County Roads 725 and 702.

Tuesday January 24, 2017

POPLAR BLUFF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER PLACED ON LOCKDOWN MONDAY MORNINGThe Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center was placed on lockdown Monday morning.

KWOC News spoke with Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Scott Dill who said that the lockdown was due to domestic dispute in the area.

SCOTT DILL:

On Monday morning as students were arriving for school at the Early Childhood Center we were made aware of some concerns resulting from a domestic dispute that had spilled over into the school environment.

At that time as I was apprised of the details we made the decision to lock the building down and get a police presence on campus until we got everything sorted out. We were locked down for a few hours until we made sure that everybody was secure and that there was no credible or specific threat towards anyone at the school or anything that would put our kids in harm’s way. Once that had been established it was back to business as usual.

We do appreciate our partnership with Poplar Bluff Police Department they were very responsive to our needs helped us sort the situation out as quickly as we could and get us back on track.

The main thing I want people to understand is that if there's any doubt about the safety or a situation that seems unsafe we will take that action, we will lock down and we will make sure that the kids are safe. That is our top priority and will always remain so.

POPLAR BLUF FMAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES INCLUDING POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND RESISTING ARREST Authorities in Poplar Bluff have arrested an area man on multiple charges following an incident Saturday evening.

Detective Joey Woodruff with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us more about the arrest.

JOEY WOODRUFF:

On Saturday evening about 7:30, Officer Duckett was patrolling the area of 9th and Cherry Streets in Poplar Bluff when a male subject spotted him, turned, and began to walk in the opposite direction of him.

Officer Duckett exited his patrol vehicle to contact the man and noticed the man place something in his mouth. Officer Duckett gave commands for the man to stop, however he continued to quickly walk away from him. Duckett was able to stop the man and detained him. The man was identified as Donald Rodgers, 41, of Poplar Bluff.

As Officer Duckett was speaking with Rodgers he admitted to swallowing prescription medication. As Officer Duckett checked the area around Rodgers he located a baggie of suspected methamphetamine.

A check of Rodgers’ information revealed three active warrants for his arrest. Rodgers was transported to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, booked, and then lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on the charges of possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and the three active warrants.

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGES A Poplar Bluff woman is facing a felony controlled substance charge in connection to her arrest Monday evening.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 37 year old Kimberly Marlowe was arrested in Butler County on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine and alprazolam.

Marlowe is also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

PIPE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN WAYNE COUNTY A Wayne County road will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.

According to MoDot, Route P in Wayne County will be closed between Route E and County Road 504 during the replacement.

Work is scheduled to be performed from 7 am to 3 pm.

CONVICTED FELON FOUND IN A STOLEN VEHICLE WITH VARIOUS ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION A convicted felon was arrested over the weekend in Poplar Bluff after he was reportedly found in a stolen vehicle.

Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that the incident occurred Sunday morning.

DARRON MOORE:

On Sunday morning around 8:30, Officers responded to McDonald's north in reference to a white male in a red Ford truck behaving erratically.

Upon arrival officers located a white male asleep in the vehicle. He was later identified as 37 year-old Paul Ryan Lutes.

During the investigation officers observed the vehicle ignition showed obvious signs of tampering and a records check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from Greenville, Missouri.

Inside the vehicle, officers located several various rounds of ammunition.

After being advised of his rights, Lutes refused to speak to officers. Lutes, a convicted felon, was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a weapon and tampering with a motor vehicle. He was later lodged in the Butler County Justice Center.

LUCAS AND BESS CHOSEN AS POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Two basketball players have been chosen as the Poplar Bluff High School athletes of the month for December.

Senior Willie Lucas Jr. and Freshman Kiley Bess were chosen for the awards by the Mules Booster Club.

Lucas is currently averaging over 20 points and seven rebounds per game. He scored his 1,000th career point during the Poplar Bluff ShowDown. Lucas was also named to the All-Tournament Team at the ShowDown and won the three-point contest. In the classroom, he maintains a 9.71 GPA.

Bess has averaged over 15 points and four rebounds per game, starting in all varsity contests as a freshman. She was named to the Mustang Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team in Hoxie, Arkansas. In the classroom, she has maintained straight A's throughout the first semester.

Monday January 23, 2017

POPLAR BLUFF TEEN ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON METH CHARGE  

A Poplar Bluff teenager is facing felony charges following her arrest over the weekend in New Madrid County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 19 year old Tiara Holloway was taken into custody Saturday afternoon on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Holloway is also facing a charge of possession of marijuana.

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON FORGERY WARRANT

Authorities in Stoddard County have taken an Osage Beach man into custody.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 19 year old Jermaine Smith was recently arrested on a warrant for forgery.

Smith’s bond has been set at $7,500 and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

FIVE DAY BRIDGE PROJECT SET TO BEGIN TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Route 412 in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 12 foot width restriction this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.

MoDot officials say that the section of Route 412 to be affected is located from Route U to Route NN.

Weather permitting; work will take place today through Friday, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm daily.

SUSPECT WANTED IN CONNECTION TO BREAK-INS AT THREE RIVERS COLLEGE

Poplar Bluff police are searching for a man in connection to several recent break-ins.

Officials with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tell KWOC News that the man is a suspect in multiple thefts from vehicles at Three Rivers College.

A picture of the suspect is available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is being asked to contact Patrolman David Perkins at 573-785-5776 extension 1346.

MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON DRUG AND FIREARM CHARGES IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

Authorities in New Madrid County have arrested an area man on felony drug and gun charges.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 23 year old Keith Word, of New Madrid, was arrested Friday night on felony charges of unlawful use of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute – marijuana.

Word was taken to the New Madrid County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT WINNER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK

Sikeston resident and winner of the third season of America’s Got Talent Neal Boyd has serious injuries following a single vehicle wreck over the weekend in Scott County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred Saturday morning when Boyd’s vehicle ran off the side of Interstate 55 and struck multiple trees.

Boyd and a passenger in the vehicle were seriously injured in the wreck and taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS

Applications are now available for area teens to join the Youth Conservation Corps.

The Corps is a paid summer work program for teens ages 15 to 18.  The program offers summer employment for eight weeks on Mark Twain National Forest at the Poplar Bluff Ranger District.

Officials say that projects will include building trails, clerical/office support, maintaining and cleaning up campgrounds, and improving wildlife habitat. Four enrollees will be selected for the Poplar Bluff Ranger District through a random drawing.

More information is available at the Mark Twain National Forest website or by calling 573-996-2153. Applications are due by Monday, April 17^th.

Friday January 20, 2017

WANTED BUTLER COUNTY MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY  

A Poplar Bluff man wanted on multiple warrants has been taken into custody.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley tells KWOC News that on Thursday, January 11th, officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, the SEMO Drug Task Force, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to contact 39 year old Cortez Jones, of Poplar Bluff, at a residence on County Road 525.

Jones allegedly fled the area, and two women, 38 year old Elizabeth Cross, of Poplar Bluff, and 55 year old Brenda King, of Doniphan, both denied any knowledge of Jones’ whereabouts.

A few hours later, officers observed Jones as a passenger in a vehicle that was traveling West on Highway 60. Officers followed the vehicle, which attempted to elude them. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on a rural Carter County road where Jones was taken into custody.

He is being held on warrants out of Butler County for possession of a controlled substance, hit and run, failure to appear for possession of marijuana, and failure to appear for non support along with a Poplar Bluff warrant for failure to appear for possession of marijuana.

Both King and Cross were also in the vehicle with Jones and were arrested for hindering prosecution.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING GUNSHOTS IN POPLAR BLUFF

Gunshots were reportedly fired at a home in Poplar Bluff on Wednesday.

The shots hit a residence on North Street Wednesday night.

There have been no arrests made and the incident is under investigation.

NEW WAVE COMMUNICATIONS SOLD TO ARIZONA BASED COMPANY

New Wave Communications, which provides internet service to multiple communities in Southeast Missouri, including Poplar Bluff and Dexter, has been sold to Cable One Incorporated.

The transaction was reportedly for $735 million dollars.

Cable One is a publicly traded cable service provider serving more than 650,000 customers in 19 states.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE UNDERWAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Route A in Dunklin County is being reduced to one lane so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge maintenance.

The bridge is located between County Roads 525 and 526.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 8 am to 3 pm daily, through Thursday, January 26th.

CARUTHERSVILLE MAN’S SENTENCE COMMUTED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA

A Caruthersville man has had his sentence commuted by President Obama.

Timmy Nathan Johnson was sentenced in October of 2009 to 30 years imprisonment for the offenses of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine; money laundering; felon in possession of a firearm; and unlawful drug use in possession of a firearm.

Johnson’s sentence was commuted to 20 years with the condition that he enrolls in residential drug treatment.

OVER THREE GRAMS OF CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE DISCOVERED DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

A deputy in Northeast Arkansas reportedly discovered over three grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that the deputy stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and that led to him finding 3.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Gregory Pippin was taken into custody and has been charged with possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver.

Following the arrest, Pippin was transported to the Greene County Detention Center.

AG EXPO TO OPEN AT 1 PM TODAY

Multiple events are on the schedule for the opening day of Ag Expo at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

Doors will open at the Coliseum at 1 pm and attendees can see over 118 agriculture exhibits that will be at the event.

In addition, there will also be the prepared public speaking contest at 4 pm, the milking contest at 5:30 pm, and the toy tractor pedal pull contest that will start at 6 pm.

Educational events scheduled for Friday include the private applicator training at 2 pm, how to prepare nutritious snacks at 5 pm, and the food safety modernization act at 6:15 pm.

Admission to Ag Expo is $1 for adults. For more information, call 686-8064.

WEEK LONG SHOULDER REPAIR PROJECT BEGINNING TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Missouri Department of Transportation crews will be in Dunklin County today for a week long shoulder repair project.

According to MoDot, crews will be performing shoulder repairs on Route NN between Routes 412 and 164. Work is scheduled to take place today through Friday, January 27th from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm daily.

During the repairs, Route NN will be reduced to one lane.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

MISSING TEENAGE GIRL FOUND SAFE Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, a missing teenage girl has been found safe.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Endangered Person Advisory for 15 year old Abigail Norville was cancelled Wednesday after the girl was located.

Officials have not released any details on how or where the teenager was found.

  KENNETT POLICE INVESTIGATING ARMED ROBBERY AT LOCAL BUSINESSS Authorities in Kennett are investigating a reported armed robbery at an area business.

According to the Kennett Police Department, at around 10:45 pm on Tuesday, officers were dispatched to the Casey's General Store on Saint Francis Street where employees reported that a black male had entered the store, pulled a pistol out, and demanded money.

The suspect then fled the store on foot with an undetermined amount of money.

The employees said that the suspect was dressed in black and wearing a ski mask.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kennett Police Department at 573-888-4622.

  MALDEN MAN ARRESTED ON WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER A Malden man was taken into custody Wednesday for a felony warrant.

According to the Malden Police Department, 28 year old Samuel Sherrod was arrested on a felony Dunklin County warrant for the charge of failure to register as a sex offender.

Sherrod’s bond was $7,500 and he was held in the Malden City Jail.

  TWO ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF CRYSTAL METH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Two people were recently taken into custody in Northeast Arkansas on a methamphetamine charge.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that Greene County Deputies were working with Arkansas Probation and Parole during a home visit when they arrested Harley Duffel and Amanda Wince.

Carter says both Duffel and Wince were arrested for possession of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

  TWO PEOPLE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN STODDARD COUNTY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT Officials in Stoddard County have arrested two Dexter residents on a controlled substance warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 29 year old Darren Ledbetter and 25 year old Subrina Ledbetter were each taken into custody on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Both remained in jail as of this morning and their bond was each set at $7,500 cash.

  TREE TRIMMING PROJECT UNDERWAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route 25 in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform tree trimming.

The section of roadway being reduced is located from Route O to Route Y.

Weather permitting, work will take place from 7:30 am to 3 pm both today and tomorrow.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE DELAYS ON ROUTE AB IN STODDARD COUNTY A pipe replacement will cause delays for some motorists in Stoddard County this week.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route AB in Stoddard County is being reduced as crews replace a culvert under the roadway.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to take place today and tomorrow from 7 am to 4 pm daily.

The work zone is located from County Road 503 to County Road 506.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

FOUR ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO ALLEGED BURGLARY IN POPLAR BLUFF Four arrests have been made in connection to an alleged burglary this past weekend in Poplar Bluff.

Captain Dave Sutton with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that shots were fired during the incident.

“On Saturday, January 14th, at around 8 p.m. officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of Lexington Street in reference to shots fired during a residential burglary.

The victims told officers that the front door to the residence was kicked in and Larry Carter Sr., Larry Carter Jr., Sureeka Carter, Martrez Carter, and other identified suspects entered the residence. Martrez Carter flourished a handgun.

Larry Carter held the female victim down while the other suspects assaulted the male victim. After the assault the suspects left the residence in three vehicles. Two gunshots were fired from the suspect vehicles as they left the area.

Larry Carter Sr., Larry Carter Jr., Sureeka Carter, and Martrez Carter were located at a residence in the 1500 Block of North 5th Street. They were taken into custody without incident and transported to the police station.

Larry Carter Sr., Larry Carter Jr., and Sureeka Carter were each booked in on a charge of burglary first-degree. Martrez Carter was booked in on charges of burglary 1st degree, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon”

  ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MISSING SCOTT CITY TEENAGER The Scott City Police Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for a missing teenager.

The advisory is for 15 year old Abigail Norville.

Norville reportedly left her residence after an argument with her father and the last communication with her was by text message at 2 pm on Monday.

Norville is described as a white female, five feet tall and weighing 125 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and was wearing a black jacket with blue jeans.

Authorities believe Norville may be in the company of 21 year old James Scheller. Scheller is described as a white male, 5 foot 9 inches tall, weighing 195 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Norville or Scheller’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Scott City Police Department at 573-264-2121.

AREA MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY METH CHARGE An area man was arrested Tuesday morning in Butler County on a methamphetamine charge.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 22 year old Justin Ard was taken into custody at around 10 am Tuesday on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Ard is also facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Following the arrest, he was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

PIEDMONT MAN FACING FELONY GUN AND FIREARM CHARGES A Piedmont man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old William McKinney was arrested in Wayne County on felony charges including possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.

McKinney is also facing a charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

WAPPAPELLO MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FORGERY WARRANTS Authorities in Stoddard County have taken a Wappapello man into custody on multiple forgery warrants.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 46 year old William Thomas Pearce III was recently arrested on four warrants for forgery and two warrants for probation violation.

Pearce’s bond was set at $35,000 cash only, and officials say he remained in jail as of this morning.

EROSION WORK TO BEGIN TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Eastbound Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane for the rest of this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform erosion work.

The work zone is located between Route 25 and County Road 717.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm daily.

Tuesday January 17, 2017

HIGH SPEED CHASE LEADS TO ARREST IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTYAuthorities in Mississippi County were involved in a high speed chase on Monday.

According to authorities, 22 year old Lamarquez Sutton, of Charleston, was taken into custody and is facing charges including first degree assault, resisting arrest, and delivery of a controlled substance.

Following the chase, Sutton was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.

APPROACH WORK SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK IN DUNKLIN COUNTY Route 412 in Dunklin County will be reduced with a 12 foot width restriction this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform approach work.

Work is scheduled to take place today through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm daily.

The work zone will be located from Route U to Route NN in Dunklin County.

POPLAR BLUFF CHEERLEADING KIDDIE CAMP SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK A Poplar Bluff Cheerleading Kiddie Camp for future cheerleaders ages 3 to 6th grade will be held next week.

The camp is scheduled to be held at the Poplar Bluff Junior High School on Monday, January 23rd from 5 to 6:30 pm, as well as 5 to 6 pm on January 25th and 26th.

The cost is $25 per child.

All Kiddie Camp Cheerleaders will then perform at the JV Girls Basketball game on Monday, January 30th.

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO SHOTS BEING FIRED IN KENNETT Authorities in Kennett have made an arrest in connection to a report of shots being fired over the weekend.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell KWOC News, that officers were dispatched to an area of Bradley Street Sunday night to check on a report of gun shots being fired.

An investigation led to the arrest of Andre Haymon Jr. of Osceola, Arkansas, for unlawful use of a weapon.

Haymon was held at the Dunklin County Jail pending formal charges from the Dunklin County Prosecutors Office.

APPROXIMATLY 600 ACRES OF MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST TO BE CLOSED TODAY Officials have closed approximately 600 acres of Mark Twain National Forrest to support feral hog eradication activities.

The areas of the forest to be closed today are located in the Eleven Point Ranger District. The closure includes all access to the area from FR 3250 and County Road F-227 in Carter County.

All Forest Service Trails within the closure area will also be closed during this timeframe, including the Ozark Trail—Big Springs Connector Trail.

A full map of the temporary closure area is available on the Mark Twain National Forest Facebook page.

POPLAR BLUFF LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULED TO MOVE TO WARD FIVE TODAY The leaf pick up schedule for the city of Poplar Bluff is set to continue today.

The Street Department vacuum is scheduled to be in Ward Five beginning today and continuing through January 27th.

Officials say that the Street Department has only one vacuum and it is over twenty years old and breaks down frequently, which might cause changes to the schedule.

For more information, contact the Street Department at 573-686-8646.

Monday, January 16, 2017

TWO TEENAGERS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN STODDARD COUNTY WRECK Two Dexter teenagers have been taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital in connection to a wreck Sunday evening in Stoddard County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at approximately 6 pm on US 60 when a vehicle, driven by 19 year old Seth Hubbert pulled into the path of a vehicle and was hit.

Hubbert, and a 17 year old passenger, were seriously injured in the wreck. No injuries were listed for the driver of the second vehicle.

  WAYNE COUNTY AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING CHURCH BURGLARY Authorities in Wayne County are investigating a burglary that occurred at an area church.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, New Home Church on M Highway was burglarized on December 28th.

Two guitars were stolen along with amps, microphones, and a wall heater. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 573-224-3319.

TWO KILLED IN WRECK IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Two people have died following a wreck Saturday afternoon in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the wreck occurred shortly before 4:30 pm Saturday near Blytheville. A vehicle, driven by 47 year old Dennis Stone, of Blytheville, reportedly crossed the center line of Highway 61 and hit another vehicle head on.

Both Stone and the driver of the second vehicle, 26 year old Kaylam Diggs, of Osceola, were killed in the wreck. A passenger in Diggs’ vehicle was injured.

WOMAN KILLED IN FIRE IN MADISON COUNTY A woman was killed in a house fire Friday Night in Southeast Missouri.

The body of 74 year old Lucille Francis was discovered after her home caught fire in Madison County.

Two other people in the home were able to escape. Authorities are investigating a cause for the fire.

POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL TO MEET ON TUESDAY The Poplar Bluff City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday.

Items to be discussed include a request from Rodgers Theater, Incorporated to pass a CDBG grant through the City of Poplar Bluff, a settlement with TracFone relative to litigation for past due taxes, and an agreement with MoDOT relative to sidewalk improvements and ADA compliant curb ramps along Highways 60 and 67.

Council Members will also be discussing a review of an annual budget appropriating the City's local share payments for four lane improvements on Highway 67 from Poplar Bluff to Fredericktown.

The meeting will begin at 7 pm Tuesday night in the City Council chambers.

AAG TRIVIA NIGHT SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY NIGHT The Poplar Bluff High School Academic Assistance Group will be holding their 16th annual Trivia Night this Friday night.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. Friday night in the High School commons area. The cost is $150 per team. The mission of the AAG is to provide supplemental educational opportunities to Poplar Bluff High School Students.

For registration information, contact Tina Wilkins at 573-785-6471.

Friday, January 13, 2017

FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH 6 PM TONIGHT A freezing rain advisory has been issued for most of Southeast Missouri through 6 pm tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, a glaze of one to two tenths of an inch of ice is likely in most areas, while some of our northern listening areas could receive close to a quarter of an inch of ice.

If you have to be on the roadways this morning, be prepared for slick roads, especially on secondary and untreated roads. Remember to slow down and use caution while driving. Sidewalks and parking lots may also be very slick if not treated.

You can check road conditions in your area on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map, which is available at modot.org.

MISSING HAYTI TEENAGER FOUND DEAD A missing Hayti teenager has been found dead.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the endangered Person Advisory for 15 year old Shamar Holmes was cancelled after Holmes body was found.

Holmes had last been seen on Friday, January 6th at the Cleveland Apartments in Hayti.

No cause of death has been released.

  MAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK IN KENNETT A man has been flown to a Memphis Hospital following a two vehicle wreck in Kennett.

According to the Kennett Police Department, at around 7:13 am Thursday morning, officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Independence and Russell Street.

A vehicle, driven by 46 year old Bradford Metheny, had allegedly rear ended a van. Metheny was air lifted from the scene and taken to The Med in Memphis, Tennessee.

The driver of the van and his two passengers were taken by ambulance to Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center for treatment.

  GRANDIN MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY CARTER COUNTY WARRANT A Grandin man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in Carter County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 34 year old Terry Swigert was arrested at approximately 2 pm on a felony Carter County warrant for drugs.

Following the arrest, Swigert was held at the Carter County Sheriff’s Department.

  OVER 300 FAMILIES PROVIDED GIFTS THROUGH PROJECT CHRISTMAS PROMISE Over 300 families were provided Christmas gifts over the holidays through Project Christmas Promise.

AmeriCorps, a service organization housed at Poplar Bluff Schools, provided gifts for a total of 335 families and roughly 900 children, most of whom were enrolled in the R-1 district.

More than 200 donors supported the project, which has been an annual service project of the program since 2007.

Extra toys will serve to supply the Good Habits Store at Lake Road Elementary, while the leftover clothing will go to the Poplar Bluff High School Giving Closet.

Wednesday January 11, 2016

GUILTY PLEA ENTERED IN MURDER CASEA Zalma man will be sentenced in February on a murder charge.

According to Missouri Case Net, Russell Mayberry, of Zalma, pled guilty on Tuesday to a charge of 2nd degree murder. His sentencing hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st.

The body of Kenneth Willard was found in January of 2015 near the Markham Springs Recreation area of Black River.

Mayberry had allegedly shot Willard.

MULTIPLE BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY FIRE IN MALDEN Multiple businesses have been affected by a Tuesday fire in Southeast Missouri.

The fire was discovered early Tuesday morning in a building in downtown Malden. At least one building was destroyed.

A cause for the fire was not available.

DRAINAGE REPAIR PROJECT UNDERWAY IN STODDARD COUNTY Route AB in Stoddard County is being reduced to one lane through the rest of this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform drainage repairs.

The work zone is located from County Road 503 to County Road 510.

Weather permitting, work will take place daily, from 7 am to 4 pm, through Friday.

ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MISSING TEENAGER An Endangered Person Advisory has been issued for a teenager who has been missing since last week.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 15 year old Shamar Holmes was last seen at 10 pm on Friday, January 6th at the Cleveland Apartments in Hayti.

Holmes is a black male, 6 feet tall and weighing 204 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, dark complexion, and a scar on his abdomen.

He was last seen wearing a white button-up shirt, khaki pants, and a blue coat.

Anyone with information related to Holmes whereabouts should immediately dial 911 or call the Hayti Police Department at 573-359-1259.

DETAILS RELEASED ABOUT UPCOMING BRIDGE PROJECT IN BUTLER COUNTY Details have been released about an upcoming bridge project in Butler County.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is planning to replace a bridge on Route 158 over Cane Creek, approximately a third of a mile east of Harviell.

Construction could begin as early as this summer and while construction is underway, Route 158 will be closed to through traffic in the vicinity of the bridge.

Anybody affected by the project may request that a public hearing be held in regard to the proposed improvements. For more information, contact Project Manager Pete Berry at 417-469-6242.

ALUMNUS DONATES TO POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL GIVING CLOSET A $1,000 donation has been made to the Poplar Bluff High School Giving Closet.

According to school officials, the donation was made by a pet food and supply store based in California.

Business owner Larry Mitchener wrote a note with the check which said "Here are a few bucks from an old alumnus for the Giving Closet - hope it helps."

Mitchener attended PBHS in the 1960s.

POPLAR BLUFF AWARDED SECTIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT The city of Poplar Bluff will be hosting an upcoming golf tournament.

Poplar Bluff Schools Athletic Director Kent Keith tells KWOC News that Poplar Bluff has been selected to host the 2018 Sectional Golf Tournament.

Keith says that he put in bids to host the 2017 and 2018 District & Sectional Tournaments. The 2017 District Tournament was given to Northwest in Cedar Hill while the 2017 Sectional and 2018 District tournaments were awarded to Rockwood Summit in Fenton.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

NAME RELEASED OF PERSON FOUND IN BUTLER COUNTY Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, additional information has been released about the investigation started after a person was found over the weekend in a Butler County ditch.

We spoke with Chief Deputy Wess Popp with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department about the incident:

“On Saturday afternoon at about 4 o'clock p.m. dispatch received 9-1-1 call of a white male that was found roadside on County Road 606 in Butler County and that he was unresponsive and needing EMS. EMS and Butler County deputies were dispatched to that area along with Poplar Bluff City. Upon arrival an unidentified white male was unresponsive and CPR was immediately started until EMS arrived.

Once EMS arrived they took over CPR and the individual was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center to their trauma unit. At this point the male was unidentified. He was only found in a shirt, pants, and socks. With limited information as far as the reason for him being there and who he was, a call was placed to DDCC and also Poplar Bluff City Police Department to assist us in following leads for friends and family and to get him identified.

During the course of the investigation at approximately 6:35 pm, I was notified that Mr. Sutherland had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Through the course of the investigation, one of the leads was that maybe he might have drove into the Black River and possibly there might be another one inside. It went from that to possible he was assaulted and left roadside. With all these factors we went ahead and called for help, DDCC arrived along with Poplar Bluff City Police Department and the Butler County deputies.

We asked for water Patrol to come out to see if there was a vehicle in the water while other investigators attempted to discover the individual's identity. The individual was identified as 34-year old Joshua Ray Sutherland from Arkansas. We were able to find out where his family was who his friends were and where he lived at here in Poplar Bluff. During the course of Investigation Water Patrol was out they found a backpack and a coat that was up on the bank of the river.

What it appeared was he had been in the water, he had pulled his jacket off because the jacket was inside out and the backpack had miscellaneous stuff in it including some mail with his name on it. Once we're sure there was not a vehicle in the water we attempted to look for any other evidence but it was too dark. We went ahead and stopped for the evening, that was at approximately midnight, to return in the morning so that we would have daylight to be able to see anything that could have possibly been missed at night. We returned in the morning we were able to find a place where he actually walked in from the county road to the River.

Family said he did not have a vehicle and where he lived was not that far of a walk to get there. We found his single track of boot prints which were his leading down to the river and we followed that along the riverbank and we kept following the prints along the waterline until it looks like that's where he fell into the water which was approximately about 20-25 feet from where the backpack was found.

Mr. Sutherland was sent to Farmington for an autopsy which the pathologist confirmed as accidental death due as a cause of hypothermia. Once again, a case like this even if it's accidental this goes to show the close bonds that we have both with the city and with the highway patrol that we were able to come together and solve this in a very short amount of time.

We've been so successful are so lucky here in this area of the bootheel that all of us can come together and solve what needs to be done. Take care of business and move on.”

TEENAGER KILLED IN RIPLEY COUNTY WRECK A Doniphan teenager has died following a single vehicle wreck in Ripley County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 17 year old Zachary Brittain was driving on Missouri Highway 142 Monday morning when his vehicle ran off the side of the road and struck a tree.

Brittain was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County Coroner Mike Jackson.

  INVESTIGATION ONGOING IN CONNECTION TO PEMISCOT COUNTY SHOOTING An investigation is underway following a shooting Monday in Southeast Missouri.

According to authorities, the shooting occurred Monday morning at a business in Pemiscot County. A man had been shot in the head by his cousin. The incident is being described as self defense.

The victim was injured and taken to a Memphis hospital. The name of the victim has not been released.

  POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN FACING FELONY METH CHARGE OUT OF WAYNE COUNTY A Poplar Bluff woman is facing a felony meth charge following her arrest over the weekend in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 34 year old Christina King was arrested shortly after 10 am Saturday on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine.

King is also facing a charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

  BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be in New Madrid County today for bridge maintenance.

According to MoDot, Route 62 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane for the maintenance.

The bridges involved are located over drain ditches between County Roads 521 and 335.

Work is scheduled to be performed today from 8 am to 3 pm.

Monday January 9, 2017

MAN DIES AFTER BEING FOUND IN BUTLER COUNTY DITCHThe Major Case Squad was activated following a death over the weekend in Butler County.

Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that on Saturday afternoon at around 4 pm, a person was walking by County Road 606 near B Street in Poplar Bluff and found a person lying in a ditch.

The subject later passed away at an area hospital.

An autopsy was conducted Sunday and the death was ruled to be due to accidental hypothermia.

KWOC News has confirmed that the subject was a male, however his identity has not been released.

We will keep following this story and bring you updates when they become available.

BUTLER COUNTY MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES EARLY SUNDAY MORNING An area man is facing multiple drug related charges following his arrest early Sunday morning.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 20 year old Andrew Persons, of Poplar Bluff, was arrested at around 2:44 am Sunday morning in Butler County.

Persons was taken into custody on felony charges of possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. He is also facing charges of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and driving while intoxicated.

Persons was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF BUTLER AND STODDARD COUNTY ROAD An over two month long bridge repair project in Butler and Stoddard Counties is scheduled to begin today.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route U will be closed as contractor crews perform bridge repairs on a bridge located between Route H in Butler County and Route CC in Stoddard County. Officials say that a detour will be in place.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to be performed today through Wednesday, March 15th from 6 am to 6 pm daily.

CITY OF NAYLOR UNDER BOIL WATER ADVISORY ORDER The city of Naylor is under a boil water advisory order.

Officials say that the order is due to a broken water main. Residents must boil their water for five minutes before drinking or using it to cook with.

It is safe to take baths and showers. It is also safe to wash clothes and dishes, just don’t add any bleach.

No timetable was given for when the order could end.

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN FACING CHARGES OF 2ND DEGREE MURDER AND ELDER ABUSE A Poplar Bluff woman has pled not guilty on a murder charge following the death of her mother.

Theresa Smothers was found severely malnourished and dehydrated in her home in December and later died.

According to Missouri Case Net, 65 year old Judy Smothers, has been charged with felony 2nd degree murder and 2nd degree elder abuse.

Judy Smothers’ bond was set at $50,000.

SIX ARRESTED DURING PROBATION/PAROLE SWEEP IN CLAY COUNTY Multiple arrests were made during a probation and parole sweep last week in Northeast Arkansas.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells KWOC News that on Thursday the Clay County Sheriff's Department conducted the country wide sweep along with officers from multiple other agencies including the Piggott and Corning Police Departments.

Miller says that six individuals were arrested during the sweep on warrants and drug related charges. The names of the arrestees were not available.

ORAN MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE An Oran man has been taken into custody in New Madrid County on a felony drug charge.

According to authorities, 24 year old Stewart Johnson was arrested Friday evening on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Johnson is also facing charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, he was held in New Madrid County on a 24 hour hold.

KENNETT TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Kennett teenager has been injured following a single vehicle wreck Sunday night.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at around 11:20 pm when a vehicle, driven by 18 year old Sydney Patton, ran off of Route Z in Pemiscot County and struck a ditch.

Patton suffered serious injuries and was taken to a Kennett hospital.

Friday January 6, 2016

MULTIPLE WRECKS REPORTED DURING THURSDAY’S SNOW FALLWinter weather conditions made roads treacherous Thursday in Southeast Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported nine wrecks between 7 am and 10 pm Thursday in Troop E, which covers Southeast Missouri. Four of the wrecks were in Butler County, with wrecks also reported in Dunklin, Wayne, Stoddard, and Bollinger counties.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map, there are still several partly covered roads across Southeast Missouri. Motorists are advised to watch for slick spots, especially on untreated and less traveled roads.

Also remember to slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

You can find the Traveler’s Information Map online at MoDot.org.

BODY FOUND IN DUNKLIN COUNTY LAKE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MEMPHIS MAN Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, authorities have released the identity of a body that was found Wednesday in a Southeast Missouri lake.

The body of 49 year old Antonio Owens, of Memphis, Tennessee, was discovered Wednesday in Combs Lake near Kennett.

Owens had been reported missing in early December.

His death is under investigation and an autopsy has been scheduled for this morning.

THREE ARRESTED AFTER METH, MARIJUANA, AND A FIREARM WERE FOUND IN A VEHICLE IN POPLAR BLUFF A motor vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon led to the arrest of three people in Poplar Bluff.

Patrolman James Henry with the Poplar Bluff Police Department spoke with KWOC News about the incident.

JAMES HENRY:

On Wednesday afternoon about 2:30 p.m. I was flagged down at 9th Street and Lester Street in reference to a traffic accident. I made contact with the driver of one of the vehicles who advised me he was northbound on 9th Street when another vehicle ran a stop sign causing a motor vehicle accident. I then made contact with the driver of the other vehicle identified as 20 year old Jonathan Kuykendall from Doniphan who admitted to running the stop sign and striking the other vehicle. When I made contact with the passengers inside Jonathan Kuykendall’s vehicle I could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The two passengers in the vehicle identified as twenty-six-year-old Barrett Kruse from Doniphan and 23 year old Heather Haley from Ellsinore. I informed the occupants of the vehicle that I could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and I asked if they had anything left in the vehicle. Heather Haley stated that they had smoked marijuana about an hour ago and she retrieved a Crown Royal bag from the vehicle containing a small glass pipe. I then asked the occupants if there's anything else in the vehicle and everyone in the vehicle denied there being anything else. Upon the arrival of an additional officer a search was conducted and a firearm was located which was a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol which was fully loaded and also a sock hat was located in the vehicle which contained 34 $20 bills, 5 $10 bills, 20 $1 bills, a $50 bill. The money was all wadded up individually and consistent with possible drug transactions. I also located a small black box in the vehicle which contained a small bag of marijuana and a small bag of methamphetamine. I also located multiple items of drug paraphernalia in the box and multiple clear plastic bags and a digital scale. Jonathan Kuykendall, Barrett Kruse, and Heather Haley were all placed under arrest and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the driver Jonathan Kuykendall was also charged with DWI drugs and other traffic offenses.

Following the arrest, the three were processed at the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

MAN FOUND WITH CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE DURING TRAFFIC STOP A traffic stop led to the discovery of meth earlier this week in Northeast Arkansas.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that a deputy stopped a vehicle Tuesday night for expired tags.

While speaking to the driver, later identified as Anthony Eply, the deputy noticed something in Eply’s hand which turned out to be 1.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Eply was taken into custody and transported to the Greene County Detention Center.

POPLAR BLUFF EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER ACCEPTING SCREENING APPOINTMENTS FOR HALF DAY PROGRAM The Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center is accepting screening appointments for the Half Day program of the 2017-2018 school year.

If you are a parent in the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District and has a child who will be three or four years old on July 31st, you can call 573-785-6803 for more information about having your child screened for the program.

The next screening will be held by appointment only on Thursday, February 16th. Officials say that you must have your child’s social security number available when calling to make an appointment.

Thursday January 5, 2017

INVESTIGATION STARTED AFTER BODY FOUND IN LAKEAuthorities are investigating a body that was found in a lake Wednesday in Dunklin County.

The body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in Combs Lake near Kennett.

The identity of the person found has not been released.

TWO POPLAR BLUFF FUGITIVES ARRESTED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY Two wanted Poplar Bluff men have been arrested in Franklin County, Missouri.

Franklin County Sheriff, Steve Pelton, tells KWOC News that on Tuesday, a deputy observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Doniphan. The vehicle was found a short time later abandoned and wrecked.

Later on Tuesday, officials received information from citizens that led to Union Police and deputies locating and arresting 29 year old Sean O’Kelley and 19 year old Dustin Hayes, both of Poplar Bluff.

Pelton says that both men had active warrants from Butler County, O’Kelley for DWI and Hayes for Burglary 2nd.

DUMP TRUCK OVERTURNS IN DUNKLIN COUNTY INJURING DRIVER A dump truck driver was injured Wednesday afternoon when the vehicle he was driving overturned in Dunklin County.

According to authorities, the wreck occurred at around 3:40 pm on Route AC, near Cardwell.

51 year old Joe Brinkley, of Monet, Arkansas, was driving the dump truck when he reportedly ran off the roadway, and then overcorrected, came back on to the roadway, and overturned.

Brinkley suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown to a Memphis hospital.

MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY STEALING WARRANT Authorities in Butler County have arrested an area man on a felony warrant.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Markus Ridener, of Poplar Bluff, was taken into custody Wednesday night on a felony Butler County warrant for stealing.

Following the arrest, Ridener was held in the Butler County Jail.

PORTAGEVILLE MAN FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Portageville man has been flown to an area hospital following a single vehicle wreck in New Madrid County.

34 year old Brandon Darnall was reportedly driving on Missouri Highway 162, near Portageville, when he ran off the side of the road and overturned.

Darnall was seriously injured in the wreck and air lifted to a Memphis hospital.

FIVE NEW TROOPER ASSIGNED TO SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Five new Highway Patrol troopers have been assigned to Southeast Missouri.

According to Captain Jeffrey Vitale, commanding officer of Troop E in Poplar Bluff, two of the new troopers will be serving zones coving New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties.

One of the new troopers was assigned to a zone covering Butler and Ripley Counties, while the other two will be serving Wayne or Stoddard Counties.

Vitale says that the new troopers were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 103rd Recruit Class that graduated from the Patrol Academy on December 30th.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

DRIVER KILLED IN PEMISCOT COUNTY WRECK A Kennett woman has died in connection to a two vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Dunklin County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 9:40 am on US 412 near Arbyrd.

A vehicle, driven by 36 year old Britany Shaver, reportedly crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a tractor trailer head on.

Shaver was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

  MOTHER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT POPLAR BLUFF HOSPITAL A mother has been taken into custody in connection to an incident over the weekend at a Poplar Bluff hospital.

According to authorities, a child was born who reportedly tested positive for heroin upon delivery. The next day, the child’s mother was reportedly found by a nurse passed out in a hospital bathroom along with a cut soda can that contained burn residue and an unknown liquid.

Misti Hill was arrested for possession of drugs, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hill’s husband, Brian Hill, is also facing a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

  OVER A POUND OF MARIJUANA FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP A man has been taken into custody following marijuana and a gun being found during a traffic stop.

According to authorities, officers in Portageville conducted the stop Monday and found over a pound of marijuana, as well as a pistol.

Officers arrested 36 year old Torry Sexton and he was transported to the Pemiscot County Jail.

  BLOOMFIELD MAN ARRESTED ON ALMOST 20 WARRANTS A Bloomfield man has been taken into custody on almost 20 warrants.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 39 year old Brian Harper, was recently arrested on 19 warrants for passing bad checks.

His total bond was set at $47,500 and he remained in jail as of this morning.

  DEXTER POLICE SAY THAT DWI ENFORCEMENT CRACKDOWN CAMPAIGN WAS A SUCCESS Police officials in Dexter are calling a holiday DWI enforcement crackdown a major success.

According to the Dexter Police Department, one felony substance-impaired driving arrest was made as well as eight citations issued during the enforcement period, which ran from December 15th through January 1st.

The Dexter Police Department was one of nearly 10,000 law enforcement agencies across the country to participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

  POPLAR BLUFF AND DEXTER AMONG EIGHT COMMUNITIES SELECTED TO RECEIVE TRANSPORTATION FUNDS Eight communities in Southeast Missouri have been selected to receive part of $1.74 million in transportation alternative funds.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the communities chosen include Poplar Bluff and Dexter.

A selection committee comprised of representatives from local regional planning commissions and the metropolitan planning organization reviewed applications before making their recommendations.

The funds, which are set aside by Congress to be used specifically for transportation enhancements, allow communities to develop projects that improve the quality of a community and enhance the travel experience.

  DEXTER POLICE WARN RESIDENTS OF SPOOF CALLERS APPEARING AS CALLERS FROM DEXTER STREET DEPARTMENT Officials in Dexter are warning area residents to be cautious of spoof callers.

According to the Dexter Police Department, the spoof callers are using the phone number of the Dexter Street Department.

The Police Department says that there are computer programs used by criminals to reproduce real entities and phone numbers on a CallerID display, in order to trick would be victims into providing personal details, such as credit card information.

Officials say that the City of Dexter will never ask for any type of credit card information over the telephone. If you have a doubt about any call originating from any City of Dexter department, hang up the phone and call that department yourself to verify the authenticity of the phone calls.

  STODDARD COUNTY ROAD TO BE CLOSED FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT Route AB in Stoddard County will be closed beginning today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can replace a culvert under the roadway.

The section of roadway is located from County Road 506 to County Road 551.

Weather permitting, work will take place today through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm daily.

Tuesday January 3, 2017

SIKESTON POLICE CHIEF CHOSEN AS NEW DIRECTOR OF MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETYMissouri Governor elect Eric Greitens has chosen an area police chief as the new director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

Chief Drew Juden, from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, has accepted the position as part of Greitens’ transitional team.

Juden is the former president of the Missouri Police Chiefs association and a SWAT team commander.

According to a press release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, the city is now undergoing the process of filling the position that Juden leaves.

MAN ARRESTED FOR METHAMPHETAMINE AND MARIJUANA IN WAYNE COUNTY Officials in Wayne County have arrested a Patterson man on multiple drug related charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 52 year old David Ezell was taken into custody Saturday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Ezell was also arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

After the arrest, he was taken to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

FISK MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON WARRANT FOR PATRONIZING PROSTITUTION A Fisk man was recently taken into custody on a prostitution related warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 22 year old John Morgan was arrested on a warrant for patronizing prostitution, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and illegal license plates.

Morgan’s bond was set at $35,000 cash.

POPLAR BLUFF AUTHORITIES SEEKING MAN IN TRESPASSING INCIDENT Poplar Bluff authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying a male suspect.

A picture of the man is available on the KWOC Facebook page.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the man is a suspect in a trespassing incident.

Anyone who has information on identity of the suspect is asked to contact Patrolman Bob Larkins at 573-785-5776 extension 1349.

KENNETT OFFICERS ARREST AREA MAN FOR POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

A Kennett man was taken in to custody early New Year’s Day after authorities discovered methamphetamine.

According to the Kennett Police Department, shortly after midnight Sunday morning, officers were dispatched to check on two suspicious males. When they arrived they found two individuals and observed one of the males drop a small plastic bag.

In the bag, the officers found a white powdery substance that later field tested positive to be methamphetamine.

Jeremy Duke, of Kennett, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Following the arrest, Duke was transported to the Dunklin County Jail.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING MULTIPLE DRUG RELATED CHARGES FOLLOWING WEEKEND ARREST A Poplar Bluff man was arrested over the weekend on a felony methamphetamine charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 29 year old Thomas Young was taken into custody Saturday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Young is also facing charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

He was transported to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE TO BEGIN TODAY IN NEW MADRID COUNTY Route 62 in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane beginning today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

According to MoDOT, the bridge is located between County Roads 335 and 521.

Work is scheduled to take place today and tomorrow from 8:30 am to 3 pm daily.

POPLAR BLUFF LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULED TO MOVE TO WARD THREE TODAY

The leaf pick up schedule for the city of Poplar Bluff is set to continue today.

The Street Department vacuum is scheduled to be in Ward Three beginning today and continuing through January 13^th. It is then scheduled to move to Ward Five on January 17^th.

Officials say that the Street Department has only one vacuum and it is over twenty years old and breaks down frequently, which might cause changes to the schedule.

For more information, contact the Street Department at 573-686-8646.

Friday, December 30, 2016

JONESBORO GOLDEN HURRICANES WIN POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN Jonesboro High School Golden Hurricanes are the new champions of the Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown.

Jonesboro defeated last year’s champion Kenwood High School, 70 to 54 in Thursday’s final. The Poplar Bluff Mules took 4th place in the tournament after falling to Vashon 85 to 60.

In the Consolation championship, Humboldt beat Memphis Central 61 to 59. In the 7th Place game, Cordova defeated Liberty Tech 71 to 66.

  POPLAR BLUFF MULE WILLIE LUCAS NAMED TO ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM AT THE POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN Poplar Bluff boys’ basketball player Willie Lucas has had a pretty good week at the Poplar Bluff Showdown.

After scoring his 1000th career point on Tuesday and winning the Three-Point Contest on Wednesday, Lucas has also been named to the All-Tournament team for the 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown.

Joining Lucas on the All-Tournament team, are three members from the champion Jonesboro Golden Hurricanes, Marquis Eaton, Desi Sills, and Ben Harvey, along with Manny Patterson from Kenwood, Levi Stockard III from Vashon, and Jarred Walker from Humboldt.

  HIGHWAY PATROL ENCOURAGES MOTORISTS TO BE SAFE OVER THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY WEEKEND The New Year is upon us and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone who is planning to get out and celebrate this weekend to drive safely.

According to the Highway Patrol, seven people were killed last year during the New Year’s holiday counting period. There were a total of 954 traffic crashes which injured 364 people.

If you are driving to a New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. If your plans include alcohol, remember to designate a sober driver or take a taxi.

  GOVERNOR NIXON APPOINTS NEW NEW MADRID COUNTY ASSESSOR Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has appointed a new assessor for New Madrid County.

Governor Nixon appointed Jacob Johnson to the position, which had became vacant upon the resignation of former Assessor Ronnie Simmons.

Johnson was elected as Assessor in November 2016, but under the Missouri law regarding assessors, normally would not have taken office until September 1st, 2017.

Johnson has served as an appraiser for the New Madrid County Assessor’s Office since 1997.

  POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON MULTIPLE WARRANTS Authorities in Butler County have arrested a Poplar Bluff man on multiple warrants.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 36 year old Jason Trinkler was taken into custody Thursday morning on warrants from Laclede County, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

Following the arrest, Trinkler was held in the Butler County Jail.

  KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TO HOST NEW YEARS EVE PARTY THIS WEEKEND The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a New Years Eve party this weekend.

The party Saturday night will feature food, music, and a cash bar for only $20 per person.

If you would like more information or would like to purchase tickets, call 718-2293. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

JONESBORO TO FACE KENWOOD IN FINALS OF POPLAR BLUFF SHOWDOWN Kenwood High School will have a chance to repeat as champions of the Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown in today’s final vs. Jonesboro.

Kenwood defeated Poplar Bluff Wednesday, 67-54. The Mules will move to the third place game tonight vs. Vashon at 5:30 pm. Vashon lost to Jonesboro on Wednesday 81-63. The final between Kenwood and Jonesboro will begin at 7 pm.

The other games scheduled for the final day of the showdown will be Memphis Central vs. Humboldt in the 5th place game at 4 pm and Cordova vs. Liberty Tech in the 7th place game at 2:30 pm.

  PIEDMONT WOMAN ARRESTED ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WARRANT A Piedmont woman has been taken into custody on a controlled substance warrant.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell us that 51 year old Lori Seiffert was arrested Wednesday evening on a felony Wayne County warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Following the arrest, Seiffert was held at the Wayne County Jail.

  MISSISSIPPI MAN INJURED IN WRECK ON INTERSTATE 55 A Mississippi man was injured Wednesday in Southeast Missouri after a towed unit on the vehicle he was driving jackknifed on Interstate 55.

According to the Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred shortly after 7 pm Wednesday in Pemiscot County.

The driver of the vehicle, 78 year old Joseph Lee, of Kiln, Mississippi, suffered moderate injuries in the wreck and was taken to Pemiscot Memorial Hospital.

  DEXTER TEENAGER IN CUSTODY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND DRUG PARAPHERNLALIA WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County have taken a Dexter teenager into custody.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 18 year old Dakota Davis was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Davis’s bond was set at $7,500 and he remained in jail as of this morning.

  SCOTT COUNTY ASSISTANT PROSECUTING ATTORNEY NAMED AS ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE An Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Scott County has been appointed as Associate Circuit Judge.

On Wednesday, Governor Jay Nixon named D. Blake Pearson as Associate Circuit Judge for Scott County to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of William Winchester.

Pearson currently serves as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Scott County and has been with that office since 2013. He also serves as the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Special Prosecutor for Scott, Bollinger and Mississippi counties.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT TO CAUSE CLOSURE OF ROUTE W IN BUTLER COUNTY Route W in Butler County will be closed today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway.

The work zone will be located a quarter of a mile north of Route KK.

Work is scheduled to be performed today from 8 am to 3 pm.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL APPROVES 2017 CITY BUDGET The Poplar Bluff City Council has approved a city budget for the fiscal year beginning on January 1st.

The budget was unanimously approved at the city council meeting Tuesday night and includes a deficit of $237,758.

The budget does include the cutting of one employee in the municipal court and some open positions in other departments will also not be filled.

  SEMIFINAL SET FOR 30TH ANNUAL POPLAR BLUFF BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN The semifinal matchups have been set for the 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown.

The Poplar Bluff Mules advanced to today’s semifinal with a 84-82 victory over Humboldt. Senior Willie Lucas scored 30 points, which gives him over 1,000 points for his career.

The Mules will take on defending champs Kenwood Academy tonight at 7pm. Kenwood defeated Cordova Tuesday 63-60.

The other semifinal will be a Missouri-Arkansas matchup as Jonesboro takes on Vashon at 8:30 pm.

The two consolation matchups today will be Liberty Tech vs. Memphis Central at 4 pm and Humboldt vs. Cordova at 5:30 pm.

Today is also the day for the Slam Dunk and 3-point contest, which will begin at 10 am.

AIRCRAFT CRASHES NEAR PIEDMONT An aircraft crashed Tuesday near Piedmont.

The incident occurred Tuesday evening when a small aircraft hit a power line and crashed.

According to the Piedmont City Fire Department, everyone involved is okay.

  DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON FELONY METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGE A Dexter man is facing a felony meth charge following his arrest Monday in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 43 year old Christopher Opiela was arrested shortly before 11 pm Monday night on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Opiela is also facing a charge of driving while intoxicated – drugs. Following the arrest, he was reportedly held in Stoddard County on a 24 hour hold.

  NAME RELEASED OF VICTIM IN SIKESTON SHOOTING Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, authorities have released the name of a man who was shot over the weekend in Sikeston.

Captain Jim McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tells us that 32 year old Barrett Swan, of Cape Girardeau, is still in critical condition and at last report was awaiting surgery for injuries he received in a shooting on Christmas morning.

Swan had three gunshots to his torso and said he was leaving a party in Sikeston when he was shot by an unknown subject.

The SEMO Major Case Squad has been activated and investigators are working on the incident. Anyone with information on the shooting is being asked to contact Sikeston DPS at 573-471-4711.

START DATE ANNOUNCED FOR UPCOMING TWO MONTH LONG BRIDGE PROJECT IN BUTLER AND STODDARD COUNTIES Officials have announced the start date for an upcoming bridge repair project in Butler and Stoddard Counties.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route U in Butler and Stoddard Counties will be closed beginning on Monday, January 9th as contractor crews perform bridge repairs.

Work is scheduled to be performed from 6 am to 6 pm daily through Wednesday, March 15th.

The bridge is located between Route H in Butler County and Route CC in Stoddard County. During the repairs, officials say a detour will be in place.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

TEXAS MAN KILLED IN WRECK NEAR DONIPHAN A Texas man has died following a single vehicle wreck Monday morning in Ripley County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred shortly before noon Monday on US 160 near Doniphan.

A vehicle, driven by 65 year old Martin Lenwood, reportedly ran through an intersection and struck a ditch. Lenwood was taken to an area hospital and later pronounced dead.

ONE DEAD FOLLOWING SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN IRON COUNTY Authorities tell us that an Arcadia man has died in connection to a wreck last week in Iron County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 57 year old Kenneth Duncan was driving on Route E Thursday night when his vehicle ran off the side of the road, struck several trees, and overturned.

Duncan was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.

30TH ANNUAL POPLAR BLUFF BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN TO BEGIN TODAY The 30th Annual Poplar Bluff Basketball Showdown is scheduled to begin today.

According to Poplar Bluff Athletic Director Kent Keith, the Showdown will feature eight teams across four states at the Poplar Bluff Senior High gym. The games will begin at 4 pm today with Kenwood High School, from Chicago, Illinois, facing Cordova High School, from Cordova, Tennessee.

The Poplar Bluff Mules will be taking on Tennessee’s Humboldt High School beginning at approximately 7 pm this evening.

Other matchups for today include Jonesboro High School vs. Liberty Tech Magnet High School at approximately 5:30 pm, and Vashon High School vs. Memphis Central High School at approximately 8:30 pm.

OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING SHOOTING AT PARTY IN SIKESTON A Cape Girardeau man was in critical condition after being shot over the weekend at a party in Sikeston.

Captain James McMillen with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tells us that Sikeston DPS received a call early Christmas morning of shots being fired as a party was letting out.

A short time later Missouri Delta Medical Center contacted DPS and informed them that a 32 year old man was at the ER with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim had three gunshots to his torso and said he was leaving the party and was shot by an unknown subject. He was later transferred to St. Louis.

The SEMO Major Case Squad has been activated and investigators are working on the incident. Anyone with information on the shooting is being asked to contact Sikeston DPS at 573-471-4711.

MINER MAN INJURED IN CHRISTMAS DAY WRECK IN PEMISCOT COUNTY

A Christmas Day wreck has resulted in a man being flown to an area hospital.

According to authorities, 39 year old James Stinnett, of Miner, was ejected from his vehicle after it ran off the side of a Pemiscot County Road and overturned.

Stinnett suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown to a Memphis hospital.

TICKETS BECOME AVAILABLE TODAY FOR VALENTINES FOR VETERANS CONCERT Tickets will become available today for the 2017 Valentines for Veterans concert.

According to the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, the free concert, featuring Tracy Lawrence, will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday, February 17th at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

Tickets will be available at the Voluntary Service Office on the second floor of the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center. For more information, call 573-778-4414.

TEEN FALLS THROUGH SKYLIGHT IN KENNETT A teenager was injured last week after he fell through a skylight in Kennett.

According to authorities, the 14 year old boy was with another student Friday morning when they reportedly climbed onto a roof at the Kennett Middle School and he then fell through a skylight.

The boy was airlifted to a Memphis hospital. His current condition was not available.