Thursday February 4, 2016

FAIRDEALING MAN ARRESTED FOR RESISTING ARREST IN RIPLEY COUNTYAuthorities say a Fairdealing man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest Wednesday morning in Ripley County.

48 year old William Sparks was taken into custody shortly after 10 am Wednesday on felony charges of resisting arrest and interfering with an arrest.

According to authorities, Sparks also has felony warrants out of Madison and Gasconade Counties for larceny and Butler County for failure to appear.

 

MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY ON DRUG WARRANT A Fairdealing man was taken into custody Wednesday night on a felony warrant out of Butler County.

According to the Highway Patrol, the warrant for 44 year old David Hatton was for possession of a controlled substance.

He was arrested at around 9:20 pm Wednesday in Butler County.

 

SIKESTON TEEN ARRESTED FOR TAKING VIDEOS OTHER MEN IN RESTROOM Sikeston authorities have arrested an area teenager for allegedly taking videos of other men at the Sikeston YMCA.

According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, 19 year old Earl Madison has been charged with 3 counts of invasion of privacy in the 1st degree.

A victim told police that Madison had followed him into a restroom at the YMCA. The victim then caught Madison cell-phone videoing him while he was using the restroom.

Officers discovered several videos on Maidson’s cell phone of male subjects in various stages of undress.

Madison admitted to investigators that over the past year, while working at the YMCA, he had videotaped men in the locker room.

Police are asking anyone with similar incidents or information involving Madison to contact Sikeston DPS at 573-471-4711.

 

ORGANIZATION DONATES K9 FIRST AID KITS TO POPLAR BLUFF POLICE An organization has donated first aid kits to two Poplar Bluff officers.

The Poplar Bluff Police Department tells us that the "We Ride To Provide" organization recently donated emergency K9 first aid kits for Poplar Bluff K9 officers Loco and Kane.

“We Ride to Provide” is a non-profit organization based out of Covington, Georgia.

 

WAYNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER INJURED IN WASHINGTON COUNTY WRECK A Wayne County Commissioner has been taken to a St. Louis hospital following a two vehicle wreck in Washington County.

According to authorities, 70 year old James Hovis fell asleep while driving his vehicle Tuesday afternoon, crossed the center line, and was struck by another vehicle, nearly head on.

Hovis suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. There were no other injuries reported in connection to the wreck.

 

TWO ARRESTED FOLLOWING ALLEGED ASSAULT AT SIKESTON RESIDENCE Two men have been arrested following an alleged assault at a Sikeston residence.

According to authorities, the victim said that 30 year old James Applewhite Jr. had chased and attacked him with a large metal flashlight. Applewhite’s father, 66 year old James Applewhite Sr. had also allegedly kicked the victim as well.

Both Applewhite Jr. and Sr. were taken into custody on charges of armed criminal action and 1st degree assault.

 

TREE TRIMMING TO CAUSE DELAYS OVER THE NEXT WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY Route E in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane over the next week as contractor crews trim trees along the roadway.

The work zone will be located from Route FF to Route 25.

Work will take place today through Thursday, February 11th from 8 am to 4 pm daily.

 

POPLAR BLUFF JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS READ TO ELEMENTARY CLASSES Some Poplar Bluff Junior High students recently went on a kind of book tour to read to elementary school students.

Thirty eighth graders read their original stories about the states of matter to students at Eugene Field, Lake Road, Oak Grove and O’Neal elementaries, along with Sacred Heart School.

Science department chair Jenn Nicolini tells us that the children’s books had to be at least 10 pages long with illustrations, and include four examples of how matter changes state.

We have pictures of the book tour available on our Facebook page.

Wednesday February 3, 2016

$20,000 BOND SET FOR MAN ARRESTED ON THEFT WARRANTA Dexter man is in custody following his arrest.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 35 year old Steven Michael Cruse was arrested on a warrant for theft and a probation violation.

A $20,000 bond was set for the theft warrant, while no bond was set for the probation violation.

 

TWO SOUGHT IN POPLAR BLUFF FORGERY INVESTIGATION Authorities in Poplar Bluff say a forgery investigation is underway.

Few details have been released; however Poplar Bluff Police say a man and a woman are being sought in connection to the investigation.

Pictures of the two people are available on our Facebook page.

If you have any information about the investigation or the whereabouts of the two people, contact Detective Josh Stewart at 573-686-8602.

 

2ND ANNUAL RAIDER REUNION TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND AT BESS ACTIVITY CENTER Over 50 years of alumni, faculty, staff, and leadership will be honored this weekend at Three Rivers College 2nd annual Raider Reunion celebration.

The event will be held on Saturday at the Bess Activity Center in conjunction with the Raiders and Lady Raiders basketball games versus State Fair.

The event will kick off at 5 pm with the Lady Raiders game, followed by a ceremony honoring The Downtowners, a group of faculty and staff who worked in the original Three Rivers location in downtown Poplar Bluff, at 6:30.

The Raiders game will follow at 7 pm, with a ceremony during halftime honoring the founding Board of Trustees. Raider Reunion will also feature a hospitality room for alumni, a Rocky Raider photo booth, and giveaways during the game.

Admission to both the event and the games will be free.

 

DEXTER MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON DRUG WARRANT A Dexter man has been arrested on a drug warrant in Stoddard County.

The Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department tells us that 48 year old Kenneth Thor Anderson was arrested on warrants for possession of a controlled substance and a probation violation.

The warrant for possession of a controlled substance reportedly has a bond of $4,900.

 

POPLAR BLUFF CHAMBER PRESIDENT GETS CERTIFICATION FROM NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President has received a certification from the National Development Council.

On Tuesday, Steve Halter received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional after completing an intensive economic development finance training series that is conducted by the NDC.

The courses provide individuals working in the field of economic development with training in credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating and the creation and implementation of development programs.

Halter had previously received a Professional Community and Economic Development Certification from the Community Development Council in 2013.

 

WOMAN NAMED HONORARY DEPUTY ON 100TH BIRTHDAY A Northeast Arkansas woman got to celebrate her 100th birthday in a cop car.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department honored Ms. Ollie Winn during her 100th birthday party yesterday with a certificate making her an Honorary Greene County Sheriff's Deputy.

Winn was then allowed to get in a patrol unit and ride around a parking lot with the vehicle’s lights on.

Sheriff David Carter says Ms. Winn is a true inspiration with her great personality and outlook on life.

 

MULES BOOSTER CLUB NAMES DECEMBER ATHLETES OF THE MONTH A Poplar Bluff High School swimmer and wrestler have been named as December athletes of the month.

Sophomore Taylor Norwood is an all-state swimmer and holds multiple school and meet records. She also is maintaining an 11.143 weighted GPA, according to her coach Elizabeth Lewis-Muse.

Junior Josh Lewis was heavyweight champion during the Tiger Classic in December at Cape Central.

Cafeteria workers get ServSafe certified

servsafe-slider

Nineteen kitchen managers, cooks and leads from Poplar Bluff Schools, along with two Chartwells district managers, received their ServSafe certification on Saturday, Jan. 30, in the Administrative Building. Training specialist Trent Cook, the owner of Restaurant Training Solutions in O'Fallon, taught the all-day course. Administered by the National Restaurant Association, ...read more

Source: Poplar Bluff Mules

Tuesday February 2, 2016

DRUGS FOUND IN MAN’S VEHICLE AFTER FOOT PURSUIT WITH POLICEA controlled substance was reportedly found in a Corning man’s vehicle after he was involved in a foot pursuit with Poplar Bluff Police.

KWOC News spoke with Poplar Bluff Deputy Police Chief Jeff Rolland about the arrest:

[NEWS CUT 0010]

Rolland would go on to say that Trice was lodged at the Butler County Jail following the arrest.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN TASED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RUN FROM POLICE Poplar Bluff police say an area man was tased after he attempted to run from officers.

According to the Police Department, officers were in the area of 5th and Lester Streets Sunday afternoon looking for two subjects with active warrants. While in the area, an officer observed two people walking who had matched the description of the wanted subjects.

When the officer asked the people to stop, one of the subjects, 30 year old Steven Whitaker, ran from the scene. Another officer later caught up with Whitaker and tased him after Whitaker repeatedly refused to get on the ground.

Whitaker was taken into custody on parole absconder and misdemeanor stealing warrants. He is also facing an additional charge of felony resisting arrest.

 

ELLINGTON MAN FACING FLEEING AND LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT CHARGES An Ellington man was taken into custody early Sunday morning on multiple charges including resisting arrest.

According to authorities, 37 year old Charles Snider is facing charges including resisting arrest by fleeing, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving while intoxicated.

Details about the accident involved in the leaving the scene of an accident charge were not available. Snider was held in Reynolds County and later released.

 

THUNDERSTORMS CROSSING AREA TODAY BRING POTENTIAL OF TORNADOS The National Weather Service says a tornado could form today with a line of storms that is forecasted to cross Southeast Missouri.

According to a hazardous weather outlook issued this morning, strong to locally severe thunderstorms that are capable of producing damaging wind gusts are possible over Southeast Missouri late this morning.

More intense lines of thunderstorms in the system could also have an isolated and brief tornado or two develop.

The NWS has issued a wind advisory that is in effect through midnight tonight.

We will be following the storm system here for you on Today’s Talk KWOC and will bring you the latest developments as they occur.

 

WOMAN IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO ROBBERY INVESTIGATION Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs says a woman is now in custody in connection to an investigation of money being stolen from a Fagus grocery store.

Dobbs spoke with us Monday morning about the investigation,

[NEWS CUT - 0011]

Dobbs later told us that 44 year old Jean Sherfield of Poplar Bluff was taken into custody Monday at around noon. She is facing charges of robbery 1st and numerous felony warrants.

 

MAN ARRESTED AFTER REPORT OF SHOTS BEING FIRED IN KENNETT A Kennett man has been taken into custody for allegedly shooting a gun in the city.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers were dispatched Sunday evening in reference to shots being fired. At the scene officers learned that 44 year old Alvin Wilbanks had allegedly discharged his firearm in the front yard of a residence.

Police did not say what caused Wilbanks to fire the weapon. Wilbanks was placed under arrest for discharging a firearm in city limits and was held in the Dunklin County Jail.

 

$50,000 BOND SET FOR MAN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES A $50,000 cash bond has been set for a Malden man recently arrested on multiple drug charges.

According to the Malden Police Department, on Saturday officers arrested 36 year old Anthony Bell on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance, and receiving stolen property.

Police say a felony Dunklin County warrant has also been issued for Bell.

 

BALD EAGLE SHOT AND KILLED IN REYNOLDS COUNTY Authorities are investigating the shooting death of a bald eagle in Southeast Missouri.

The bird was found Friday in Reynolds County.

It is the second bald eagle that has been killed in the past few weeks in Southeast Missouri. Another eagle was found shot near Patterson in Wayne County and later died.

Monday February 1, 2016

DRIVER HITS CHILD RIDING BIKE IN KENNETTAn eight year old child was hit by a vehicle while riding a bike Saturday evening in Kennett.

The Kennett Police Department tells us that the child was riding her bicycle on North Walnut Street shortly before 8 pm when a vehicle reportedly ran a stop sign and hit the bike’s back tire.

The child was thrown from the bike and received minor injuries.

One witness described the suspect vehicle as being a small 2-door white passenger car with a wing on the back and a loud exhaust. It was last seen going west on Clipper Street.

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

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED OVER THE WEEKEND ON METH CHARGE A Poplar Bluff man is facing two drug related charges following his weekend arrest in Butler County.

According to authorities, 41 year old Carl Capper was arrested Saturday on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine. Capper is also charged with unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, Capper was taken to the Butler County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

THREE INJURED IN WATERCRAFT COLLISION ON LAKE WAPPAPELLO One person was flown by Air Evac to a Cape Girardeau hospital following a collision on Lake Wappapello in Wayne County.

According to authorities, the crash occurred Saturday morning when a vessel struck another vessel near Lost Creek. A passenger in the second vessel suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Air Evac to St. Francis Medical Center.

The drivers of each of the vessels both suffered minor injuries.

 

PUXICO MAN ARRESTED ON WARRANT FOR ASSAULT WITH A KNIFE A Puxico man has been taken into custody on an assault warrant.

According to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, 22 year old AC Anthony Poncho Vires was recently arrested on a warrant for armed criminal action and 2nd degree assault with a knife.

Vires bond was set at $12,500 cash.

 

PIEDMONT TEEN FACING FELONY DRUG CHARGE A Piedmont teenager was taken into custody last week on a felony drug charge.

According to authorities, 18 year old Lindsey Pullam was arrested in Wayne County on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Following the arrest, Pullam was taken to the Wayne County Jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

MAN ARRESTED AFTER SHORT STANDOFF WITH POLICE Kennett police say an area man has been taken into custody following a short standoff.

On Sunday afternoon officers were dispatched to a residence in reference to a domestic in progress. Officers were told on scene that the suspect was under the influence of drugs and was hiding in the attic.

The suspect reportedly refused to come down for a short time before being arrested without incident.

The suspect, 27 year old Charles Williams, of Kennett, was taken to the Dunklin County Jail pending charges of assault 2nd and resisting arrest. Police say Williams also had an outstanding warrant through Probation and Parole.

 

2.5 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE RECORDED FRIDAY MORNING NEAR MALDEN A small earthquake was recorded Friday morning near Malden.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the 2.5 magnitude quake was located 6 miles east of Malden and 33 miles East Southeast of Poplar Bluff.

The quake occurred shortly after 5:30 am and had a depth of just over 4 miles.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HOST DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT Poplar Bluff Middle School will be hosting a Dodgeball Tournament on February 27th for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The event will start at 10 am at the Poplar Bluff High School gym.

All teams must be coed and can have up to 10 players. The cost is $5 per person and anyone above 7th grade can participate. In addition, there will also be a best t-shirt design contest and a most creative team name contest.

Teams can register online at www.poplarbluffschools.net.

100 percent of the proceeds will go to St. Jude. For more information, call Melanie Schalk at 785-5566.

Friday January 29, 2016

STODDARD COUNTY MAN’S CONVICTION UPHELD  

A Court of Appeals has rejected a Stoddard County man’s appeal of his conviction on multiple charges, including forcible rape.

Steven Rendleman was sentenced to 163 years plus 2 life sentences without the possibility of parole for kidnapping, forcible rape, forcible sodomy, assault of a law enforcement officer, and armed criminal action in connection to an incident that occurred in March of 2012.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver says tells us that the Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence without issuing an opinion, finding simply that no error occurred in the trial.

 

COCAINE, MARIJUANA, AND HYDROCODONE FOUND IN SIKESTON MAN’S HOME Authorities say cocaine and marijuana were found during the search of a Sikeston man’s home.

Police responded to the home after receiving a tip of that there were drugs in the residence.

Authorities reportedly found over 4.5 ounces of marijuana, over 1.5 ounces of cocaine, and over 30 hydrocodone pills at the home.

Joe Allen Alexander was taken into custody on three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

 

SEMO FOOD BANK FOOD GIVEAWAY IN POPLAR BLUFF TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND The Southeast Missouri Food Bank will be holding a food giveaway tomorrow in Poplar Bluff.

The Mobile Food Pantry will be held at 10 am Saturday in the River Radio Parking Lot on West Pine Street. Attendees should bring their own bag or box.

If you have questions about the event, contact Missy Rice at 573-703-3019.

 

VAN BUREN MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK A Van Buren man was flown to a Cape Girardeau hospital Thursday after he was involved in a single vehicle wreck.

According to authorities the wreck occurred Thursday morning on Route M in Carter County. 61 year old James Duncan’s vehicle lost control, travelled off the roadway, and struck a culvert.

Duncan, who was reportedly not wearing a safety device, was seriously injured and taken by Air Evac to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

 

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE LOOKING FOR TWO MEN IN CONNECTION TO SHOPLIFTING COMPLAINT Poplar Bluff authorities are searching for two men in connection to a shoplifting complaint.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, Wal-Mart Loss Prevention told police that two white males stole video games from the store and fled on foot when they were confronted by an employee at the exit.

Pictures of the two suspects are available on our Facebook page.

If you recognize either of the suspects, the Police Department is asking you to contact Officer Jim Gerber at 573-785-5776.

 

VALENTINES FOR VETERANS CONCERT SET FOR FEBRUARY 19TH An Eagles tribute band will be the act for this year’s Valentines for Veterans concert in Poplar Bluff.

Take it to the Limit will be performing at the event on February 19th at the Black River Coliseum. In addition there will also be a special dedication to Vietnam era veterans with songs from Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Doors will open for the event at 5:30 pm, followed by a pre-show at 6:30 and the main event at 7. Tickets can be picked up at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center and the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

 

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE TO HOST COFFEE WITH A COP EVENT IN FEBRUARY The Poplar Bluff Police Department has announced that they will be giving local citizens the chance to meet the officers that serve them in an upcoming event.

The Police Department will be holding their 1st Coffee with a Cop event from 8:30 to10:30 am on February 19th at McDonald's on Highway 67 North.

During the event, there will be opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.

 

 

Thursday January 28, 2016

MAN ARRESTED IN PEMISCOT COUNTY ON FIREARM AND DRUG CHARGESA Holland, Missouri man was taken into custody earlier this week in Pemiscot County on firearm and drug charges.

According to authorities, 30 year old Mark Crocker was arrested on felony charges of possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for xanax, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute for methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, Crocker was held in the Pemiscot County jail on a 24 hour hold.

 

SHOPLIFTING CALL LEADS TO DRUG ARREST IN KENNETT A shoplifting call resulted in the arrest of a Dexter woman on a drug charge.

According to the Kennett Police Department, officers were dispatched to an area business Wednesday to take a shoplifting report. The officers made contact with the suspect and located several types of narcotics in her purse.

The suspect, Christy Smith, of Dexter, was arrested for stealing and possession of a controlled substance. Following the arrest, Smith was taken to the Dunklin County Jail.

 

POPLAR BLUFF MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG WARRANT Poplar Bluff police arrested an area man Wednesday on a drug warrant.

According to the police department, an officer found 52 year old Kevin Tarpley picking up trash in an area parking lot. The officer conducted a warrants check and found Tarpley had an active warrant through the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for distributing a controlled substance.

Tarpley was placed in custody and lodged in the Butler County Justice Center on a $100,000 bond.

 

KENNETT MAN ARRESTED IN BUTLER COUNTY FOR RESISTING ARREST A Kennett man has been taken into custody for allegedly resisting arrest.

According to authorities Butler County Deputies made contact with 22 year old Davonta Green after reports were made about Green threatening to harm himself. After the deputies made contact, Green reportedly took off running. Authorities say Green was able to get about a mile before being apprehended.

It was later determined that Green had a probation violation and was wanted for arrest.

He was arrested on an additional charge of felony resisting arrest.

 

TWO ARRESTED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN SCOTT COUNTY Authorities in Scott County say two Benton residents have been taken into custody on child pornography charges.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, deputies served a search warrant Tuesday at a residence in Benton in connection to an ongoing investigation into child molestation charges.

At the residence, deputies found an inappropriate photograph of a child who was less than 18 years of age.

The victim identified the photograph as one that 67 year old Clayton Counts had taken.

Investigators were able to determine that 58 year old Judith Gray had been present during incidents when Counts was allegedly raping the victim. Gray would hold the door shut to keep anyone from going inside the bedroom while Counts raped the victim.

Counts and Gray were both taken into custody on a felony charge of possession of child pornography. Counts is also facing a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

 

DEADLINE COMING UP FOR THREE RIVERS COLLEGE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI NOMINATIONS This Friday is the deadline for nominations for the 2015 Three Rivers College Distinguished Alumni Award.

The award will go to a graduate from or former student of Three Rivers College who will be judged on the merits of their personal and professional achievements.

A committee drawn from College employees, members of the Three Rivers Board of Trustees and the Three Rivers Endowment Trust, and residents of the college’s service area will choose the winning nomination. The award will then be given out at a recognition banquet hosted by the college in the spring.

Nominations can be submitted by going to trcc.edu/distinguished and filling out the form provided there. The nominations will close on January 29th.

Wednesday January 27, 2016

TWO ARRESTED ON CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES IN POPLAR BLUFFTwo people were taken into custody Saturday following a well being check at a Poplar Bluff residence.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, at the residence an officer found multiple items on the floor including what appeared to be dried feces in the bathroom. Other rooms in the residence were also in disarray with items scattered throughout.

One of the two children in the residence reportedly had a small cut on their leg that both parents stated happened from a hole in the bedroom floor.

The two children were removed from the residence and released to a family member.

William and Heather Dugger were both placed under arrest for 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child.

 

THREE ARRESTED AFTER SUSPECTED METHAMPHETAMINE FOUND IN CLAY COUNTY HOME Three people were arrested Sunday after authorities reportedly found drugs in a Clay County residence.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that Clay County deputies and Piggott Police officers executed a search warrant Sunday at a residence in Piggott.

While searching the residence, officers found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and several items of drug paraphernalia.

Miller says that three people were taken into custody, Pam Brady, Justin Tompkins, and Whitney Freer. The three are facing multiple drug related charges.

 

THREE ARRESTED AFTER SUSPECTED METHAMPHETAMINE FOUND IN CLAY COUNTY HOME Three people were arrested Sunday after authorities reportedly found drugs in a Clay County residence.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that Clay County deputies and Piggott Police officers executed a search warrant Sunday at a residence in Piggott.

While searching the residence, officers found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and several items of drug paraphernalia.

Miller says that three people were taken into custody, Pam Brady, Justin Tompkins, and Whitney Freer. The three are facing multiple drug related charges.

 

TWO IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO ROBBERY Two men have been taken into custody in connection to a robbery.

According to New Madrid authorities, the two men, Shannon Smith and Robert Taylor Jr., allegedly entered a home, assaulted, and robbed a man Monday morning.

The victim was taken to a St. Louis hospital with a head injury. The two men have been arrested on charges of 1st degree robbery, 1st degree assault, and 1st degree burglary.

 

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ARREST OF POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN ON DRUG RELATED CHARGES A Poplar Bluff woman was arrested on drug related charges following a weekend traffic stop.

According to authorities, an officer conducted the stop Saturday night for a non-working license plate light. During the stop, the driver of the vehicle reportedly appeared to be nervous and consented for the officer to search the vehicle.

Officers discovered a glass pipe with cloudy white residue in the back of the driver’s side seat. The glass pipe later tested positive for methamphetamine.

The driver, 35 year old Samantha Elsworth, was arrested on charges of possession of drugs amphetamine and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

A passenger in the vehicle, Valerie McGhee, was also taken into custody.

 

NORTHSIDE NUTRITION CENTER TO HOST CHILDREN’S BAKING CLASS The Northside Nutrition Center is accepting 12 students between the ages of 10 and 13 for valentine cooking decorating class this weekend.

The class will be held Saturday from 10 am to noon. Students will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis, and will learn the basics of following a recipe, measuring, mixing, rolling, cutting, and decorating Valentine’s treats.

The cost is $25 if paid by Friday and $30 if paid the day of the class, with proceeds going to the Northside Nutrition Center. All ingredients will be provided.

For more information, contact the Northside Nutrition Center.

Tuesday January 26, 2016

POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR DANGEROUS INDIVIDUALPoplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley says that a search is ongoing for a man that has been described as a “Dangerous Individual.”

Authorities are searching for 30 year old Jeffrey Matthew Vest, of Poplar Bluff. We spoke with Chief Whitely about the search,

[ACTUALITY - NEWS CUT 0020]

Whitley would go on further to say that the Butler County Sheriff’s Department took a motor vehicle theft complaint on Sunday in which Vest is suspected of stealing a Silver 2016 Ford Contour bearing a Missouri license plate of MB7 V0D.

If you have any information on Vest’s whereabouts, you are asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776, the Butler County Sheriff's Department at 573-785-8444, or the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-840-9500.

 

KENNETT MAN KILLED IN ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING Kennett police say a local man’s death appears to be the result of an accidental shooting.

Captain Tim Trowbridge tells us that officers were dispatched to the scene of an apparent death Monday morning.

An investigation showed that Dolph Riggs had returned home from a hunting trip sometime Sunday night. While unloading his shotgun, the gun accidently discharged and a single round struck him in the chest.

 

OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING BALD EAGLE SHOOTING IN WAYNE COUNTY Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation say a bald eagle was shot and later died over the weekend in Wayne County.

Officials say the bird was shot near Patterson.

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to contact the MDC Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-392-1111.

 

MONTH LONG INTERSTATE REPAIR PROJECT ONGOING IN PEMISCOT COUNTY Southbound I-155 in Pemiscot County is being reduced as a part of a month long project so contractor crews can perform pavement repairs.

According to Missouri Department of Transportation officials, the work zone is located from the I-55 interchange to the Tennessee line.

Weather permitting; work will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday, February 26th.

Monday, January 25, 2016

   

DONALD LAFFERTY FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE ATTEMPTED MURDER

A Stoddard County jury has convicted a Vermont man on multiple charges including 1st degree attempted murder.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver tells us that Donald Lafferty was found guilty Friday on felony charges of 1st degree attempted murder, 1st degree arson, armed criminal action, and financial exploitation of the elderly.

Lafferty’s sentencing was scheduled for March 9th.

 

 MARK RICHARDSON TO TAKE OVER AS POPLAR BLUFF CITY ATTORNEY

A new Poplar Bluff city attorney has been announced.

Mark Richardson will take over for the departing Robert Smith in February. Richardson was appointed to the post by city manager Mark Massingham.

Richardson is an attorney with over 35 years experience and had been the Poplar Bluff city attorney in the late 1980’s. Richardson has also served as assistant prosecuting attorney for Butler County and circuit judge for the 36th Judicial Circuit Court.

 

METHAMPHETAMINE AND PARAPHERNALIA FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP IN RECTOR

A man was arrested Friday night in Northeast Arkansas after deputies found methamphetamine during a traffic stop.

Clay County Sheriff Terry Miller tells us that deputies stopped the vehicle shortly after 9 pm Friday in Rector. The driver, 50 year old Franklin Brawley, of Paragould, was then detained for a warrant from the Greene County Sheriff's Office.

While searching the vehicle, deputies reportedly found several items of paraphernalia and methamphetamines.

Miller says Brawley is facing multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamines, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony tampering with evidence.

  

VAN BUREN MAN ARRESTED ON DISTRIBUTION WARRANT

Authorities in Carter County have taken a Van Buren man into custody on a felony distribution warrant.

According to authorities, 61 year old Randy Ninneman was arrested Friday afternoon on a felony Carter County warrant for distributing a controlled substance near schools.

Following the arrest Ninneman was lodged in the Carter County Jail.

  

STEVE WHITWORTH AWARDED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AT POPLAR BLUFF CHAMBER BANQUET

An area businessman was announced as Citizen of the Year at the 78th annual Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce banquet held over the weekend.

Steve Whitworth was named Citizen of the Year Saturday night at the banquet. Debby Norris was chosen as Volunteer of the Year.

The 2015 Gateway to Leadership graduates were also recognized at the event.

 

SEMO FOOD BANK FOOD GIVEAWAY IN POPLAR BLUFF RESCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND

A new date has been set for the Mobile Food Pantry food giveaway in Poplar Bluff.

The event by the Southeast Missouri Food Bank will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 30th in the River Radio Parking Lot on West Pine Street. Attendees should bring their own bag or box.

The event was rescheduled following the winter storms that hit Poplar Bluff last week. If you have questions about the event, contact Missy Rice at 573-703-3019.

 

TREE TRIMMING TO CAUSE DELAYS THIS WEEK IN STODDARD COUNTY

Route M in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane this week so Missouri Department of Transportation crews can trim trees along the roadway.

The section of roadway to be reduced is located from Route 25 to Route PP.

Weather permitting; work will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Friday.

 

Friday January 22, 2016

ICY ROADS CAUSE NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS IN POPLAR BLUFFFreezing rain caused slick travel throughout the night on Poplar Bluff roads.

According to the Poplar Bluff Police Department, officers worked several motor vehicle accidents last night. At one point police asked motorists to not travel unless absolutely necessary.

The freezing rain was followed by snow overnight so driving conditions are still treacherous across the area.

If you have to get out on the roads this morning, remember to take the time to make sure the windows are completely cleared to ensure visibility and clear your driveway so that your vehicle enters the roadway safely. Also allow extra driving time for you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed.

Road conditions are available online by going to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s website modot.org and clicking on the Road Condition icon.

 

GREENVILLE WOMAN ARRESTED ON FELONY DRUG CHARGES A Greenville woman was taken into custody Thursday evening on multiple felony charges.

According to authorities, 54 year old Kathryn David is facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute for methamphetamine and unlawful use of paraphernalia.

Following the arrest, David was taken to the Wayne County Jail.

 

MEETING TO BE HELD IN QULIN TO DISCUSS UPCOMING BUTLER AND DUNKLIN COUNTY BRIDGE PROJECT Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation will be holding a public meeting next month in Qulin to discuss an upcoming bridge project in Butler and Dunklin Counties.

The project includes constructing a bridge over the St. Francis River on Route 53 to replace the existing St. Francis River and overflow bridges at the location.

Improvements are expected to begin in Spring 2017, with completion anticipated in Fall 2018.

A public meeting to discuss the project will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, February 25th at the Qulin Middle School.

Project Manager Eric Krapf tells us that visitors can stop-by anytime between 4 and 6 pm to discuss the details of the project with a member of the project team and provide their comments.

 

POPLAR BLUFF WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BUTLER COUNTY CRASH A Poplar Bluff woman was injured Thursday night after she struck a building with her vehicle.

According to authorities, 27 year old Brittany Hadley was driving six miles south of Poplar Bluff on Missouri Highway 53 when her vehicle slid on the ice covered road, ran off the side, and struck a building.

Hadley was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

 

THREE RIVERS COLLEGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND The 50th anniversary celebration for Three Rivers College will kick off this weekend at the college’s Poplar Bluff Campus.

The Community Celebration on Sunday will also feature local organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, including the 125 year anniversary for Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the 100 year anniversary Poplar Bluff Municipal Library and Sacred Heart School, and the 75 year anniversary for Wappapello Lake & Dam.

The gathering will begin at 2pm Sunday at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center.

 

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI FOOD BANK TO HOLD MOBILE FOOD PANTRY TOMORROW IN POPLAR BLUFF The Southeast Missouri Food Bank has scheduled a food giveaway to be held tomorrow in Poplar Bluff.

The Mobile Food Pantry will be held at 10 am on January 23rd in the River Radio Parking Lot on West Pine Street. Attendees should bring their own bag or box.

If you have questions about the event, contact Missy Rice at 573-703-3019.

Thursday January 21, 2016

MAN INVOLVED IN CAR WRECK IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS FOUND DEADUpdating a story we brought to you yesterday, authorities in Northeast Arkansas have found the body of a man who was involved in a car wreck earlier this week.

According to authorities, the man had walked away from a wreck overnight Monday night at Ravenden Springs, near Highway 90 in Randolph County.

The man’s body was spotted by a pilot flying over the area Wednesday. The identity of the man has not been released.

 

MAN INVOLVED IN CAR WRECK IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS FOUND DEAD Updating a story we brought to you yesterday, authorities in Northeast Arkansas have found the body of a man who was involved in a car wreck earlier this week.

According to authorities, the man had walked away from a wreck overnight Monday night at Ravenden Springs, near Highway 90 in Randolph County.

The man’s body was spotted by a pilot flying over the area Wednesday. The identity of the man has not been released.

 

PARAGOULD RESIDENTS REMINDED TO LOCK VEHICLES FOLLOWING STRING OF BREAK INS Residents in Paragould are being reminded to lock their vehicles following a string of break ins in the city.

According to the Paragould Police Department, they are currently investigating several car break ins from over the past few days.

Help prevent yourself from becoming a victim by always keeping your doors locked and any valuable property out of sight.

Anyone who has any information about the break ins is encouraged to call the police department at 870-236-7621.

 

ANOTHER ROUND OF WINTER WEATHER IN THE FORECAST FOR NORTHEAST ARKANSAS Northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel are bracing for a second round of winter weather to hit the area tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, the area could see three or more inches of snow along with minor accumulations of sleet from 6 pm tonight to noon Friday. The weather could cause dangerous travel conditions and power outages.

For the rest of Southeast Missouri, there is a moderate chance of snow, freezing rain, and sleet for tonight and early tomorrow morning.

 

AUTHORITIES FIND BODY OF MISSING SCOTT CITY MAN Authorities in Scott County have found the body a man who has been missing since Tuesday.

23 year old Zackary Johnston, of Scott City, was found dead Wednesday afternoon in a body of water. Johnston was on a solo hunting trip when he went missing on Tuesday.

No foul play is suspected in the death.

 

SPORTS COMPLEX APPROVED BY THREE RIVERS BOARD OF TRUSTEES A new sports complex has been approved for Three Rivers College.

The college’s board of trustees approved the complex Wednesday night. The Libla Family Sports Complex will be home to the Raiders’ new 3,000 seat gymnasium, along with improved training and locker room facilities, and a Three Rivers Sports Hall of Fame.

The facility also will have a FEMA-certified safe room capable of withstanding an F5-strength tornado.