ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY ISSUED FOR TWO MISSING CHILDREN

The Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for an incident that occurred last night in Ellington.  

According to the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department, 13 year old William Winchester Beecher and 8 year old Austin Lee Beecher were last seen at approximately 8:10 pm on Thursday night.

A witness stated that they saw a green General Motors type truck driving slowly in the area at about the time the children were last seen.

William Beecher is described as a white male, 4'9" tall, weighing 110 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a scar on his left wrist. He may be wearing a dark blue shirt, blue jeans and pull on boots.

Austin Lee Beecher, is a white male, 4'1" tall, weighing 100 pounds, with red hair, blue eyes, freckles and buck tooth. He may be wearing a red shirt, blue jeans and pull on boots.

Anyone having any information related to the whereabouts of the two children should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department at 573-648-2491.

Friday May 19, 2017

GOVERNOR ERIC GREITENS TO SPEAK IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI THIS WEEKENDMissouri Governor Eric Greitens will be speaking in Southeast Missouri this weekend.

Greitens will be speaking at the location of the old Noranda facility in New Madrid on Saturday beginning at 9:30 am. Butler County Republican Central Committee Chairman Eddy Justice says that Greitens will also be speaking at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff at 12:30 pm on Saturday.

The topic will be the special session of the Missouri Legislature he called yesterday to discuss the steel mill bill, which had stalled when the legislative session ended.

The proposal would allow the state Public Service Commission to approve special electric rates for aluminum smelting and steel-works facilities, which require a lot of electricity.

Some senators expressed concerns about creating special exemptions for particular companies.

STEELE MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF CHILD MOLESTATION A Steele man is facing multiple charges following his arrest Thursday evening in Pemiscot County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 41 year old Darryl Herron was arrested on four counts of 1st degree child molestation, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and ten counts of possession of child pornography videos.

Following the arrest, Herron was held at the Pemiscot County Jail.

MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF THUNDERSTORMS AND POSSIBLE HEAVY RAINFALL ARE EXPECTED FOR THIS WEEKEND We could be seeing more rain this weekend according to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service.

Weather officials say that multiple rounds of thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall are expected for this weekend.

A few strong storms will be possible throughout the period, but the greater concern will be heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.

Officials say that the flash flooding threat will build with each round of storms.

WOMAN FLOWN TO AREA HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK IN WAYNE COUNTY A woman was flown to an area hospital yesterday following a wreck in Wayne County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 2 am Thursday morning near Lodi.

53 year old Lindwood Mitchell, of Greenville, reportedly hit a tree after he ran off the side of County Road 212, overcorrected, and lost control.

A passenger in the vehicle, 29 year old Lyndsay Mitchell, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Air Evac to St. Francis Hospital.

VEHICLE SEARCH LEADS TO METH ARREST IN GREENE COUNTY A woman has been taken into custody after drugs was allegedly found in her vehicle earlier this week.

Greene County Sheriff David Carter tells KWOC News that Crystal Tedder was arrested Wednesday night after a deputy discovered the meth during a search of her vehicle.

Carter says Tedder was arrested for possession of crystal methamphetamine.

KENNETT SOFTBALL TEAM TO PLAY IN STATE SEMIFINAL TODAY The Kennett High School Softball team will be playing in the State Semi-finals today in Springfield.

Kennett, who have a 21 and three record for the season, will be taking on Strafford High School beginning at 5 pm. Strafford is 23 and 1.

The winner will advance to the State Championship game on Saturday against the winner of the second semi-final between Purdy and Lincoln high schools. The final will begin at 1 pm Saturday at Killian Sports Complex in Springfield.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

PARAGOULD MAN FOUND DEAD ON RAILROAD TRACKS IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  A Paragould man has been found dead in Northeast Arkansas.

According to the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, the body of 74 year old Marvin Jones was found on area railroad tracks shortly after 5 am Wednesday morning.

Jones had been reported as being possibly missing on Tuesday.

An investigation into Jones death is ongoing, and officials say his body is being sent to the Medical Examiner in Little Rock.

  FALLING TREE KILLS SIKESTON MAN

  A man has died following an incident yesterday in Sikeston.

According to the National Weather Service, a wind gust caused a rotten tree to fall over Wednesday afternoon. The tree reportedly struck and killed 41 year old Richard Flye, of Sikeston.

Three other people were injured in the incident.

  MAN ARRESTED IN PEMISCOT COUNTY ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

  A man has been arrested in Pemiscot County on a child pornography charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 21 year old Damien Bennett, of Caruthersville, was arrested Wednesday afternoon on ten counts of felony possession of child pornography videos.

Following the arrest, Bennett was held at the Pemiscot County Jail.

  FIVE PEOPLE INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK IN RIPLEY COUNTY

  Five people, including three children, were taken to area hospitals following a single vehicle wreck in Ripley County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at around 2 am Wednesday morning on Missouri Highway 21.

A vehicle, driven by 31 year old Ashley Barnett, of Doniphan, reportedly ran off the roadway and struck a culvert. Two adult passengers suffered moderate injuries, while three children in the vehicle received minor injuries.

All five were taken to hospitals in either Poplar Bluff or Doniphan.

  TWO EAST PRAIRIE RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON GUN AND METH CHARGES

  Two East Prairie residents were taken into custody Wednesday morning on gun and drug charges.

According to the Highway Patrol, 39 year old Charlie Reynolds and 37 year old Bethany Carden, were each arrested on felony charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Both Reynolds and Carden are also facing a charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Following the arrest, both were transported to the Mississippi County Jail.

  FEES FOR VITAL RECORDS WILL BE WAIVED IN FLOOD AFFECTED COUNTIES

  Missouri officials say that fees will be waived for residents who lost select documents during the recent flooding.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has announced that fees will be waived for replacement of Missouri birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for persons whose documents were lost or destroyed in the flooding.

For more information, go online to health.mo.gov.

  COFFEE WITH A COP EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND IN POPLAR BLUFF

  A Coffee with a Cop event has been scheduled for this weekend in Poplar Bluff.

Area residents will be able to join local Police Officers for coffee and conversation on Saturday at Myrtle's Place Back Alley BBQ in downtown Poplar Bluff.

The event is scheduled for 8 am to 10 am Saturday morning.

  12 ARRESTS MADE AS A PART OF A ROUND UP IN SIKESTON

  Multiple agencies participated in the arrest of 12 people Wednesday as a part of a warrant round up in Sikeston.

Officials with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety tell KWOC News that the Scott County Sheriff, New Madrid County Sheriff, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Air National Guard, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted in the round up.

Officials say that the arrest warrants were the result of an ongoing investigation that has occurred within the city over the past few months.

Tyce Cody-Robbery/Assault Darius Cody-Robbery/Assault Robert Jones-Robbery/Assault Eric Greer-Marijuana Possession Sheila Farmer-Possession of Controlled Substance Tina Ervin-Possession of Controlled Substance Lawrence Strickland-Federal Arrest Warrant for Weapons Violation Rebecca Powell-Possession of Controlled Substance Jessica Lepior-Possession of Controlled Substance Bethany Carden-Possession of Controlled Substance Gary Foote-Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute Melanie Buckley-Possession of Controlled Substance

Wednesday May 17, 2017

DONIPHAN PARK CLOSED DUE TO E-COLI Officials in Doniphan have announced that an area park has been closed due to e-coli.

According to the Doniphan Police Department, as a result from recent flooding, E-Coli counts from the soil samples taken at Riverfront Park are at levels that may not be considered safe.

Officials say that the park is closed until further notice and that soil samples will be tested continually until results are at safe levels.

MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL CALLS FORMER MISSISSIPPI COUNTY SHERIFF A DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY

The Missouri Attorney General is calling for bail to be revoked for the former Mississippi County Sheriff.

Attorney General Josh Hawley asked the Circuit Court of Mississippi County yesterday to revoke former Mississippi County Sheriff Cory Hutcheson’s bond in the pending criminal case against him.

The Attorney General’s Office charged Hutcheson with 18 criminal counts last month, including robbery, illegal surveillance, and forgery.

Hawley also asked that Hutcheson be jailed or barred from interfering in the Attorney General’s investigation into the death of Tory Sanders at the Mississippi County jail on the night of May 5^th.

In a statement released yesterday, Hawley said “The facts more than establish that Cory Hutcheson has violated the terms of his bail and is a danger to the community.”

TWO ARRESTED FOR METH IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Two people were taken into custody Tuesday afternoon in Dunklin County on a meth charge.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that 44 year old Kevin Morgan, of Senath, and 30 year old Cassidy Turner, of Arbyrd, were arrested shortly before 4 pm on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, both were transported to the Dunklin County Jail.

TWO INJURED IN WRECK NEAR FAGUS

Two Illinois residents were injured Tuesday evening in a wreck in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 30 year old Mickey Gregory, of Wayne City, Illinois, ran off of Missouri Highway 51 and overturned approximately a half mile south of Fagus.

Gregory suffered moderate injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, 37 year old Terry Owen, also of Wayne City, was seriously injured and flown to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN NEW MADRID COUNTY

Two people were reportedly shot Tuesday in New Madrid County.

According to authorities, the incident occurred in Howardville.

One of the people shot was taken to a Memphis hospital and the other was taken to an area hospital. Both victim’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

MOTORISTS ASKED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MOWERS

Missouri motorists are asked to be careful when approaching mowers along Missouri’s highways.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, major and minor routes will be mowed in three cycles through September. On rural two-lane roads, crews may use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers.

Motorists are asked to be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, around 2 to 5 mph. When you approach one of these vehicles, slow down and focus on the road ahead of you.

Also, be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.

Tuesday May 16, 2017

FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS TO BE CONDUCTED IN WAYNE AND IRON COUNTIES Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has announced that flood damage assessments will be conducted in two additional counties in Southeast Missouri.

Teams of local, state and federal disaster specialists will conduct joint damage assessments of flooding and severe storm damage in six more Missouri counties, including Wayne and Iron, as the Governor prepares to make a request for a federal major disaster declaration.

Last week, Governor Greitens said that assessments would be conducted in numerous counties throughout the state, including many in Southeast Missouri.

Those affected by the flooding and severe storms are encouraged to report damage to their local emergency management officials and to document losses, including photographing damage and retaining receipts.

Individuals and business owners should also notify their insurance companies of damage and not wait for damage assessments.

More information is available online at mo.gov/flood.

SEMO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO BE IN VAN BUREN TODAY

The SEMO Business Development center will be holding an event today in Van Buren.

During the event, area business owners will get the opportunity to receive counseling on requirements for FEMA applications and on options available through Small Business Administration.

According to the Van Buren Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will begin at around 9 am today at the Van Buren Youth and Community Center.

ROUTE 60 TO BE REDUCED THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY

Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to be performed today through Thursday from 6 am to 5 pm each day.

The work zone will be located between Route 51 and Route WW.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE IN BUTLER COUNTY

Butler County officials say that sandbags are still available for anyone who needs them.

According to the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, sandbags that were filled, but ended up not being needed, are available at the area in front of Robertson Contractors at 1909 South Westwood in Poplar Bluff.

Officials say that area residents are welcome to take as many as they wish, as long as they are not for resale.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT WANTS AREA RESIDENTS TO KEEP THEIR PETS OUT OF THE HEAT

With summer approaching and temperatures getting near 90 degrees today, the Poplar Bluff Police Department is asking area residents to keep their pets safe.

The PD has released some tips to protect your pets during the summer months. You should never leave your pet in a parked car. Even with the window cracked, temperatures inside the car quickly rise to dangerous levels.

You should not exercise with your pet when it's too hot and also don't take your pet to crowded events.

If your pet is going to be outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water.

BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY IN DUNKLIN COUNTY

Route 153 in Dunklin County will be reduced to one lane today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform bridge repairs.

According to MoDot, the section of roadway to be reduced is located between County Road 433 and Main Street in White Oak.

Weather permitting, work will take today from 8 am to 3 pm.

OVER $6,000 RAISED FOR POPLAR BLUFF PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Poplar Bluff school officials say that over $6,000 was raised last week during an area golf tournament.

The money was raised for the Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation during the 18th annual golf tournament held on Monday, May 8, at Ozark Ridge Golf Course.

Officials say that the tournament allows the nonprofit organization to continue to finance innovative classroom projects not included in the district's operational budget, as well as to fund student scholarships.

Monday May 15, 2017

PATTERSON MAN KILLED IN WRECK ON HIGHWAY 67A Patterson man has died following a wreck Friday morning on Highway 67 in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 56 year old Denton Deering was driving on the highway at around 7:25 am Friday, when he struck the rear of a freightliner. Deering was taken to a Poplar Bluff hospital where he was pronounced dead.

No injuries were listed for the driver of the freightliner.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON FELONY FLEEING CHARGE A Poplar Bluff man was taken into custody over the weekend on a felony fleeing charge.

According to the Highway Patrol, 26 year old Alan Patrick was arrested shortly before 1:30 am Saturday on a felony charge of resisting arrest by fleeing.

Patrick is also facing charges including failure to drive on the right half of the roadway and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Following the arrest, Patrick was held at the Butler County Jail.

MULTIPLE AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES MOVED DUE TO FLOODING Multiple area law enforcement officials have had to move to temporary locations following the flooding.

Carter County Sheriff Richard Stephens tells KWOC News that the Carter County Sheriff's Office has transferred all operations to a new temporary facility that is located at 101 Highway W in Van Buren.

The offices are in two mobile trailers that are marked by Sheriff's Office signs.

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Department and Doniphan Police Department have also moved to temporary locations.

MEMPHIS CORPS OF ENGINNERS LOWERS FLOODFIGHT RESPONSE LEVEL IN SOUTHEAST MISSORUI The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Memphis has announced they will be lowering the floodfight activation levels in Southeast Missouri due to falling Mississippi River levels.

Officials say that at the Phase one floodfight activation level, a reduced number of Corps of Engineers personnel will remain deployed in the field and monitor all federal flood control works including levees, flood walls and pumping stations.

According to the National Weather Service, the St. Francis River remained at a minor flood stage this morning at Patterson, Fisk, and St. Francis. The Mississippi River was also at the minor flood stage at New Madrid and Caruthersville.

In Northeast Arkansas, the Black River remained at the minor flood stage this morning at Pocahontas and Black Rock.

ONE DEAD AFTER VEHICLE OVERTURNS MULTIPLE TIMES AND EJECTS DRIVER IN PEMISCOT COUNTY A single vehicle wreck has claimed the life of a Portageville man.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred Sunday evening near Wardell.

A vehicle, driven by 56 year old Steven Fisher, reportedly ran off of the east outer road and overturned multiple times. Fisher was ejected during the wreck and later pronounced dead at an area hospital.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR MAN IN CONNECTION TO INCIDENT AT AREA BUSINESS Authorities in Poplar Bluff are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man in connection to an incident at an area business.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Friday, an unknown suspect exited Walmart with a shopping cart containing an unpaid for lawn mower.

The suspect refused to stop for employees and citizens who attempted to detain him and was reportedly driving a Dodge Ram pickup with possibly a Wisconsin license plate.

Pictures of the man and the truck are available on the KWOC Facebook page.

Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the subject is asked to contact Lieutenant Ralph Jefferson at 573-785-5776, extension 1305.

DEXTER MAN ARRESTED ON STATUTORY SODOMY WARRANT Authorities in Stoddard County have arrested a Dexter man on a sodomy warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 71 year old Robert Phillips was recently arrested on a warrant for statutory sodomy – deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 12 years of age.

Phillips reportedly posted a $25,000 bond and has been released.

MAGNITUDE 2.9 EARTHQUAKE SHAKES SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Did you feel the earthquake that hit Southeast Missouri over the weekend?

According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.9 earthquake was recorded shortly before 8 am Sunday morning.

The earthquake was located around three and a half miles south of Lilbourn and had a depth of approximately eight and a half miles.

Friday, May 12, 2017

MULTIPLE AGENCY RESOURCE CENTER MOVING TO CARTER COUNTY TODAY

  A Multi Agency Resource Center will be set up today and tomorrow in Carter County.

According to the Carter County Emergency Management Agency, the center will be held at the Van Buren Youth and Community Center from 11 am to 7 pm both days.

Visitors will be able to meet with case workers at the center who will help identify potential community resources to aid in their recovery.

Cleaning supplies, water, and snacks will also be available.

Families with flood-related needs who are unable to visit a center are urged to call the American Red Cross of Southern Missouri at 1-866-206-0256.

  FLOOD RELIEF BENEFIT TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND IN POPLAR BLUFF

  A Flood Relief Benefit has been scheduled for this weekend in Poplar Bluff.

The benefit will be held on Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm at the First Baptist Church Parking Lot. Organizers say that three local non-profits will receive the funds and supplies gathered from the event to serve residents in Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, Ellington, and Van Buren.

The three non profits are The Bread Shed, Whole Kids Outreach, and the South Central Community Action Agency. Organizers say there will be food, a silent auction, as well as entertainment, and the event is being sponsored by First Choice Insurance and the Bank of Missouri.

  AMERICORPS TEAMS BEING DEPLOYED TO VAN BUREN FOR FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT

  Additional help is coming to Van Buren to help provide flood recovery support.

On Thursday, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced that the Corporation for National and Community Service is dispatching several teams of AmeriCorps volunteers to help those affected by the recent flooding in Van Buren.

AmeriCorps volunteers are working with local community action agencies to assist residents with debris removal and cleanup as well as neighborhood cleanup and general support to families in need.

Those in need of service, interested in volunteering or interested in donating to help with the recovery efforts should contact The United Way at 211helps.org.

  MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CARTER COUNTY WRECK

  An East Prairie man received serious injuries Thursday morning in a wreck in Carter County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 21 year old Joel Rodriguez-Abrego allegedly drove onto the shoulder of Highway 60 and struck a parked vehicle near Ellsinore.

Rodriguez-Abrego was seriously injured in the wreck and flown to a Memphis hospital.

  MAN ARRESTED ON SEXUAL ABUSE WARRANT IN STODDARD COUNTY

  A Campbell man has been taken into custody in Stoddard County on a sexual abuse warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 67 year old Richard Fortman, of Campbell, was recently arrested on a warrant for 1st degree sexual abuse.

Few details about the warrant have been released, but Fortman’s bond has been set at $12,500 cash only and he remained in jail as of this morning.

  FIREARMS STOLEN FROM MULTIPLE RESIDENCES IN CLAY COUNTY

  Authorities in Clay County are investigating multiple reports of stolen firearms.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells KWOC News that they recently received a report of a residential burglary at a residence in Nimmons. Items taken from the residence included various firearms and other miscellaneous valuables.

The Sheriff’s Department also received report of a break in on County Road 401 near Rector. Various firearms were taken from the residence.

Miller says that deputies are actively investigating both incidents. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Department at 870-598-2270.

  POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGE

  Authorities have arrested a Poplar Bluff woman on a felony drug charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 31 year old Amanda Lacey was taken into custody Thursday afternoon on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – alprazolam.

Lacey was also arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance – marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was held at the Butler County Jail.

  ONE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO CHARLESTON SHOOTING INCIDENT, SHOOTER STILL AT LARGE

  An arrest has been made in connection to a shooting incident earlier this week in Charleston; however authorities say that the shooter is still at large.

According to the Charleston Department of Public Safety, on Monday they received several calls of gun shots being fired in the 700 block of Gail Street.

A description of a vehicle involved in the shooting was given to responding officers and the suspect vehicle was stopped a short time later. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle.

Investigators at the scene determined that a male suspect had fired several rounds at another male in an area where children were present. The shooter then got in the back of a truck and was taken away from the scene. The driver of the truck, 41 year old Shanika Ingram, of Charleston, has been taken into custody.

Authorities say Ingram is charged with assault 1st degree and hindering prosecution.

The case is still under investigation and more charges are expected.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

MULTIPLE AGENCY RESOURCE CENTER TO BE IN POPLAR BLUFF TODAY

  A Multi Agency Resource Center will be set up today in Poplar Bluff.

The center will be held at Memorial Baptist Church on South Broadway from 11 am to 7 pm.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency is working with state, local, faith-based and volunteer agencies to provide the one-stop shops for recovery assistance at the centers. Visitors will be able to meet with case workers who will help identify potential community resources to aid in their recovery.

Cleaning supplies, water, and snacks will also be available.

SMTS will also be available to provide some transportation assistance, for details call 785-2928.

A center will also be set up today at Eminence High School.

Families with flood-related needs who are unable to visit a center are urged to call the American Red Cross at 314-516-2700.

  MISSISSIPPI COUNTY SHERIFF SUSPENDED

  Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, the Mississippi County Sheriff has been suspended.

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley tells KWOC News that Mississippi County Sheriff Cory Hutcheson has been suspended from his duties by Judge William Syler.

Hawley had requested that Hutcheson be removed from his position as Sheriff following an incident last week where an inmate at the Mississippi County jail died following an altercation in which Hutcheson participated.

Hawley’s office had also previously charged Hutcheson with robbery, assault and illegal surveillance.

Hawley says that a full investigation is ongoing.

  TEENAGER FLOWN TO CAPE GIRARDEAU HOSPITAL FOLLOWING WRECK IN STODDARD COUNTY

  Authorities say that a Dexter teenager has been flown to an area hospital following a two vehicle wreck in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 16 year old female allegedly pulled into the path of another vehicle on County Road 637 and was struck on the driver’s side.

The teenager received moderate injuries and was flown to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

Two other children in the teen’s vehicle were also injured and taken to the same hospital.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS UNDER SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE STORMS TODAY

  Weather officials say that Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas are under a slight risk of severe weather today.

According to a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service, scattered to numerous thunderstorms are forecast, mainly for this afternoon and evening.

Some of the thunderstorms may reach severe limits with damaging winds and hail being the primary hazards. The outlook says that locally heavy rain and frequent lightning will also be of concern.

  POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR PERSON OF INTEREST IN MULTIPLE CASES

  Poplar Bluff authorities are searching for a man in connection to multiple incidents.

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

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the man is considered a person of interest in multiple cases.

Anyone who knows his identity of the subject or his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Woodruff at 573-785-5776 ext 1360.

  MAN ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY ON FIREARM CHARGE

  A man has been arrested in Wayne County on a firearm charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 33 year old Kevin Gardner, of Fredericktown, was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana less than 10 grams.

Gardner also reportedly had multiple felony warrants out of Wayne County.

  LOCAL SCHOOLS GRANTED FORGIVENESS FOR MISSED SCHOOL DAYS

  State officials have granted requests from numerous area schools for forgiveness of missed school days due to last week’s flooding.

Some of the area schools whose requests were granted include Doniphan R-1, Greenville R-2, Naylor R-2, Neelyville R-4, Ripley County R-4, Twin Rivers R-10, and Van Buren R-1.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL ASKS COURT TO REMOVE SOUTHEAST MISSOURI SHERIFF

  The Missouri Attorney General is asking a court to remove a Southeast Missouri Sheriff.

Attorney General Josh Hawley tells KWOC News that he asked a court Tuesday to remove Cory Hutcheson from his position as sheriff of Mississippi County.

Hawley’s office had previously charged Hutcheson with robbery, assault and illegal surveillance. On Friday, an inmate at the Mississippi County jail died following an altercation. Hawley says Hutcheson participated, even though his license as sheriff has been suspended.

Hawley tells us that his office is conducting a full investigation.

  TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY, IN WRECK NEAR CARDWELL

  Two people were injured, one seriously, following a wreck Tuesday afternoon in Dunklin County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred at US 412 and Highway AC at Cardwell when a vehicle, driven by 82 year old Ola Allen, of Paragould, pulled into the path of a freightliner.

Allen suffered serious injuries and was flown to a Memphis hospital. A passenger in Allen’s vehicle received moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital in Paragould.

  CARTER COUNTY EMA SAYS NEARLY 200 HOMES WERE DAMAGED IN THE AREA

  Officials in Carter County say that nearly 200 homes were damaged in the area during the flooding.

With this much damage, officials say that volunteers and donations are still needed. Anyone available and wants to help is asked to check in at the Van Buren High School.

Some of the items needed for donations include Clorox wipes, rubber gloves, laundry detergent, paper towels, antibiotic ointment, and rubbing alcohol. All donations can be dropped off at Assembly of God Church in Van Buren.

The Carter County EMA is also asking residents to wait until this afternoon to pick up mail today at the Fremont Post Office. The delay is due to a decontamination team coming to the Fremont Post Office to clean the floors.

NO COST RIDES BEING OFFERED FOR FLOOD VICTIMS TO DISTRIBUTION SITE

  Flood victims in Poplar Bluff and Butler County that have transportation issues now have a way to get to distribution sites.

The Butler County Emergency Management Agency says that the SMTS transportation system is offering "no cost" rides to distribution sites for flood victims needing transportation assistance.

If you would like more information or would like to reserve a ride, call 573-785-2928, and remember to call at least two hours ahead of your planned departure time.

The city of Poplar Bluff says that dumpsters will be set up on the east side landfill for city residents to dispose of items from the recent flooding starting this afternoon. Following today it will be open from 8 am to 4 pm.

  ST. LOUIS WOMAN SERIOUSLY FOLLOWING PEMISCOT COUNTY WRECK

  An unusual incident on Interstate 55 yesterday in Pemiscot County resulted in serious injuries for a St. Louis woman.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that a vehicle was travelling down the interstate when it lost a tire. The tire then travelled across the median and struck a vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle, 34 year old Casey Kruse, of St. Louis, suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

Patrol officials say that the wreck occurred shortly after noon, around seven miles south of Hayti.

  CARUTHERSVILLE POLICE INVESTIGATING RECENT THEFTS

  Authorities in Caruthersville are investigating recent thefts.

According to the Caruthersville Police Department, they are conducting an investigation into the theft of property from several vehicles throughout the city. Two subjects were seen in the area, carrying what is believed to be property from at least one of the thefts.

One of the suspects appears to be a white male and the other appears to be a light skinned black male with dreads pulled up in a bun on the back of his head.

Pictures of the two suspects are available on the KWOC Facebook page. Anyone with information on the identity of the two subjects is asked to call 573-333-0216 ext. 319 or 573-333-2121.

  FOUR PEOPLE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER METH FOUND IN VEHICLE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  Four people were arrested Monday after meth was found in Northeast Arkansas.

According to authorities, around 35 grams of methamphetamine ice and over $5,000 in cash were found in a vehicle that was stopped at a flood barricade in Randolph County.

Four Illinois residents, Salias Khalighi, Kerri Miller, Stephanie Newell, and Frank Shaffer were taken into custody.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

UNITED STATES SENATOR CALLS FOR FULL INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED MISCONDUCT AT VA MEDICAL CENTER IN POPLAR BLUFF

  A United States Senator is calling for a full investigation into allegations of misconduct at the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center.

Senator Claire McCaskill announced yesterday that she is calling on Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin to fully investigate claims of improper care at the John J. Pershing Veterans Affairs Medical Center that were raised by Dr. Dale Klein.

A letter sent to Shulkin from McCaskill and Senator Ron Johnson, of Wisconsin, calls for the agency to fully cooperate in the investigation of Klein’s claims of drug diversion, delays in patient care, and quality of care at the Poplar Bluff VAMC

McCaskill also said that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is examining alleged retaliation against Klein.

  LOCATIONS SET FOR UPCOMING RECOVERY ASSISTANCE CENTERS

  The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has announced the locations for the upcoming Multi-Agency Resource Centers.

Missouri SEMA is working with state, local, faith-based and volunteer agencies to provide the one-stop shops for recovery assistance at 15 locations across the state.

In Southeast Missouri this week, the centers will be at the Ellington City Hall on Wednesday, Memorial Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff and Eminence High School on Thursday, and the Van Buren Youth and Community Center on Friday and Saturday.

Next week, a center will be set up at Caring Community Partnership in Doniphan on Wednesday, May 17th.

  DONATION ITEMS TAKEN TO OLD DOCTOR’S HOSPITAL IN POPLAR BLUFF

  The new donation center at the Old Doctor's Hospital by Kniebert Clinic in Downtown Poplar Bluff is scheduled to be open tomorrow.

According to the Black River Coliseum Facebook Page, the new donation center will be open Wednesday from 5 pm to 8 pm giving out needed items such as cleaning supplies and all donated items have been taken to the new donation center

The SEMO Food Bank will also be on hand to assist those needing food items.

  ARRESTS MADE FOLLOWING REPORTS OF COUNTERFEIT MONEY IN PORTAGEVILLE

  Authorities in Portageville say that multiple arrests have been made following a report about counterfeit money.

According to Portageville Police Chief Ronnie Adams, on Saturday, officers received a call from an area restaurant in reference to counterfeit money.

During a search of the area, officers located a suspect vehicle and made contact with the driver and passenger. A search revealed the occupants to be in possession of counterfeit money and items used in the manufacturing of counterfeit money.

During the interview of the suspects, investigators learned the suspects allegedly passed counterfeit money at several locations in Pemiscot County.

Formal charges were filed by New Madrid County Prosecuting Attorney, Andrew Lawson, on 40 year old Corey Partin, of Portageville, and 50 year old Carla Wagoner, of Steele, for forgery.

Adams says that both Partin and Wagoner were held in the Pemiscot County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

  MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING VEHICLE PURSUIT IN KENNETT

  A man was taken into custody over the weekend following a vehicle pursuit in Kennett.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop Saturday night on 54 year old Michael Parrent, of Kennett, for speeding.

During the stop, officers discovered that Parrent was intoxicated and he reportedly fled the scene.

After a short vehicle pursuit, officers arrested Parrent and transported him to the Dunklin County Jail where he is pending charges by the State Prosecutor's Office for DWI and resisting arrest by fleeing.

  CLAY COUNTY SHERIFF SAYS REPRESENTATIVES FROM FEMA TO BE IN AREA THIS WEEK

  Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be coming to Northeast Arkansas according to a local sheriff.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller is advising anyone who sustained damages as a result of the recent storms and or flooding to contact Alan Vaughn at the Office of Emergency Management by calling 870-598-5365.

Sheriff Miller says that representatives from FEMA will be in the area later this week.

Miller also tells KWOC News that the Red Cross Service Center is now open at the MB Ainley Community Center in Corning. Anyone affected by the recent storms, flooding, and or winds can go there for assistance.

  RIVER LEVELS UPDATE

  A few communities are still experiencing flooding following last week’s storms.

St. Francis River was in the minor flood stage this morning in Fisk, Patterson and St. Francis. Black River was in the moderate flood stage in Pocahontas and Black Rock.

The Current River above Powder Mill was also in the minor flood stage this morning.

Officials say that Mississippi River levels were still rising this morning with the river being in the minor flood stage at both New Madrid and Caruthersville.

The Mississippi River is forecast to reach the moderate flood stage at New Madrid today or early tomorrow morning.

  NEW MADRID COUNTY ROAD TO BE REDUCED FOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS TODAY

  Route NN in New Madrid County will be reduced to one lane this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform pavement repairs.

The work zone will be located from Route 62 to County Road 524.

Weather permitting, work is scheduled to be performed today through Thursday from 7 am to 4:30 pm each day.

A map of currently flooded roads is available on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map at modot.org as well as IDriveArkansas.com for Northeast Arkansas.

Monday, May 8, 2017

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS TO BE IN BUTLER COUNTY TODAY FOR DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS

  Disabled American Veterans will be in Butler County today from 9 am to 3 pm to conduct disaster relief efforts according to the Butler County EMA.

The DAV National Disaster Relief Program supports veterans, service members, surviving spouses and their families during times of great need in the aftermath of isolated/specific disasters like the flooding in Missouri. The DAV Mobile Service Office will be set up at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Carter County EMA, the boil water order has been lifted for Van Buren City, however the boil water order remains in effect for the Deer Run and Bass Rock areas until further notice. Carter County EMA also says that daily community meetings at the Van Buren Youth and Community Center will now be held at 6 pm

The Piedmont Fire Department says that they have some cleaning supplies, shovels, rakes, and hygiene kits for those affected by the recent rain and flood damage and in need.

SEMO Red Cross says that they are working with their partners to finalize plans for several Multi-Agency Resource Centers in the area. The resource center will be designed to be a one stop location for all disaster relief services for those affected by flooding. The centers are currently planned for Reynolds County on May 10th, Butler County on May 11th, Carter County on May 13th, and Ripley County on May 17th.

  ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BUTLER COUNTY WRECK

  A Poplar Bluff teenager was seriously injured over the weekend following a wreck in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on US 67 Saturday night, when a vehicle struck a dead deer on the highway. The first vehicle was then struck by a second vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle, 19 year old Megan Gilmore, suffered serious injuries and was flown to a Cape Girardeau hospital. No injuries were listed for the driver of the first vehicle.

  KENNETT POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING SEVERAL SUSPICIOUS FIRES

  Kennett Police are investigating several recent fires.

According to the Kennett Police Department, over the past few weeks, the KPD Criminal Investigations Division along with the Kennett Fire Department and Missouri State Fire Marshall’s office have responded to several “suspicious” fires.

Officials say that most of the fires have involved vacant or abandoned structures.

Anyone with information regarding these fires is asked to contact the KPD Criminal Investigations Division at 573-888-4622 or the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-39-ARSON.

  POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON HEROIN CHARGE

  Authorities in Butler County have arrested a Poplar Bluff man on a heroin charge.

According to the Highway Patrol, 50 year old Milton Taylor was arrested Sunday night on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance – heroin.

Taylor is also facing other charges, including unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

  DONIPHAN MAN FACING MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES

  A Doniphan man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest early Saturday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old George Allensworth was taken into custody in Butler County on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of hydrocodone.

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

Allensworth was held at the Butler County Jail.

  COUNTERFEIT MONEY REPORTEDLY BEING CIRCULATED IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  Officials in Paragould say that there have been reports of counterfeit money being used in the area.

According to the Paragould Police Department, Criminal Investigators say that the counterfeit money being used looks like older style One Hundred Dollar and Fifty Dollar bills that are not made anymore.

If you are a business owner or manager, officials encourage you to have your employees tightly scrutinize any larger bill received, especially these that are of the older design.

If you come into contact with one of these bills, or have information regarding the origin of the fake money, contact the police department at 870-236-7621.

  RIVERS STILL ABOVE FLOOD STAGE IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

  Although flood waters have gone down, the National Weather Service says there are multiple locations still above the flood stage.

St. Francis River is still above the moderate flood stage in Fisk, and minor flood stage in Patterson and St. Francis. Black River is above the moderate flood stage in Pocahontas and Black Rock.

The Current River above Powder Mill was also above the minor flood stage this morning.

Officials say that Mississippi River levels were rising this morning, with the river being above the minor flood stage at both New Madrid and Caruthersville.

  SEVERAL ROADS STILL FLOODED THIS MORNING

  Flood waters have receded in many places, but the Missouri Department of Transportation is saying that multiple roads are still flooded.

Closed roads include Routes HH, N, and H in Butler County, Routes A, W, and HH in Ripley County, Routes Y and M in Carter County, Route DD in Dunklin County, and Route T, D, FF, KK, and Business 67 in Wayne County.

A map of flooded roads is available on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map at modot.org as well as IDriveArkansas.com for Northeast Arkansas.

Friday, May 5, 2017

RIVER LEVELS UPDATE

  River levels are rising again in some locations following the rainfall yesterday and early this morning.

According to the National Weather Service, Black River in Poplar Bluff was at 15.76 feet this morning and is forecast to rise to around 17 feet today. In Pocahontas, the river had fallen to 25.06 feet this morning and in Corning it had fallen to 15.44 feet.

The Current River in Doniphan is forecast to rise back above the flood stage of 13 feet to 16 feet late tonight or early tomorrow morning. The Current River in Van Buren is not forecast to reach above the flood stage.

For St. Francis River in Patterson, the river was at 26.17 feet this morning and is forecast to rise to 29.5 feet today. In Fisk, the river was at 24.7 feet.

In St. Francis, Arkansas the river was at 25.53 feet.

The latest readings put Wappapello Lake at 396.33 feet and Clearwater Lake at 569.22 feet.

  BUTLER COUNTY EMA STILL LOOKING FOR DONATION OF CLEANING PRODUCTS

  Officials in Butler County are still looking for donations of cleaning products.

A collection and distribution center has been set up in the old Doctors Hospital on West Pine Street and is open for collections this week from 9 am to 6 pm daily. They will be open for distribution of cleaning supplies today and tomorrow during those same hours.

Today there will be an additional collection point located in the parking lot of the Poplar Bluff Holiday Inn. A truck will be parked there to receive cleaning goods from noon to 5:30 pm.

The truck will take cleaning supplies on Saturday to the Southern Bank facility in Van Buren for distribution of supplies to anyone affected by the flood. The supplies will be available beginning at 9:30 am. Southern Bank will have food available for lunch also.

Supplies being collected include bleach, mops, buckets, kitchen gloves, dawn dishwashing liquid, box fans, paper towels, and toilet paper.

  DONATIONS OF CLEANING PRODUCTS STILL NEEDED IN VAN BUREN

  Van Buren residents are beginning the process of cleaning up their town following this week’s floods.

Anyone who wants to volunteer in the cleanup efforts can contact emergency manager Curt Majors, at 573-323-4335, or report to the pavilion at Van Buren High School during the day.

They also need donations of cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and bottled water. Donations can be dropped off at the Assembly of God Church.

The Van Buren Youth and Community Center, the group organizing efforts for Van Buren flood victims, has also set up an account for donations that can be made at Southern Bank.

  WAYNE COUNTY FLOOD VICTIMS ASKED TO GET IN CONTACT WITH PIEDMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT

  Piedmont Fire Chief Seth Deck is asking people in Wayne County who are victims of this week’s flood to get in contact with the Piedmont Fire Department.

Deck says that if you live in Wayne County and have damage to your residence or business due to the local flooding, call 223-4410 or stop by the Piedmont City Fire Department.

Deck added that the Fire Department needs this information to give to the state to try to get assistance and they are available from 8 am to 8 pm.

  FLOOD RECOVERY FUNDS OPENED UP FOR MULTIPLE SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AREAS

  A charity organization has set up flood recovery funds for multiple communities in Southeast Missouri.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has opened community flood recovery funds are open to support West Plains; Van Buren and Carter County; Doniphan and Ripley County; and the Thomasville community in Oregon County.

The foundation says that charitable donations for flood recovery will be used to support 501(c)3 nonprofits, including equivalent faith and education institutions, that will work directly to help flood victims with mid- to long-term recovery. These funds also may support nonprofits directly affected by the flood damage.

Decisions on use of the funds will be made by local grantmaking committees in each community.

You can find more information and make tax-deductible donations online at CFOzarks.org/floodrecovery.

The CFO is a regional public charitable foundation that includes 49 affiliate foundations serving the region south of the Missouri River.

  TETANUS VACCINE AVAILABLE AT BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

  Anyone who was impacted by the floods this weekend is being advised to get a tetanus shot.

Emily Goodwin with the Butler County Health Department tells KWOC News that the tetanus vaccine has been distributed to many area health departments.

"Since the floods have began last Sunday, the Butler County Health Department has received several doses of the tetanus vaccine and we are urging residents within Butler County and the Butler County areas to go to their local Health Department to receive the tetanus vaccine.

We have distributed several doses to all the surrounding flooded counties including Carter and Ripley Counties. It is very important to get a tetanus vaccine especially if you're returning to your home that's been flooded or if you've been out in the waters dealing with the debris. Tetanus can cause lockjaw, which is the painful muscle tightening and stiffness around your jaw, but then can overall go throughout your whole body.

If you have any scrapes or cuts and you're dealing with flood water, if you're in it, or even if you're cleaning your house, the tetanus bacteria can get into those cuts and scrapes and can cause lockjaw.

To receive your free tetanus shot, all you need to do is come down to the Butler County Health Department. It’s 1619 North Main Street, here in Poplar Bluff. Our hours are from 8 to 5. You come in, come up to the window, fill out some paperwork. It’s an easy, quick process and they’ll get you taken care of. If you have any questions feel free to call the Butler County Health Department at 573-785-8478."

  SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST IN SCOTT COUNTY

  Authorities have made an arrest in connection to a sexual assault investigation in Scott County.

Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury tells KWOC News that 59 year old Mark Friend was arrested on Wednesday and allegedly confessed to sexual acts with juveniles.

Friend has been charged with child molestation 2nd degree-aggravated sexual offense of a child less than 17 years old, statutory sodomy 1st degree, and statutory rape.

He is being held in the Scott County jail on a $100,000 cash only bond.

  FLOOD RELIEF BENEFIT TO BE HELD NEXT WEEKEND IN POPLAR BLUFF

  A Flood Relief Benefit has been scheduled for next weekend in Poplar Bluff.

The benefit will be held on Saturday, May 13th from 11 am to 2 pm at the First Baptist Church Parking Lot. Organizers say that three local non-profits will receive the funds and supplies gathered from the event to serve residents in Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, Ellington, and Van Buren.

The three non profits are The Bread Shed, Whole Kids Outreach, and the South Central Community Action Agency. Organizers say there will be food, a silent auction, as well as entertainment, and the event is being sponsored by First Choice Insurance and the Bank of Missouri.

  ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Many roads are still flooded in Southeast Missouri.

Missouri Department of Transportation officials say that Highway 53, between Poplar Bluff and Qulin reopened at 11 am Thursday. However with the Black River forecast to rise above the flood stage again today, MoDot say they will continue monitoring the road in case a closure is necessary.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells KWOC News that Highway 67 South has been closed to commercial traffic from Corning to Pocahontas.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also reminding motorists that driving through a road that has been closed by MoDot is not only dangerous, it is also illegal. Motorists are being urged to not put themselves or 1st responders in jeopardy.

A list of flooded roads is available on our website and the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map at modot.org. However, these lists might not be 100 percent accurate, so motorists are urged to use caution while on the roadways.

A map of flooded roads in Northeast Arkansas is available online at IDriveArkansas.com.

Butler County:

• Route 142-Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County and from Route HH north to Route 158
• Route N-CRD 243 to CRD 232
• Route HH-from Route H to CRD 329
• Route H-from Route HH to near the end of state maintenance

Carter County:

• Route Y

Dunklin County:

• Route UU-from Route NN to CRD 711/end of state maintenance
• Route DD-west of Route53; from CRD 213 to CRD 203.

New Madrid County:

• Route 162-from CRD 439 to stateline
• Route P-at St. John’s Diversion Channel from Route BB to CRD 727

Ripley County:

• Route 142-from Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County (and in Butler County from Route HH north to Route 158)
• Route AA
• Route H
• Route W

Stoddard County:

• Eastbound Route 60 Ramp at Route 51 (Fisk/Puxico)

Wayne County:

• Route 143-Route 34 in Wayne County to Route 49 in Iron County
• Route FF-CRD 378 to CRD 380
• Route KK-south of CRD 456
• Business 67-from Route D to US 67; near Greenville, Mo.
• Route 49-from Mill Spring, Mo. to CRD 440
• Route HH-from Route RA in Reynolds County to Tacketts Pocket near Piedmont in Wayne County
• Route D-at East Fork Lost Creek
• Route T-from the Wayne/Butler County line to Route D

Thursday, May 4, 2017

ONE KILLED IN WAYNE COUNTY WRECK

  A Piedmont man died Wednesday following a wreck in Wayne County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 82 year old Willis White was driving on Missouri Highway 49 Wednesday afternoon, when he crossed the centerline and was struck by a vehicle.

White was taken to a Poplar Bluff hospital, where he later died. The driver of the second vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

  FIERY WRECK RESULTS IN ONE DEATH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  Two 18-wheelers were involved in a fatal wreck Wednesday in Northeast Arkansas.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells KWOC News that shortly after noon on Wednesday, Clay County 911 received calls of an accident on Highway 135 and Highway 90.

According to the Arkansas State Police, one of the vehicles ran a stop sign and hit the second in the passenger side. The second vehicle then ran off the highway and struck a power pole. Both vehicles caught on fire.

The driver of the first vehicle, 36 year old Aaron Barks, of Jackson, was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Paul Hoggard.

The driver of the second vehicle was injured and taken to a Paragould hospital.

  SUPPLIES BEING COLLECTED FOR FLOOD CLEAN UP

  Supplies are being collected for flood clean up in Poplar Bluff.

According to AmeriCorps director Becky Winters, a collection and distribution center has been set up in the old Doctors Hospital on West Pine Street in Poplar Bluff.

The center will be open for collections this week from 9 am to 6 pm daily. They will be open for distribution of cleaning supplies on Friday and Saturday during the same hours.

On Friday there will be an additional collection point located in the parking lot of the Poplar Bluff Holiday Inn. A truck will be parked there to receive cleaning goods from noon to 5:30 pm.

The truck will take cleaning supplies on Saturday to the Southern Bank facility in Van Buren for distribution of supplies to anyone affected by the flood. The supplies will be available beginning at 9:30 am. Southern Bank will have food available for lunch also.

Supplies being collected include bleach, mops, buckets, kitchen gloves, dawn dishwashing liquid, box fans, paper towels, and toilet paper.

Carter County authorities say that donations of cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and bottled water are also being accepted at the Assembly of God in Van Buren.

  FLOOD RELIEF CENTER SET UP AT DONIPHAN FAIRGROUNDS

  A disaster relief center is up and running in Ripley County.

The center has been set up at the Doniphan Fairgrounds and is distributing food, water, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies from 8 am to 8 pm daily.

Officials say they will also be establishing mobile distribution points in the more remote areas. If you need any assistance for cleaning or labor crews, you can contact West Point Church at 573-996-2350.

Ripley County residents in need of emergency housing can contact His Place at 573-707-3278.

In Butler County, Pastor Kirk with the Rescue Mission is asking for food item donations that will be used to cook meals for flood victims and volunteers. Some of the items they need include milk, flower, canned vegetables, rice, and bacon. Items can be dropped off at 400 South Broadway in Poplar Bluff.

  ANOTHER LEVEE BREACH DISCOVERED IN POPLAR BLUFF

  A Poplar Bluff police officer discovered another levee breach Wednesday morning.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Wednesday morning, police officials learned that the high water level in the Hampton Court area was hindering the normal operation of a sewage lift station, leaving residents without sewer service

Lieutenant Josh Stewart discovered a breach in a levee on County Road 605 near County Road 607 that was causing water to flow back into the city and preventing the activation of the lift station.

Members of the Poplar Bluff Police, Fire, and Street Departments decided to sandbag the breach in an attempt to correct the sewer issue.

With the assistance the Butler County Highway Department, they were successful in closing the breach. Shortly after, the water receded and allowed employees to place the pumps back in service.

  CITY OF PIEDMONT UNDER BOIL WATER ORDER

  Piedmont officials say the city is under a boil water order.

According to the Piedmont Fire Department, they will be available from 8 am to 8 pm for residents to get water. The water is available to anyone that is in need of drinking water.

The Fire Department is asking residents to conserve water and only get what is needed. The fire station is located at 117 West Fire Street in Piedmont.

  WAPPAPELLO LAKE DISCHARGE DROPPED TO 16,000 CFS

  Wappapello Lake officials say that the discharge at the lake has dropped to 16,000 cubic feet per second.

The lake stage was at 396.7 feet this morning.

Andrew Jefferson with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tells KWOC News that with predicted rainfall of 2 and a half to 4 inches, the lake would rise again to around 399 feet.

Jefferson says that the Corps of Engineers is allowing people to view the flooding by driving to the business center. Flood viewers can also go to Little Brushy Church at the corner of RA and T Highways where they can be shuttled to Redmond Creek Landing between 9 am to 4 pm today.

According to the National Weather Service, Clearwater Lake crested at slightly over 568 feet yesterday and was down to 567.74 feet this morning.

  RIVER LEVELS UPDATE

  River levels are projected to rise again in some places due to today’s rainfall.

According to the National Weather Service, Black River in Poplar Bluff was at 16.41 feet this morning and is forecast to rise to 19 feet tomorrow morning. In Pocahontas, the river was at 26.34 feet this morning and in Corning it was at 15.83 feet.

For Current River, both Van Buren and Doniphan were both the flood stage this morning. The Current River in Doniphan is forecast to rise back above the flood stage to 14.5 feet late Friday night or early Saturday morning.

For St. Francis River in Patterson, the river was at 25.37 feet this morning and is forecast to rise to 29.5 feet late Friday night or early Saturday morning. In Fisk, the river has crested at 26.13 feet and had dropped to 25.45 feet this morning.

In St. Francis, Arkansas the river was at 25.02 feet this morning and is forecast to rise to around 25.5 feet today.

  SHELTERS STILL AVAILABLE IN BOTH SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  Shelters have been set up in both Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas to aid residents affected by flooding.

A shelter has been set up at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff and is accepting residents from Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne Counties. SEMO Red Cross says that shelters have also been set up at the West Plains First Baptist Church, the Van Buren Youth and Community Center, and Marquand Zion High School.

In Northeast Arkansas, the Red Cross has set shelters up at the Corning Community Center and the Walnut Ridge Community Center, and Pocahontas Community Center.

Authorities in Lawrence County, Arkansas are urging for residents in the Portia, Clover Bend, and Coffman areas to evacuate.

  ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

  Many roads are still flooded in Southeast Missouri.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation say that motorists are urged to stop and turn around if they discover a roadway has high water.

A list of flooded roads is available on our website and the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map at modot.org. However, these lists might not be 100 percent accurate, so motorists are urged to use caution while on the roadways.

A map of flooded roads in Northeast Arkansas is available online at IDriveArkansas.com. Butler County: • Route 142-Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County and from Route HH north to Route 158 • Route N-CRD 243 to CRD 232 • Route 53-from Route UU to Route 51 • Route HH-from Route H to CRD 329 • Route H-from Route HH to near the end of state maintenance Carter County: • Route Y Dunklin County: • Route UU-from Route NN to CRD 711/end of state maintenance • Route DD-west of Route53; from CRD 213 to CRD 203. New Madrid County: • Route 162-from CRD 439 to stateline • Route P-at St. John’s Diversion Channel from Route BB to CRD 727 Ripley County: • Route 142-from Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County (and in Butler County from Route HH north to Route 158) • Route AA • Route H • Route W Stoddard County: • Route T-from CRD 404 in Stoddard County to the Wayne/Butler County Line • Eastbound Route 60 Ramp at Route 51 (Fisk/Puxico) Wayne County: • Route 143-Route 34 in Wayne County to Route 49 in Iron County • Route FF-CRD 378 to CRD 380 • Route KK-south of CRD 456 • Business 67-from Route D to US 67; near Greenville, Mo. • Route 49-from Mill Spring, Mo. to CRD 440 • Route HH-from Route RA in Reynolds County to Tacketts Pocket near Piedmont in Wayne County • Route D-at East Fork Lost Creek • Route T-from CRD 404 in Stoddard County to the Wayne/Butler County line

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

HARVIELL WOMAN FOUND DEAD

  A Butler County woman was found dead Tuesday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 69 year old Barbara Smithson, of Harviell, drove onto a water covered Highway 158 Sunday afternoon

Smithson was found in a ditch, one mile east of Harviell, Tuesday morning after water had receded.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

  MAN APPREHENDED FOLLOWING BANK ROBBERY IN POPLAR BLUFF

  A man has been taken into custody in connection to a Bank Robbery on Tuesday in Poplar Bluff.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley spoke to KWOC News and says that the suspect has been identified as Daniel Potter.

"At 2:28 on Tuesday, we had a 911 call of a robbery at the Federal Credit Union on 5th and Oak. Our officers were on scene at 2:30, began an area search while getting statements and evidence from the robbery. During the course of the investigation we were able to identify the suspect as Daniel Potter.

He had tried to check into the Black River Coliseum during the flood. Because of a criminal history past, he was turned away from there and had stayed the night before at the Rescue Mission. But then about 15 minutes later, the subject was spotted, took off running. Bad luck for him, because of the flood we had a lot of officers in the area and he was apprehended just a short time later and taken into custody.

He has been processed here at the PD. Mr. Potter will be charged with armed robbery and the FBI will be here shortly, and I’m sure they will be picking the case up from there federally."

  BODY FOUND NEAR HIGHWAY 53 HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS POPLAR BLUFF MAN

  Officials have identified a body that was found in a vehicle off of Highway 53 on Monday.

According to officials, 60 year old Kevin Compton, of Poplar Bluff, drove into the flooded roadway, around 2 miles south of Poplar Bluff, and was swept off into a ditch.

He was pronounced dead Monday night by Butler County Coroner Andy Moore.

  NATIONAL GUARD SANDBAGGING ROUTE 60 AT FISK

  The Missouri National Guard was in Butler County last night.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the National Guard was sandbagging along Route 60 at Fisk from Route DD to Route 60/51 junction.

Officials say that the levee is a proactive measure to keep the route open despite a rising St. Francis River.

MoDot does not have plans to close Route 60 as of right now, however travelers should use caution in this area and expect a lane reduction on Eastbound Route 60.

In addition, the eastbound Route 60/51 ramp is currently closed.

  SHELTERS STILL AVAILABLE IN BOTH SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  Shelters have been set up in both Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas to aid residents affected by flooding.

A shelter has been set up at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff and is accepting residents from Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne Counties. SEMO Red Cross says that shelters have also been set up at the West Plains First Baptist Church, the Van Buren Youth and Community Center, and Marquand Zion High School.

In Northeast Arkansas, the Red Cross has set shelters up at the Corning Community Center and the Walnut Ridge Community Center, and Pocahontas Community Center.

Authorities in Lawrence County, Arkansas are urging for residents in the Portia, Clover Bend, and Coffman areas to evacuate.

  RIVER LEVELS UPDATE

  River levels are projected to rise again following rains over the next couple of days.

According to the National Weather Service, Black River in Poplar Bluff was at 18.7 feet this morning and is forecast to drop to below 18 feet by tomorrow morning before rising again to 19 feet Friday morning. In Pocahontas, Arkansas, the river was at 28.52 feet this morning.

For Current River, in Van Buren, the river is down to 9.27 feet and is expected to get back up to 13.6 feet on Friday, which is below the flood stage of 20 feet. In Doniphan the river was at 13.66 feet this morning and is forecast to fall to under eight feet today, before rising to 14.5 feet late Friday Night or early Saturday morning.

For St. Francis River in Patterson, the river is expected to stay at the moderate flood stage over the next few days. It was down to 26.3 feet this morning and is forecast to rise to 29.5 feet late Friday night or Early Saturday morning. In Fisk, the river is already above the major flood stage of 26 feet and is expected to continue to rise to around 28 feet tonight.

In St. Francis, Arkansas the river is holding steady at around 24.61 feet, however it is forecast to rise to around 27.5 feet tomorrow morning.

  WAPPAPELLO LAKE HAS CRESTED FOR NOW

  Wappapello Lake has crested for now.

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tell KWOC News that the lake crested yesterday and has started to fall. The lake stage was at 397.52 this morning.

The current outflow is 20,000 cubic feet a second combined between the main spillway and the auxiliary spillway.

Officials say that the lake may rise again following today and tomorrow’s rainfall.

Corps of Engineer officials in Little Rock say that releases at Clearwater Lake were decreased to 3,800 cubic feet per second through the conduit and about 700 cubic feet per second across the overflow spillway.

When flows over the spillway increases, releases from the conduit will be reduced to continue a total release of no more than 5,000 cubic feet per second, if possible.

Officials say that people at Piedmont and Poplar Bluff will not see any resulting rise in the Black River from these releases.

However, more rain could cause spillway releases to increase. The lake was at 568.06 this morning and was expected to crest today, but that could change with the additional rainfall.

  ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

  Many roads are still flooded in Southeast Missouri.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation say that motorists are urged to stop and turn around if they discover a roadway has high water.

A list of flooded roads is available on our website and the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map at modot.org. However, these lists might not be 100 percent accurate, so motorists are urged to use caution while on the roadways.

A map of flooded roads in Northeast Arkansas is available online at IDriveArkansas.com. Butler County: • Route 158-from Route 142 to US 67 • Route 142-Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County and from Route HH north to Route 158 • Route N-CRD 243 to CRD 232 • Route 53-from Route UU to Route HH • Route HH-from Route H to CRD 329 Carter County: • Route Y Dunklin County: • Route UU-from Route NN to CRD 711/end of state maintenance • Route DD-west of Route53; from CRD 213 to CRD 203. Ripley County: • Route 142-at Doniphan, Mo. and Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County • Route 21-in Doniphan, Mo. • Route A-near 21S-3 to CRD A-7 • Route Y-from Pumpkin Patch Road to CRD Y-3 Stoddard County: • Route T-from CRD 404 in Stoddard County to the Wayne/Butler County Line • Eastbound Route 60 Ramp at Route 51 (Fisk/Puxico) Wayne County: • Route 143-Route 34 in Wayne County to Route 49 in Iron County • Route FF-CRD 378 to CRD 380 • Route KK-south of CRD 456 • Route 34-at St. Francis River Bridge; from Route 143 to CRD 310 (west of US 67) • Business 67-from Route D to US 67; near Greenville, Mo. • Route 49-from Mill Spring, Mo. to CRD 440 • Route HH-from Route RA in Reynolds County to Tacketts Pocket near Piedmont in Wayne County • Route D-at East Fork Lost Creek • Route T-from CRD 404 in Stoddard County to the Wayne/Butler County line

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

BODY FOUND IN SUBMERGED VEHICLE IN BUTLER COUNTY

  Officials in Butler County tell KWOC News that a body of an elderly man was found in a submerged vehicle Monday.

The name of the man found has not been released, however officials say that the vehicle was found in a ditch in the area of Highway 53.

We will bring you more information on this story as it becomes available.

  SHELTERS STILL AVAILABLE IN BOTH SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  Shelters have been set up in both Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas to aid residents affected by flooding.

A shelter has been set up at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff and is accepting residents from Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne Counties. SEMO Red Cross says that shelters have also been set up at the Caruthersville Armory in Caruthersville and Christ the Savior Church in Perryville.

Shelters are also available at the West Plains First Baptist Church, Ellington R-II High School, His Place Fellowship in Doniphan, the Van Buren Youth and Community Center, and the Winona Police Department.

In Northeast Arkansas, the Red Cross has set shelters up at the Corning Community Center as well as the Randolph County Nursing Home and Pocahontas Community Center in Pocahontas. Officials say that a shelter will be opening at 9 am this morning at the Walnut Ridge School.

In addition, many are still without power this morning. According to Entergy Arkansas, 351 customers in Clay County are currently without power.

The Clay County Electric Cooperative announced last night that power was shut off for all members in the Corning area and those served by the Corning Substation due to repairs. Officials have not said if power has been restored.

  FLOODING CAUSES MULTIPLE COMMUNITY EVACUATIONS

  Multiple communities were evacuated Monday following increased flood waters from this past weekend’s storms.

The south side of Poplar Bluff was placed under a voluntary evacuation after a levee broke on Black River.

A voluntary evacuation is also underway in areas of Wayne County, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department says that their office cannot accept any calls from cell phones at this time, however they can receive calls from land lines.

Downtown Doniphan was also flooded Monday, affecting numerous businesses. Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was in Van Buren yesterday to meet with local authorities. Greitens tweeted that he spoke with President Trump about the flooding, who said he's behind us, and here to help the people of Missouri.

In Reynolds County, residents in the Logan Creek area had been asked to voluntarily evacuate. A boil water order is also in effect in Ellington and the Ellington Fire Department says they will be giving out supplies from 7 am to 7 pm today.

In Northeast Arkansas, a mandatory evacuation was put in place for the Success area as well as the east side of Pocahontas.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has announced he will be surveying storm damage in Randolph and Sharp Counties today.

  WATER REACHES OVER AUXILIARY SPILLWAY AT WAPPAPELLO LAKE

  Water has overtaken the auxiliary spillway at Wappapello Lake.

According to Jennifer Morse with the US Army Corps of Engineers, water started coming over the Auxiliary spillway at Wappapello Lake Monday morning. The lake is now predicted to crest at 399.7 feet on Wednesday.

The Corps of Engineers is also reporting that T Highway at Wappapello began to fail at around 7:30 pm last night due to the flooding. A part of T Highway had washed away by this morning.

At Clearwater, officials say that the auxiliary spillway was activated Monday afternoon. This morning the lake was at elevation 567.5 feet. The Corps of Engineers said yesterday that 97 percent of the Lake’s flood storage capacity was being used.

The lake is expected to crest at about 571 feet on Wednesday if there is no additional rain.

  POPLAR BLUFF SHOOTING SUSPECT TURNS HIMSELF IN

  A suspect in a Poplar Bluff shooting has turned himself in.

Josh Stewart with the Poplar Bluff Police Department tells KWOC News that 34 year old Michael Jackson turned himself in to Poplar Bluff Police Monday evening.

Jackson allegedly shot into a vehicle four times with a handgun on Friday. The victim’s vehicle had four people inside it at the time of the shooting, including two children.

The shooting occurred on Highway 60, just east of Highway 67

  RIVER LEVELS UPDATE

  River levels have crested at some places but are still rising at some others in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

According to the National Weather Service, Black River in Poplar Bluff crested at 21.96 feet yesterday and is currently at around 20.2 feet. In Pocahontas, Arkansas, the river is at around 27 feet and forecast to rise to 29.5 feet Friday.

For Current River, in Van Buren, the river reached 37.2 feet on Sunday, and has since dropped to around 16 feet. In Doniphan as the river crested at 33.13 feet Monday and is now down to just over 26 feet.

For St. Francis River in Patterson, the river topped out at 37.05 feet on Sunday, and is now down to around 28.5 feet. In Fisk, the river is at around 21 feet and rising and is forecast to reach the record of 28 feet late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

In St. Francis, Arkansas the river is forecast to rise to 27.5 feet Thursday morning and is currently at around 24.7 feet.

The National Weather Service in Paducah is saying that another one to three inches of rainfall is predicted for Wednesday and Thursday which will cause revised forecasts for river levels.

  DEXTER TEEN ARRESTED ON TERRORIST THREAT WARRANT

  A Dexter teenager has been taken into custody in Stoddard County.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 18 year old Jonah Reiker was recently arrested on a warrant for 1st degree terrorist threat.

Officials say that no bond has been set and Reiker remained in jail as of this morning. Additional information about the warrant has not been released

  ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

  Many roads are still flooded in Southeast Missouri.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation say that motorists are urged to stop and turn around if they discover a roadway has high water.

A list of flooded roads is available on our website and the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s Information map at modot.org. However, these lists might not be 100 percent accurate, so motorists are urged to use caution while on the roadways.

A map of flooded roads in Northeast Arkansas is available online at IDriveArkansas.com. Butler County: • Route 158-from Route 142 to US 67 • Route 142-Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County and from Route HH north to Route 158 • Route N-CRD 243 to CRD 232 • Route PP-at Cane Creek; CRD 449 to CRD 423/Route TT • Route W-CRD 542 to Route O; near Hilliard • Route O-north of CRD 502 • Route 53-from Route UU to Route HH • Route WW-at Black River in Poplar Bluff, Mo. • Route HH-from Route H to CRD 329 Carter County: • Business 60-at Van Buren; near James Street • Route 103-from Skyline Drive to Route Z • Route Z-from Route 103 to end of state maintenance • Route M-at Mill Creek and near Van Buren, Mo. at CRD 100 • Route Y Dunklin County: • Route UU-from Route NN to CRD 711/end of state maintenance Ripley County: • Route 142-near Oxly; west of Route T and at Doniphan, Mo. and Route B in Ripley County to Route HH near Vastus in Butler County • Route 21-in Doniphan, Mo. • Route A-near 21S-3 to CRD A-7 • Route Y-from Pumpkin Patch Road to CRD Y-3 • Route 160-at Current River near Doniphan, Mo. Stoddard County: • Route M-at Leora; near Route K Wayne County: • Route C-CRD 224A to Route 34 • Route 143-Route 34 in Wayne County to Route 49 in Iron County • Route FF-CRD 378 to CRD 380 • Route KK-south of CRD 456 • Route 34-at St. Francis River Bridge; from Route 143 to CRD 310 (west of US 67) • Business 67-from Route D to US 67; near Greenville, Mo. • Route 49-from Mill Spring, Mo. to CRD 440 • Route HH-from Route RA in Reynolds County to Tacketts Pocket near Piedmont in Wayne County • Route D-at East Fork Lost Creek • Route T-from Route D to the Wayne/Butler County line

  MISSOURI TREASURER ACTIVATES DISASTER ASSISTANCE RELIEF PROGRAM

  Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt has activated a disaster relief program for Missouri small businesses and farms impacted by the recent flooding.

The Harmed-area Emergency Loan Priority system authorizes 24-hour approval of support for low-interest loans obtained through participating lenders.

Schmitt says that Missouri-based small businesses with up to 99 employees are eligible to receive a loan through participating institutions with the support of the Missouri Linked Deposit Program.

An extensive list of participating lenders and program eligibility guidelines can be found online at treasurer.mo.gov/LinkedDeposit.

The Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers have also released disaster assistance guidelines and additional information regarding US Small Business Administration loans which are available at missouribusiness.net.

Monday, May 1, 2017

SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING DAMAGES MULTIPLE RESIDENCES

  Multiple businesses and residences have received storm and flood damage throughout Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

A shelter has been set up at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff and is accepting residents from Butler, Carter, Ripley, and Wayne Counties. SEMO Red Cross says that shelters have also been set up at the Caruthersville Armory in Caruthersville and Christ the Savior Church in Perryville.

Shelters are also available at the West Plains First Baptist Church, and Ellington R-II High School.

According to authorities, a house and barn were damaged as well as several trees uprooted, just north of Matthews. A mobile home was also reportedly destroyed near Wardell in Pemiscot County.

In addition, many are without power this morning. Ameren Missouri is reporting just under 700 outages in Southeast Missouri, mostly located in Pemiscot County.

According to Entergy Arkansas, 1,364 customers in Clay County are currently without power.

  MISSOURI GOVERNOR ERIC GREITENS DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens declared a State of Emergency Friday ahead of the severe storms that hit across the state this past weekend.

All specialized rescue teams and swift water teams have been deployed, which include assets from the Missouri National Guard, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Task Force 1, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Fire Mutual Aid Resources.

As of yesterday afternoon these teams have conducted 111 evacuations and 136 separate rescue operations. Many of the rescues were located in Southeast Missouri. Officials in Butler County say that there are multiple water rescue operations currently underway on County Road 607.

Carter County Sheriff Richard Stephens says that rescue boats are working major impact areas attempting to inspect residences to ensure all occupants have made it out safely. Residents have also been evacuated from parts of Fremont. Stephens also says that the city of Van Buren implemented a 6pm to 8 am curfew.

The Doniphan Police Department says that all phone services were taken down Sunday for Ripley County. A satellite phone service was established for the Doniphan Police Department anyone with an emergency is asked to call 573-917-4604 or 573-917-4605. No time table was given for when service would resume. In Wayne County, a voluntary evacuation was requested for those in the area of Red Wood Acre.

  WEEKEND STORMS CAUSE FLOODING THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

  The heavy rains we received this past weekend has caused flooding problems on rivers throughout Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

According to the National Weather Service, Black River in Poplar Bluff is forecast to hit 21.5 feet sometime today. The normal flood stage in Poplar Bluff is 16 feet. For Black River in Pocahontas, Arkansas, the river is forecast to reach 29.5 feet by Thursday.

For Current River, in Van Buren, the river reached 37.2 feet on Sunday, well above the previous record of 29 feet. It has since dipped down to under 35 feet. A record has also been set for Current River in Doniphan as the river is forecast to reach 36 feet today. The previous record in Doniphan is 26.8 feet.

For St. Francis River in Patterson, the river topped out at 37.05 feet on Sunday, higher than the previous record of 35.8 feet. In St. Francis, Arkansas the river is forecast to rise to 27.5 feet late Wednesday, just short of the record 28.2 feet.

  WAPPAPELLO LAKE EXPECTED TO CREST AT OVER 400 FEET ON WEDNESDAY

  Both Wappapello Lake and Clearwater Lake have risen dramatically due to this weekend’s storms.

According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, on Sunday Wappapello Lake had risen to 382.52 feet relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum and is forecast to crest at approximately 405 feet on Wednesday without any additional rainfall in the watershed.

The discharge at the auxiliary spillway will be increased to 15,000 cubic feet per second today. According to Corps Officials, the Lake will start topping auxiliary spillway at 6:30 am.

At Clearwater Lake, on Sunday the elevation was at 555.87 feet with 61 percent of its flood storage capacity being used. The lake is expected to crest at about 571 feet on Thursday, if there is no additional rain.

Releases through Clearwater Dam’s conduit were increased yesterday to 4,000 cubic feet per second. Officials say spillway releases may increase to as much as 10,000 c.f.s. The largest release ever made from Clearwater was 4,000 c.f.s. in 2011.

The Army Corps of Engineers Clearwater Project Office has closed River Road Park and park rangers are asking campers to move to Piedmont Park as a precautionary measure because of the possibility of increased releases.

  US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO BEGIN PHASE 2 OF FLOODFIGHT EFFORTS THIS MORNING

  The Memphis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expecting to begin Phase II floodfight activities this morning.

According to the Corps of Engineers the activities were expected to begin at around 7 am in the Missouri Bootheel and northeast Arkansas due to high river stages on the St. Francis River.

The area of current or possible flooding the Memphis District is focusing on is located in the Dexter and Kennett areas on the St. Francis River. Communities that may be affected include Fisk and St. Francis.

As of 2 pm Sunday, approximately 18 Army Corps of Engineer field personnel were mobilizing to begin the floodfight response. The field personnel will conduct patrols each day from 6 am until 6:30 pm, checking the condition of levees and other flood protection structures and looking for problems like water seepage under levees.

  NUMEROUS ROADS FLOODED IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

  Numerous roads have been flooded in Southeast Missouri in connection to the weekend storms.

Anyone who is driving is should not drive on high water covered roadways and should never move or drive around barricades placed on roadways due to high water.

Barricades are a warning designed to protect you from an unsafe condition. You can put yourself at serious risk if you proceed into a flooded section of road.

You can find a list of flooded roads on our website as well as online at the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map at modot.org.

The following roads were flooded in Southeast Missouri:

Butler County: • Route 158-from Route 142 to US 67 • Route 142-Route B in Ripley County to Route 142 in Butler County • Route N-CRD 243 to CRD 232 • Route PP-at Cane Creek; CRD 449 to CRD 423/Route TT • Route W-CRD 542 to Route O; near Hilliard • Route M-at Cane Creek; west of US 67 • Route JJ-west of River Road • Route O-north of CRD 502 • Route 53-Route 51 to Route UU.

Carter County: • Business 60-at Van Buren; near James Street • Route 103-from Skyline Drive to Route Z • Route Z-from Route 103 to end of state maintenance • Route M-at Mill Creek and near Van Buren, Mo. at CRD 100 • Route Y • Route K-between CRD 263 and CRD 239-2

Ripley County: • Route 142-near Oxly; west of Route T and at Doniphan, Mo. • Route NN-near North Prong Little Black River • Route 21-in Doniphan, Mo. • Route A-near 21S-3 to CRD A-7 • Route Y-from Pumpkin Patch Road to CRD Y-3 • Route 160-at Current River near Doniphan, Mo. • Route K-from CRD K-3 to CRD K-4

Stoddard County: • Route K-from Route BB to Route V • Route M-at Leora; near Route K • Route T-from Route 51 to Cobb • Route O-east of Advance; near CRD 310

Wayne County: • Route C-CRD 224A to Route 34 • Route 143-Route 34 in Wayne County to Route 49 in Iron County • Route FF-CRD 378 to CRD 380 • Route KK-south of CRD 456 • Route 34-at St. Francis River Bridge; from Route 143 to CRD 310 (west of US 67) • Route A-at Otter Creek; near Route V • Business 67-from Route D to US 67; near Greenville, Mo. • Route 49-from Mill Spring, Mo. to CRD 440 • Route HH-from Route RA in Reynolds County to Tacketts Pocket near Piedmont in Wayne County • Route D-at East Fork Lost Creek

  POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR SHOOTING SUSPECT

  Police in Poplar Bluff are searching for a suspect in connection to a shooting Friday night.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, on Friday officers responded to a reported shooting which took place on Highway 60 just East of Highway 67.

34 year old Michael Jackson allegedly shot into a vehicle four times with a handgun. The victim’s vehicle had four people inside it at the time of the shooting, including two children.

Police say Jackson should be considered armed and dangerous and anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776.

Friday April 28, 2017

FLASH FLOOD WATCH TO GO INTO EFFECT TONIGHT IN POPLAR BLUFFMore rain will be hitting Southeast Missouri tonight and throughout the weekend and weather officials say that we could be looking at possible flooding.

KWOC News spoke with Rick Shanklin, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, who says there is possibility of severe weather in addition to the flooding.

Rick Shanklin:

We have two major weather systems affecting Southeast Missouri this weekend. The first being tonight and into Saturday morning and the second being Sunday and Sunday evening. With the system moving in tonight we do have an enhanced risk or a level three risk of severe weather including the possibility of damaging thunderstorm winds, large hail, and even tornadoes. We expect the thunderstorms mainly to be scattered, widely scattered even, this afternoon, if they do develop at all this afternoon or early evening. However if we do see thunder storms develop they certainly could become severe given the level of instability across Southeast Missouri. We have again a second threat of severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday evening. We're still taking a look at that to see how great that threat is, but certainly that threat is there as well. And in addition we have of course the heavy rain and the flooding potential for this weekend. We’re forecasting a total of around 6 or 7 inches of rain across Southeast Missouri and that's certainly could lead to some problems, both flash flooding and eventually even some flooding of some of the rivers across Southeast Missouri and that's why we have a flash flood watch in effect from this evening through Sunday night.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Route N in Butler County, Route Y and Route M in Carter County, Route KK in Wayne County, and Route H in Bollinger County are all closed this morning due to flooding.

TEENAGER SERIOULSY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK SOUTH OF DEXTER A Bernie teenager has been taken to an area hospital following a single vehicle wreck Wednesday night.

According to the Highway Patrol, the sixteen year old was driving on Missouri Highway 25, around three miles south of Dexter, when his vehicle hydroplaned while attempting to pass another vehicle.

The teen’s vehicle then ran into a ditch and overturned.

The teen was taken to a Dexter hospital with serious injuries.

TEENAGER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK SOUTH OF DEXTER A Bernie teenager has been taken to an area hospital following a single vehicle wreck Wednesday night.

According to the Highway Patrol, the sixteen year old was driving on Missouri Highway 25, around three miles south of Dexter, when his vehicle hydroplaned while attempting to pass another vehicle.

The teen’s vehicle then ran into a ditch and overturned.

The teen was taken to a Dexter hospital with serious injuries.

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE DEPARTMENT WARNS OF EMAIL SCAM The Poplar Bluff Police Department says that they have been receiving reports of an email scam.

According to officials, the scam works by the recipient receiving an email message that appears to be a shipping notification. It says that the postal service has been unable to deliver a package. In order to claim it, the recipient needs to download the attached confirmation form and take it to your local post office.

This is a scam and the file that’s downloaded is actually a virus. Typically, these viruses phish for personal and banking information on your machine.

POPLAR BLUFF SUPERINTENDENT SAYS THAT GRIEF COUNSELORS ARE AVAILABLE FOLLOWING STUDENT’S DEATH A Poplar Bluff High School student reportedly died earlier this week.

Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent, Scott Dill, has spoken with KWOC News and says that grief counselors are available for students.

Scott Dill:

Late Wednesday evening we were notified that one of our students had been involved in a situation resulting in loss of life. At this time it is alleged that the student took his own life. Obviously whenever we lose a member of our school family, it's a tragic situation for everyone involved. Our hearts go out to the friends and family of those impacted but to be perfectly honest there's not a student or teacher at that facility that hasn't been impacted by this and so we do have our grief counselors available today to assist as needed. One of our goals is to help the students work through this process. We do that by assisting on an individual basis. Also just by providing as normal a day as we can for the kids. It is tragic and it is disruptive and it changes our world but our kids need to know that it's all right to mourn, it's okay to be sad, and but if we need to get back on track our lives have to go on. We recognize that in our modern society our kids are under tremendous pressures and the greatest asset that any of our kids have are the healthy relationships they have with the adults in their lives. We don't know enough about this situation to comment about what happened at this point and we don't know if there were warning signs we just don't know. But my advice for everybody is to hold your kids a little tighter and be involved in their lives that's the best we can do by our kids.

ONE DEAD, ANOTHER INJURED FOLLOWING WRECK IN PEMISCOT COUNTY A Festus woman has died following a pile up wreck in Pemiscot County.

Officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol tell KWOC News that the wreck occurred at around 12:30 pm Thursday on Interstate 55. A vehicle was stopped in traffic when it was hit from behind by another vehicle and pushed into a third vehicle.

Both the driver and the passenger of the 1st vehicle were flown Memphis hospitals. The passenger, 56 year old Sonya Cherry, has been pronounced dead. The driver, 31 year old Allison Venuto, of Pevely, suffered serious injuries.

TWO ARRESTED ON CHARGE OF DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE Two people have been taken into custody in Stoddard County on a controlled substance charge.

Officials with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tell KWOC News that 67 year old David Moore and 41 year old Douglas Northington, both of Dexter, were recently arrested on a charge of delivery of a controlled substance.

Bond for each man was set at $12,500, cash only.

KENNETT WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY BEING FOUND IN POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE A Kennett woman is facing charges after allegedly being found in possession of methamphetamine earlier this week.

According to the Kennett Police Department, On Wednesday, officers were dispatched to North Everett Street to check on several suspicious people in a condemned house.

When they arrived, the officers located a male and a female coming from behind the structure. While searching the female, officers found several syringes that contained a liquid that tested positive for methamphetamine.

41 year old Charity Pool was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and was held at the Dunklin County Jail.

POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HONORED BY STATE OFFICIALS A Poplar Bluff High School senior was among 15 students to receive the Missouri Award for Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship last week in Jefferson City.

Hamiz Mirza received the honor, which is based on academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities and service to the community.

Poplar Bluff R-I Superintendent Scott Dill and teacher Mitch Davis also presented Mirza with resolutions from the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate signed by Speaker Todd Richardson and Senator Doug Libla, respectively at a school board meeting last week.

Thursday, April 27th, 2017

FLOOD WARNINGS TO BE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF BLACK AND ST. FRANCIS RIVER

  The National Weather Service says multiple rivers in Southeast Missouri will be under flood warnings.

A flood warning is currently in effect for the Black River in the Annapolis and Pocahontas areas and will be in effect from this evening through tomorrow morning in the Poplar Bluff area.

In Poplar Bluff the Black River was at 13.09 feet at 3:15 am this morning and is expected to rise to near the flood stage of 16 feet early this evening.

At 16 feet, minor flooding may occur, mainly affecting bottomland and surrounding low lying areas. The NWS says that if the water continues to rise, Hillcrest Park will be affected.

Weather officials say that the St. Francis River will also be under a flood warning in the Patterson and St. Francis areas.

  HEAVY STORMS HIT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI ON WEDNESDAY

  Multiple heavy storms battered Southeast Missouri on Wednesday.

The heavy rains resulted in flash flooding in New Madrid County and the closure of Route H and Route N in Shannon County.

Power outages were also reported last night in the Poplar Bluff area and Ameren Missouri says that over 100 people were without power this morning in the Caruthersville area.

Officials in Carter County also reported dime size hail.

  MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK NEAR DEXTER

  A Sikeston man suffered serious injuries Wednesday evening following a single vehicle wreck in Stoddard County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shortly after 6 pm a vehicle ran off of US 60 and struck a guardrail around two miles east of Dexter.

A passenger, 75 year old Therman Kimball, was seriously injured in the wreck and taken to a Sikeston hospital. No injuries were listed for the driver of the vehicle.

  ILLINOIS MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON FELONY FIREARM CHARGE

  An Illinois man was taken into custody Tuesday in Butler County on a felony firearm charge.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28 year old Anthony Ferrell, of Peoria, Illinois, was arrested on a felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Ferrell is also facing charges of possession of a defaced firearm and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

  DRUG TAKE BACK EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND

  The Poplar Bluff Police Department is one of several area law enforcement agencies who will be participating in this weekend’s Drug Take Back event.

KWOC News spoke with Lieutenant Darron Moore with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the event.

“This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Poplar Bluff Police Department and The Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 13th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their home of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 1111 Poplar. We cannot accept needles and sharps, only pills and patches will be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons, over seven hundred and thirty pounds of prescription drugs, at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall in its 12 previous take back events the DEA and its partners have taken it over 7.1 million pounds, more than 3,500 tons of pills”

For more information or to find a collection site near you go online to www.dea.gov.

  BUTLER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOST FREE IMMUNIZATION CLINIC NEXT MONTH FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

  The Butler County Health Department will be hosting a free immunization clinic next month for some High School Students.

The clinic has been scheduled for Thursday, May 18, at the High School for incoming seniors to take the Meningococcal vaccine and Friday, May 19, at Junior High for incoming eighth graders to receive the Tdap.

Students, unless exempt, are required by law to be properly immunized and provide verification before attending school. School officials say that packets are available in school nursing offices, and must be returned by tomorrow.

  PIPE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY

  Route CC in Butler County will be reduced today so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can perform a pipe replacement.

According to MoDot officials, the work zone will be located between Route FF and County Road 661.

Work is scheduled to be performed today from 8 am to 4 pm.

  UTILTIY WORK TO CAUSE DELAYS TODAY IN STODDARD COUNTY

  Southbound Route 25 in Stoddard County will be reduced with a 10 foot width restriction today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews install a fiber optic line.

According to MoDot, the section of roadway affected is located at the intersection of Southbound Route 25 and Route 60. The ramp from Route 25 South to Westbound Route 60 will be closed during the installation.

Work is scheduled for 6 am to 4 pm today.

  MODOT CREWS TO BE IN STODDARD COUNTY FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS

  Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

Officials say the road will be reduced today from 6 am to 4:30 pm and the work zone is located between Route 51 and Route TT.

Wednesday April 26, 2017

MULTPLE ARRESTS MADE IN CONNECTION TO BURGLARY AT AREA BUSINESSAuthorities in Butler County say that multiple arrests have been made after items were recovered that had been reported stolen from an area business.

Investigator Randal Huddleston with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department tells KWOC News more about the arrests.

Randal Huddleston:

In early April 2017 Butler County deputies were dispatched to Triggers Gun Shop in reference to stolen property. Upon arrival they were advised that a 55-gallon external fuel tank along with other items used in constructing new buildings were missing. Employees with triggers gun shop advised they had video surveillance that showed a white GMC Z71 with a toolbox in the back and what appeared to be a spare tire with a steel rim on the back passenger side as a suspect vehicle. Last Friday April 21st Butler County deputies were again dispatched to 1722 Cravens Road which is Knuckle Brothers Construction in reference to theft from their property. Upon arriving deputies were advised they were missing chains, cordless drills, saws, impact drills, batteries, and chargers and they believe that a former employee of theirs by the name of Gordon Stroud may have been the one that had been stealing from them. This past Saturday on April 22nd, Butler County Deputies were dispatched to the parking lot of Big Lots in Poplar Bluff to meet with Jim Acres who is an employee at triggers gun shop. He believed he had observed a white GMC Z71 matching the description of the vehicle from triggers surveillance video sitting in the parking lot and a white male occupant in the driver's seat. Upon the deputies arrival they observed the vehicle with a license plate and making contact with the driver, they identified him as Michael Arnold. He advised that he had borrowed the vehicle from Gordon Stroud. Michael Arnold voluntarily offered to take deputies to his property and gave them consent to walk around the property to check for stolen items. A search warrant was applied for and was granted for the search and seizure of stolen items at Michael Arnold’s property. While at the residence of Michael Arnold, Gordon Stroud was located inside the residence along with other items of stolen property which was found to belong to Knuckles Brothers Construction as well as a gentleman by the name of Donald Stanley who was also located inside the residence who had an outstanding no bond warrant through probation and parole. All three subjects are from Poplar Bluff and all three were arrested. Charges being sought on Michael Arnold and Gordon Stroud are possession of stolen property and Donald Stanley was incarcerated for the outstanding probation and parole warrant as well as possession of controlled substance.

INCOMING FRONT BRINGS WITH IT THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE WEATHER A front crossing over Southeast Missouri today and tonight is bringing with it the possibility of some severe weather.

KWOC News spoke with Rick Shanklin, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, who said that all modes of severe weather are possible, including tornados.

Rick Shanklin:

Severe weather chances will be increasing across Southeast Missouri Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday evening. All modes of severe weather are possible, large hail, damaging thunderstorm winds, and even a couple of tornados are not out of the question. We do have a severe weather risk across all of Southeast Missouri. The greatest risk, a level 3 of 5, or enhanced risk, is around the Poplar Bluff and Greenville area, and points westward. That’s mainly for the afternoon hours Wednesday. We do think the storms will evolve into a line orientation as they move east across Southeast Missouri Wednesday evening and then eventually ending as we move into the late evening hours Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, multiple rounds of thunderstorms are also expected to begin on Friday and continue throughout the weekend. Portions of Southeast Missouri could see three to five inches of rainfall or higher.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SPRING GAMES SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN POPLAR BLUFF The Special Olympics Spring Games have been scheduled for today in Poplar Bluff.

According to the Poplar Bluff School District, the event is scheduled to begin at 9 am this morning at Fred M. Morrow Stadium.

The event is open to the public.

MAN ALLEGEDLY BITES OFF WOMAN’S FINGER DURING ALTERCATION A Poplar Bluff man is facing assault charges after he alleged bit off a woman’s finger during an altercation.

KWOC News spoke with Detective Joey Woodruff with the Poplar Bluff Police Department about the incident.

Joey Woodruff:

On Monday morning around 7 am, Officer Sean Pringer was dispatched to an address on North 11th Street regarding an assault. As Officer Pringer arrived on scene he contacted the female victim. The victim said that Justin C. Williams, 27, of Poplar Bluff, bit her finger off while she was trying to break up a fight between her son and Williams. The victim also told Officer Pringer that she struck Williams in the top of the head with a brick after Williams bit her finger. At approximately 7:45 a.m. Officer Pringer made contact with the suspect, Justin Williams, at an address in the 500 block of Cynthia Street. During a conversation between Officer Pringer and Williams he was asked about the victim's finger and how it was bitten off. Williams said he thought he was biting the victim's son. Williams was placed under arrest on the charge of second-degree assault and later lodged in the Butler County Justice Center after declining medical treatment for a laceration to his head. The victim was transported to a Poplar Bluff hospital for treatment.

FCA BANQUET SCHEDULD FOR THURSDAY NIGHT The Annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Banquet will be held this week in Poplar Bluff.

Bill Ray with the FCA says the banquet will begin at around 5:45 pm tomorrow night.

BILL RAY:

This Thursday night is our annual FCA banquet. It starts at 5:45 to 6:30 with a meet, greet, and eat. That will be at the Gamma Conference Center behind Gamma Labs, they’ve got a conference center that’s really nice and the Murphys have let us use that for the past several years, it’s an excellent facility for us to do that. I would encourage you to come the first 45 minutes is just going to get to know some people that you probably will know if you've supported FCA or been involved with FCA. We won't have the first sponsor of FCA that was a Coach Pureyer back in 1971/72 era and then coach Telly took over because coach Pureyer left. I came in and started coaching football with Coach Telly and helping him with FCA, Coach Sievers came in and he started helping with FCA and he is still doing that today. I'm going to talk about this history of FCA specifically and in general in Southeast Missouri. We're going to be talking about that, the history from 71 up till now. It's going to be a good night. Please call 280-0932 if you got any questions. If you want it come, it would be nice if you let me know but you can come anyway. Some of you out there have probably been involved with FCA right here in Poplar Bluff back in the seventies, eighties, nineties, or the 2000’s and you're welcome to come. The auction items from the baseball world with autographed collages or shadow boxes Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Stan Musial, Ozzie Smith, Mike Matheny, and then now our new guy Dexter Fowler, but played last year we have a picture of him and his teammates after they won the World Series. So that's going to be some good stuff. Golfers we have Arnold Palmer collage, signed autograph, and also a picture of him and Jack Nicklaus together. Jordan Spieth teeing off down 18, so it's some neat stuff and you'll enjoy just seeing them and then visiting with people, eating, and if you can stick around then for the banquet you’re gonna hear the history of FCA and the future of FCA.

NEW PEPSI MID AMERICA DISTRIBUTION FACILITY OPENS IN THE POPLAR BLUFF AREA Today’s Talk KWOC was live at the Grand Opening of a new Pepsi Mid America Distribution Facility yesterday in Poplar Bluff.

During the event we spoke with Pepsi Mid America President Kieth Dickens about what the facility will do in the community.

Keith Dickens:

We had a grand opening for Poplar Bluff facility and we had a very good turnout, support of the community, which has supported us all through our construction project. We employ about 75 people in the area and we're real proud of the efficiency of this system because we carry no inventory on site. It's a rolling inventory and a just-in-time delivery system. That was the purpose of the event today and we’re just so proud to be a part of this community. You’ve got a nice office facility but we do have a large, about a 15-acre facility. We have three outparcels of buildings; the office building itself, a vending building where we do the equipment repair, and then a food and snack building that we have housing for our full line vending business. We service now micro-markets which is a self-checkout type convenience store concept inside a industrial type business. Then we also have vending that we do in that you see in the normal setting for a business environment where we have Beverages and snacks as well as cold food and fresh food. Well we got great market share in this area and we’re blessed for that support we get, but it’s been a lot of years of building the brands and we have some of the biggest name brands in the beverage industry, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Starbucks, Lipton Tea, Dr. Pepper, 7Up, Crush.

Tuesday April 25, 2017

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO THE ARREST OF FOUR IN POPLAR BLUFFA traffic stop turned into a drug bust Sunday evening in Poplar Bluff.

Detective Andy Cleaveland with the Poplar Bluff Police Department says that a total of four people were arrested during the stop.

ANDY CLEAVELAND:

On Sunday evening at approximately 11 p.m. officers of the Poplar Bluff Police Department conducted a traffic stop at Price and Spring Streets. At that time the driver, who was identified as Kyle M. Taylor, 24 years old, was arrested for having a suspended driver's license and also for having no proof of insurance. After he was arrested Mr. Taylor was searched and marijuana in a corner baggie with a crystal like substance was located on his person. There was identification of the passengers that were also in the vehicle and pat-downs were conducted. Those subjects were also identified as Heather Nicole Payne 32 years old, Stacia Eichele 25 years old, and Jacob Jones 24 years old, all of Poplar Bluff. During the pat-downs of all three of the passengers, additional items of drug paraphernalia and drugs as well as marijuana were located on their persons. A search of the vehicle was also conducted, in which a backpack containing two syringes, one fully loaded with a clear liquid, a spoon with a clear liquid, and cotton was located. A marijuana grinder and .380 caliber ammunition for a pistol was located in a plastic bag. Also located inside the vehicle was a Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun. During the booking all the subjects had additional items of paraphernalia and drugs located on them. The driver Kyle M. Taylor was placed into the Butler County Jail for distribution of an amphetamine, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana. All three passengers, Heather Payne, Stacia Eichele, and Jacob Jones, were all charged with the same offense of possession of amphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia and lodged in the Butler County Jail.

TWO POPLAR BLUFF RESIDENTS ARRESTED ON ROBBERY WARRANT Two Poplar Bluff residents have been taken into custody on a robbery warrant.

According to the Kennett Police Department, 35 year old Jennifer Stracener and 33 year old Rodriquez Williams were arrested Monday afternoon on a Dunklin County warrant for 1st degree robbery.

Both were being held at the Dunklin County Jail with a bond set at $100,000.

TWO POPLAR BLUFF SCHOOLS CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL HONOR Two Poplar Bluff schools have received a national honor.

O'Neal Elementary and Poplar Bluff Junior High are among 53 school campuses out of over 10,000 to be named national showcase schools by the Flippen Group for top notch implementation of the Capturing Kids' Hearts program.

The program is a cultural initiative that centers on building positive relationships with students and was first piloted at the Junior High during the 2013/14 school year. It then expanded to O'Neal the following year and ultimately becoming a district-wide practice.

As a reward for the achievement, the Junior High and O'Neal have received three scholarships apiece for staff members to attend newly developed advanced training by the company this summer in Texas.

MAN ALLEGEDLY GRABS GUN AND THREATNES TO KILL HIS EX GIRLFRIEND A Poplar Bluff man is in custody on multiple charges in connection to an altercation at an area residence.

KWOC News spoke to Chief Deputy Wess Popp with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department about the incident.

WESS POPP:

On Sunday morning at approximately 1:30 a.m. Deputies got a call to respond to the 1000 block of White Oak in Butler County in reference to a domestic in progress that involved a firearm. Officers arrived, made contact with the female, Ashley Hopper, who stated she was inside the residence with her boyfriend Nathan when her ex-boyfriend, identified as 36 year old Richard Moore, from Poplar Bluff. While they were watching television Moore entered into the residence seeing Nathan on the couch became jealous and became argumentative. At which point he ran into Ashley’s bedroom where he knew a .38 revolver was placed. He grabbed the .38, Ashley ran in after him and threatened to kill her. He then came out of the bedroom and threatened Nathan with a handgun which ultimately talked him into fighting hand-to-hand and Nathan was able to get him outside the residence to fight, leaving the weapon inside. Prior to officers arriving, Richard had fled the scene in a red 4-door truck. Officers went ahead and stayed in the area believing that he may come back, which he did. Once Moore seen officers standing by a short pursuit began where deputies ended up calling ahead to the city of Poplar Bluff with the description and shortly thereafter Poplar Bluff was able to pull Moore over and take him into custody without incident. Currently Mr. Moore is being incarcerated in the Butler County Justice Center for the crime of assault 2nd degree with a firearm, armed criminal action, and also endangering the welfare of a child first degree because her small child was present while he was making his threats within the residence.

POPLAR BLUFF MAN FACING COCAINE CHARGE OUT OF HOWELL COUNTY A Poplar Bluff man is facing multiple felony drug charges following his arrest in Howell County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 55 year old Harlan Gipson was arrested Monday afternoon on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for cocaine and possession of marijuana.

Following the arrest, Gipson was held at the Howell County Jail.

NARCOTICS AND COUNTERFEIT MONEY FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN KENNETT Two people are facing charges following a traffic stop last week.

Officials with the Kennett Police Department tell KWOC News that officers conducted a traffic stop Thursday night on a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign.

After getting consent to search the vehicle, officers located several containers with narcotics inside them as well as several counterfeit $100 bills, drug paraphernalia, and other controlled substances.

The occupants of the vehicle, 38 year old April McCormick and 26 year old Samantha Jenkins, both of Kennett, were arrested and transported to the Dunklin County Justice Center pending formal charges by the State Prosecutors Office.